Abstract
Telomerase is a specialized enzymatic complex responsible for the synthesis of telomeric repeats 5'-TTAGGG-3' localized at the ends of eukaryotic chromosomes. This mechanism prevents shortening of telomeres after each cell division. The enzyme is detected in about 85% of human tumors, but it is not expressed in normal cells or its expression is significantly lower. Consequently, it provides the cancer cells immortality. Thus, since showing cancer cell specificity (to a certain extent), the enzyme became a target for an adjuvant cancer therapy. So far, in vitro studies and preclinical studies seem to be promising. This work focuses on the pathways and mechanisms that are targeted in order to eliminate telomerase with consequence of cancer cell death. The anti-telomerase strategy may be beneficial especially in the context of sensitization of tumor cell to chemotherapeutic agents. We also indicate potential side effects and consequences of telomerase downregulation that should be considered when anti-telomerase strategy is undertaken. Alternatively, we also emphasize potential useful application of telomerase induction.
Keywords: Cancer therapy, stem cells, telomerase, telomerase induction, telomerase inhibition, telomeres.
Current Pharmaceutical Design
Title:Telomerase Modulation in Therapeutic Approach
Volume: 20 Issue: 41
Author(s): Aleksandra Romaniuk, Przemyslaw Kopczynski, Krzysztof Ksiazek and Blazej Rubis
Affiliation:
Keywords: Cancer therapy, stem cells, telomerase, telomerase induction, telomerase inhibition, telomeres.
Abstract: Telomerase is a specialized enzymatic complex responsible for the synthesis of telomeric repeats 5'-TTAGGG-3' localized at the ends of eukaryotic chromosomes. This mechanism prevents shortening of telomeres after each cell division. The enzyme is detected in about 85% of human tumors, but it is not expressed in normal cells or its expression is significantly lower. Consequently, it provides the cancer cells immortality. Thus, since showing cancer cell specificity (to a certain extent), the enzyme became a target for an adjuvant cancer therapy. So far, in vitro studies and preclinical studies seem to be promising. This work focuses on the pathways and mechanisms that are targeted in order to eliminate telomerase with consequence of cancer cell death. The anti-telomerase strategy may be beneficial especially in the context of sensitization of tumor cell to chemotherapeutic agents. We also indicate potential side effects and consequences of telomerase downregulation that should be considered when anti-telomerase strategy is undertaken. Alternatively, we also emphasize potential useful application of telomerase induction.
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Cite this article as:
Romaniuk Aleksandra, Kopczynski Przemyslaw, Ksiazek Krzysztof and Rubis Blazej, Telomerase Modulation in Therapeutic Approach, Current Pharmaceutical Design 2014; 20 (41) . https://dx.doi.org/10.2174/1381612820666140630092721
DOI https://dx.doi.org/10.2174/1381612820666140630092721 |
Print ISSN 1381-6128 |
Publisher Name Bentham Science Publisher |
Online ISSN 1873-4286 |
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