Roles of telomeres and telomerase in cancer, and advances in telomerase-targeted therapies

Telomeres maintain genomic integrity in normal cells, and their progressive shortening during successive cell divisions induces chromosomal instability. In the large majority of cancer cells, telomere length is maintained by telomerase. Thus, telomere length and telomerase activity are crucial for cancer initiation and the survival of tumors. Several pathways that regulate telomere length have been identified, and genome-scale studies have helped in mapping genes that are involved in telomere length control. Additionally, genomic screening for recurrent human telomerase gene hTERT promoter mutations and mutations in genes involved in the alternative lengthening of telomeres pathway, such as ATRX and DAXX, has…

• NI
  National Institutes of Health

  Award: P50CA70907
• NI
  National Institute on Aging

  Award: AG001228
• NC
  National Cancer Institute

  Awards: SPORE P50CA70907, P50CA70907
• NC
  National Center for Research Resources

  Award: C06 RR3-414