Telomerase in endocrine and endocrine-dependent tumors

J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol. 2001 Sep;78(3):201-14. doi: 10.1016/s0960-0760(01)00101-7.

Abstract

Telomerase, the ribonucleoprotein enzyme that elongates chromosomal ends, or telomeres, is repressed in most normal somatic cells but reactivated in transformed cells to compensate for the progressive erosion of the telomeres during cell divisions. In accordance with this hypothesis, the presence of telomerase activity has been reported in more than 90% of human cancers, whereas most normal tissues or benign tumors contain low or undetectable telomerase activity. Reactivation of telomerase has also been widely reported in endocrine neoplasms and in hormone-related cancers. In the present study, we review the most recent publications on telomerase in these types of tumors. The hormonal regulation of telomerase activity and the possible strategies for cancer therapy based on the inhibition of telomerase has also been discussed.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adrenal Gland Neoplasms / enzymology
  • Biomarkers, Tumor / analysis
  • Breast Neoplasms / enzymology
  • Endocrine Gland Neoplasms / enzymology*
  • Endocrine Gland Neoplasms / therapy
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Neoplasms, Hormone-Dependent / enzymology*
  • Neoplasms, Hormone-Dependent / therapy
  • Neuroblastoma / enzymology
  • Neuroendocrine Tumors / enzymology
  • Parathyroid Neoplasms / enzymology
  • Pheochromocytoma / enzymology
  • Prostatic Neoplasms / enzymology
  • Telomerase / metabolism*
  • Thyroid Neoplasms / enzymology

Substances

  • Biomarkers, Tumor
  • Telomerase