PAR-4 and hTERT expression are negatively correlated after RNA interference targeting hTERT in laryngocarcinoma cells

Tissue Cell. 2010 Dec;42(6):365-9. doi: 10.1016/j.tice.2010.08.002.

Abstract

We investigated the relationship between telomerase activity and the expression of human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) and prostate apoptosis response 4 (Par-4) proteins in laryngocarcinoma cells. Following treatment with short hairpin RNA (shRNA) against hTERT, hTERT protein expression was inhibited, while Par-4 expression was increased. These changes were statistically significant (p<0.05), with Par-4 and hTERT expression being negatively correlated (p<0.05, r=-0.908). However, we found no correlation between telomerase activity and hTERT expression. Our findings suggest that hTERT exerts its anti-apoptotic effects through a telomerase-independent pathway, which is likely to intersect with the Par-4 apoptosis pathway.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Apoptosis / genetics
  • Apoptosis Regulatory Proteins / metabolism*
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Humans
  • Laryngeal Neoplasms / metabolism
  • Laryngeal Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Male
  • RNA Interference*
  • Telomerase / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Telomerase / genetics*
  • Telomerase / metabolism

Substances

  • Apoptosis Regulatory Proteins
  • prostate apoptosis response-4 protein
  • TERT protein, human
  • Telomerase