Abstract

Telomerase is responsible for maintaining the length of telomeres at the ends of chromosomes. Although most somatic cells do not exhibit telomerase activity, it is reactivated in approximately 85% of cancers. This simple and attractive phenomenon steers the development of anticancer drugs targeting telomeres and telomerase. Recent studies have been revealing extratelomeric roles of telomerase in normal tissues, affecting processes that are critical for survival and aging of organisms. In this review, we will discuss the current therapeutic strategies targeting telomeres and telomerase and evaluate their potential advantages and risks with respect to nontelomeric functions.

Details

Title
Clinical implications of antitelomeric drugs with respect to the nontelomeric functions of telomerase in cancer
Author
Roh, Jae-il; Young Hoon Sung; Han-Woong, Lee
Pages
1161-1166
Section
Review
Publication year
2013
Publication date
2013
Publisher
Taylor & Francis Ltd.
e-ISSN
1178-6930
Source type
Scholarly Journal
Language of publication
English
ProQuest document ID
2222782150
Copyright
© 2013. This work is licensed under https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/3.0/ (the “License”). Notwithstanding the ProQuest Terms and Conditions, you may use this content in accordance with the terms of the License.