Clinical implications of antitelomeric drugs with respect to the nontelomeric functions of telomerase in cancer

Abstract

Jae-il Roh, Young Hoon Sung, Han-Woong Lee Mouse Molecular Genetics Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry, Yonsei Laboratory Animal Research Center, Yonsei University, Seoul, Korea 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. Keywords: telomerase, telomere, TERT, TERC, telomerase inhibitors