Stem Cells Research Today is a free monthly online journal that collates and summarizes the latest research about Stem Cells, including details on research, transplants, therapy, benefits.

Telomeres and telomerase in cancer stem cells.

Ju Z, Rudolph KL

Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology, Medical School Hannover, Carl-Neuberg Str. 1, K11, E1, R1400/1370, 30625 Hannover, Germany.

Alterations in telomere dynamics both suppress and facilitate malignant transformation by regulating genomic stability and cell lifespan. Checkpoints induced by telomere dysfunction play a major role in tumour suppression, whereas telomere shortening contributes to the initiation of cancer by inducing chromosomal instability. Since stem cells are exposed to various tumourigenic agents and stresses throughout their lifetime, the ageing stem cell is a major target of malignant transformation. This review summarises our knowledge of telomere length and telomerase activity in stem cells during ageing and carcinogenesis.

Published 5 June 2006 in Eur J Cancer, 42(9): 1197-203.
Full-text of this article is available online (may require subscription).

© 2004-2008 Stem Cells Research Today. All Rights Reserved.