Telomerase is a potential target of antitumor therapy

Currently, chronic inflammation is considered the main cause of the development of many malignant human diseases, as well as autoimmune, neurodegenerative and metabolic diseases, such as diabetes. According to the Singapore scientists from the Agency of Science, Technology and Research, the enzyme telomerase, known for its ability to ensure the endless division of stem cells and the immortality of malignant cells, triggers and supports the mechanism underlying chronic inflammation accompanying malignant diseases.

They found that telomerase directly regulates the production of inflammatory molecules whose expression is mediated by the nuclear factor kappa-bi, including interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor alpha. Inhibition of telomerase activity in malignant cells isolated from biopsy samples reduced the expression of these molecules.

Considering that the kappa-bi nuclear factor regulates telomerase levels by changing transcription activity, the data obtained suggest that mutual regulation with a direct link between these two factors may be a key factor contributing to the coexistence of chronic inflammation and sustained telomerase activity in cancer cells.

Thus, exposure to telomerase with the help of pharmacological drugs can contribute to the suppression of inflammation and, accordingly, the destruction of cancer cells. The introduction of such drugs into clinical practice will reduce the dosages of traditional chemotherapy drugs, while reducing the toxic effect on the patient's body and the financial costs of treatment.

Article by Arkasubhra Ghosh et al. Telomerase directly regulates NF-kB-dependent transcription published in the journal Nature Cell Biology.

Evgeniya Ryabtseva
Portal "Eternal youth" http://vechnayamolodost.ru based on the materials of Agency for Science, Technology and Research:
A*STAR Scientists Identify Potential Drug Target For Inflammatory Diseases Including Cancers.

26.11.2012