Human telomerase reverse transcriptase as a major therapeutic target in different cancer types

Abstract

Telomerase is a known global therapeutic target in cancer cells. Human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) is a catalytic subunit of the telomerase enzyme. hTERT is usually silenced in almost all somatic cells but it is significantly expressed in ~90 % of human cancers. Many cancer suppressing genes produce factors that hinder hTERT activity. Here, in this review paper, an attempt has been made to emphasize the role of hTERT in different cancer types. Various recent therapeutic studies involving hTERT suppression have also been discussed. Serum hTERT mRNA levels have been found to reflect the tumour burden and the clinical status of the patient. Nano-formulations like nano-curcumin and nano-chrysin have also been shown to significantly decrease hTERT gene expression in SW480 cells. High frequency of hTERT-promoting mutations and increased expression of hTERT mRNA makes it a suitable target in different cancer types. *Correspondence to: Zorawar Singh, Assistant Professor, Department of Zoology, Khalsa College Amritsar, Punjab, India, Tel: +91-94172-30075; E-mail: zorawarsinghs@rediffmail.com