Telomeres and telomerase in normal and cancer stem cells

FEBS Lett. 2010 Sep 10;584(17):3819-25. doi: 10.1016/j.febslet.2010.05.026. Epub 2010 May 21.

Abstract

Differences between normal adult tissue stem cells and cancer stem/initiating cells remain poorly defined. For example, it is controversial if cancer stem cells can become fully quiescent, require a stem cell niche, are better at repairing DNA damage than the bulk of the cancer cells, and if and how they regulate symmetric versus asymmetric cell divisions. This minireview will not only provide our personal views to address some of these outstanding questions, but also present evidence that an understanding of telomere dynamics and telomerase activity in normal and cancer stem cells may provide additional insights into how tumors are initiated, and how they should be monitored and treated.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cell Division
  • Cellular Senescence / physiology
  • DNA Damage
  • Humans
  • Models, Biological
  • Neoplastic Stem Cells / cytology
  • Neoplastic Stem Cells / enzymology*
  • Neoplastic Stem Cells / physiology
  • Stem Cells / cytology
  • Stem Cells / enzymology
  • Stem Cells / physiology
  • Telomerase / genetics
  • Telomerase / metabolism*
  • Telomere / metabolism*
  • Telomere / ultrastructure
  • Templates, Genetic

Substances

  • Telomerase