Molecular regulation of telomerase activity in aging.
10.1007/s13238-011-1093-3
- Author:
Craig NICHOLLS
1
;
He LI
;
Jian-Qiu WANG
;
Jun-Ping LIU
Author Information
1. Molecular Signalling Laboratory, Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia.
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- MeSH:
Aging;
genetics;
metabolism;
Alternative Splicing;
Animals;
Base Sequence;
DNA Methylation;
Enzyme Activation;
Epigenesis, Genetic;
Gene Expression Regulation, Enzymologic;
Humans;
Mice;
Mutation;
Neoplasms;
enzymology;
genetics;
Promoter Regions, Genetic;
Protein Folding;
RNA;
genetics;
metabolism;
Signal Transduction;
Sp1 Transcription Factor;
genetics;
metabolism;
Telomerase;
genetics;
metabolism;
Telomere;
genetics;
metabolism
- From:
Protein & Cell
2011;2(9):726-738
- CountryChina
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
The process of aging is mitigated by the maintenance and repair of chromosome ends (telomeres), resulting in extended lifespan. This review examines the molecular mechanisms underlying the actions and regulation of the enzyme telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT), which functions as the primary mechanism of telomere maintenance and regulates cellular life expectancy. Underpinning increased cell proliferation, telomerase is also a key factor in facilitating cancer cell immortalization. The review focuses on aspects of hormonal regulations of telomerase, and the intracellular pathways that converge to regulate telomerase activity with an emphasis on molecular interactions at protein and gene levels. In addition, the basic structure and function of two key telomerase enzyme components-the catalytic subunit TERT and the template RNA (TERC) are discussed briefly.
