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Detection of telomerase activity in biopsy samples of colorectal cancer
Author(s) -
Fang DianChun,
Young Joanne,
Luo YuanHui,
Lu Rong,
Jass Jeremy
Publication year - 1999
Publication title -
journal of gastroenterology and hepatology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.214
H-Index - 130
eISSN - 1440-1746
pISSN - 0815-9319
DOI - 10.1046/j.1440-1746.1999.01862.x
Subject(s) - telomerase , colorectal cancer , medicine , biopsy , telomere , cancer , carcinogenesis , cancer research , ribonucleoprotein , pathology , biology , dna , rna , gene , biochemistry , genetics
Background : Telomerase is a ribonucleoprotein that synthesizes telomeric DNA onto chromosomal ends. The expression of telomerase is thought to be required for cellular immortality and oncogenesis. Methods : To investigate the role of telomerase in the pathogenesis of colorectal cancer, we analysed telomerase activity in biopsy samples of colorectal cancer and colonic adenomas. Using a polymerase chain reaction‐based assay, we examined telomerase activity in 52 samples of colorectal cancer, 12 colonic adenomas and 30 normal colonic mucosa samples obtained by endoscopic biopsy. Results: Telomerase activity was detectable in 88.5% (46/52) of colorectal carcinomas, in 50% (6/12) of colonic adenomas but not in normal colorectal mucosa. There was no correlation between telomerase activity and tumour location, type, size and differentiation (P > 0.05). Conclusions : It was concluded that telomerase activation plays a role in the evolution of colorectal cancer, and that measurement of telomerase activity in biopsied colorectal mucosa samples may provide information both as a diagnostic marker to detect small numbers of cancer cells, and as a screening method for patients at high risk for colorectal carcinoma.