端粒及端粒酶的研究进展

Progress in the Studies of Telomere and Telomerase.

端粒是染色体末端独特的蛋白质ＤＮＡ结构， 在保护染色体的完整性和维持细胞的复制能力方面起着重要的作用． 端粒酶则是由ＲＮＡ和蛋白质亚基组成的、能够延长端粒的一种特殊反转录酶． 端粒长度和端粒酶活性的变化与细胞衰老和癌变密切相关． 端粒结合蛋白可能通过调节端粒酶的活性来调节端粒长度， 进而控制细胞的衰老、永生化和癌变．

Telomeres are unique DNA protein complexes at the terminals of chromosomes that play a critical role in protecting chromosomal integrity and in maintaining cellular replicative potential. Telomerase is a specialized reverse transcriptase, composed of both RNA and protein subunits, that elongates telomeric repeats. The changes in telomere length and telomerase activity are closely linked to cell aging and carcinogenesis. Telomere binding protein may regulate telomere length by regulating telomerase activity, and then control cell aging, immortalization and carcinogenesis.The development of specific telomerase inhibitors will have broad prospect in the aspect of tumor therapy.