Epigenetic regulation of the human telomerase reverse transciptase gene: A potential therapeutic target for the treatment of leukemia (Review)

Sui,Xinbing; Kong,Na; Wang,Zhanggui; Pan,Hongming

doi:10.3892/ol.2013.1367

Epigenetic regulation of the human telomerase reverse transciptase gene: A potential therapeutic target for the treatment of leukemia (Review)

Authors:
- Xinbing Sui
- Na Kong
- Zhanggui Wang
- Hongming Pan
View Affiliations

Affiliations: Department of Medical Oncology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310016, P.R. China
Published online on: May 29, 2013 https://doi.org/10.3892/ol.2013.1367
Pages: 317-322

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Abstract

Telomerase activation is a critical step in human carcinogenesis through the maintenance of telomeres. Telomerase activity is primarily regulated by the human telomerase reverse transcriptase gene (hTERT), thus, an improved understanding of the transcriptional control of hTERT may provide potential therapeutic targets for the treatment of leukemia and other forms of cancer. Epigenetic modulation, a significant regulatory process in cell biology, has recently been shown to be involved in the regulation of the hTERT gene. Moreover, several epigenetic modiﬁers, including DNA methyltransferase (DNMT) and histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors, are now in pre‑ and early clinical trials of leukemia as monotherapies or in combination with other drugs, and have achieved significant clinical success. In the present review, the epigenetic mechanisms associated with telomerase activity in leukemia, and the therapeutic potential of an antitelomerase strategy that combines epigenetic modiﬁers with telomerase hTR subunit small molecule inhibitors are discussed.

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