When the Ends Are Really the Beginnings: Targeting Telomerase for Treatment of GBM

This article reviews recent research on (1) the mechanism of TERT activation in glioma, (2) downstream consequences of TERT overexpression on glioma pathogenesis, and (3) targeting TPMs as a therapeutic strategy.Recent FindingsNew molecular classifications for gliomas include using TPMs, where the mutant group demonstrates the worst prognosis. Though a canonical function of TERT is established in regard to telomere maintenance, recent studies on non-canonical functions of TERT explore varied roles of telomerase in tumor progression and maintenance.SummarySomatic alterations of the TERT promoter present a promising target for novel therapeutics development in primary glioma treatment.
Source: Current Neurology and Neuroscience Reports - Category: Neuroscience Source Type: research