Telomerase reverse transcriptase mRNA (TERT mRNA)

Telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) mRNA is the transcript that encodes the catalytic subunit of the telomerase enzyme, which is responsible for maintaining telomere length by adding TTAGGG repeats to chromosome ends (Source: UniProt P10613; NCBI Gene ID: 7015). While TERT mRNA expression is typically silenced in most adult somatic cells, it is significantly upregulated in approximately 85-90% of human cancers, providing malignant cells with replicative immortality (Source: PubMed PMID: 26310151). As a therapeutic target, TERT mRNA is approached using antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) and small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) designed to prevent the translation of the TERT protein, thereby inducing senescence or apoptosis in cancer cells (Source: PubMed PMID: 11859489). Additionally, TERT mRNA is utilized in cancer vaccines, such as GRNVAC1, where dendritic cells are pulsed with the mRNA to stimulate a T-cell mediated immune response against telomerase-expressing tumors (Source: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT00049218). Monitoring TERT mRNA levels serves as a critical biomarker for cancer progression and the efficacy of telomerase-targeted therapies (Source: PubMed PMID: 30214592).

Other names

hTERT mRNATelomerase catalytic subunit mRNAHEST2 mRNATCS1 mRNATP2 mRNA

Antisense inhibition of translation, RNA interference (RNAi)-mediated degradation, and dendritic cell-based immunotherapy using mRNA-encoded antigens.