Morin G B
Geron Corporation, Menlo Park, California 94025, USA.
Eur J Cancer. 1997 Apr;33(5):750-60. doi: 10.1016/S0959-8049(97)00061-0.
The replication of linear chromosome termini (telomeres) cannot be completely replicated by conventional DNA polymerases. Telomerase is a special DNA polymerase used by most eukaryotes to solve the telomere and replication problem. Telomerase is necessary for indefinite cell division in most immortal cells, but apparently unnecessary for the normal function of most somatic tissues. Telomerase may play a critical role in some genetic diseases, in regulating the lifespan of normal cells, and in tumorigenesis. This article reviews the structure and reaction mechanism of mammalian telomerase and how it may be exploited to control some human diseases.
线性染色体末端（端粒）的复制无法通过传统的DNA聚合酶完全完成。端粒酶是大多数真核生物用来解决端粒和复制问题的一种特殊DNA聚合酶。端粒酶对于大多数永生细胞的无限增殖是必需的，但对于大多数体细胞组织的正常功能显然并非必需。端粒酶可能在某些遗传疾病、调节正常细胞寿命以及肿瘤发生过程中发挥关键作用。本文综述了哺乳动物端粒酶的结构和反应机制，以及如何利用它来控制某些人类疾病。
