Telomeres and telomerase in endocrine pathology.

Telomeres representing repetitive DNA sequences of chromosome ends are necessary for maintaining chromosomal integrity. The enzyme telomerase synthesizes de novo telomeric repeats and incorporates them onto the DNA 3'-ends of chromosomes. Stability of chromosome ends and activation of telomerase are elementary requirements for cell immortalization and tumor progression. The telomeric length and telomerase activity have been recently studied in several human neoplasms, including those of endocrine tissues. Assessment of telomerase activity may help to distinguish normal or hyperplastic from neoplastic tissues. Inhibition or inactivation of telomerase activity may provide novel strategies for cancer therapy.