1. Les télomères et leurs caractéristiques dans le cancer colorectal.
- Author
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Le Balc'h, Eric, Lecomte, Thierry, and Charbonneau, Michel
- Abstract
Telomeres are repetitive nucleotide sequences located at the ends of the chromosomes. Their role is to preserve genome integrity. During cell divisions, telomeres shorten and reach a critical size leading to a mechanism of apoptosis. To postpone replicative senescence and acquire immortality, tumor cells must maintain functional telomeres. Two telomere length maintenance mechanisms are involved: reactivation of telomerase, an enzyme specialized in the replication of telomeric sequences, and an alternative mechanism called ''Alternative lenghtening of telomeres pathway'', using chromosomal recombination. Colorectal cancer does not deviate from this rule. Over the past 25 years, telomeric features in colorectal cancer, including telomere length and telomerase activity, have been studied on several occasions. However, many points remain unsolved. Following a reminder on telomeres, this mini-review attempts to summarize, concisely, these main characteristics and their potential uses in clinical practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2017
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