Roles of telomeres and telomerase in cancer, and advances in telomerase-targeted therapies.

Abstract in brief

• Telomeres protect our chromosomes but shorten with cell division, leading to instability; most cancer cells keep their telomeres long through an enzyme called telomerase, aiding in tumor growth.
• Scientific studies have identified genes and mutations, like in hTERT, ATRX, and DAXX, that activate telomere maintenance in cancers, helping tumors avoid aging and death.
• Researchers are working on developing diagnostic tools and therapies targeting telomerase, with recent advancements focusing on understanding its assembly, movement within cells, and how to inhibit its role in cancer.