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Telomere elongation in immortal human cells without detectable telomerase activity.

Authors :
Bryan, T. M.
Englezou, A.
Gupta, J.
Bacchetti, S.
Reddel, R. R.
Source :
EMBO Journal; September 1995, Vol. 14 Issue: 17 p4240-4248, 9p
Publication Year :
1995

Abstract

Immortalization of human cells is often associated with reactivation of telomerase, a ribonucleoprotein enzyme that adds TTAGGG repeats onto telomeres and compensates for their shortening. We examined whether telomerase activation is necessary for immortalization. All normal human fibroblasts tested were negative for telomerase activity. Thirteen out of 13 DNA tumor virus‐transformed cell cultures were also negative in the pre‐crisis (i.e. non‐immortalized) stage. Of 35 immortalized cell lines, 20 had telomerase activity as expected, but 15 had no detectable telomerase. The 15 telomerase‐negative immortalized cell lines all had very long and heterogeneous telomeres of up to 50 kb. Hybrids between telomerase‐negative and telomerase‐positive cells senesced. Two senescent hybrids demonstrated telomerase activity, indicating that activation of telomerase is not sufficient for immortalization. Some hybrid clones subsequently recommenced proliferation and became immortalized either with or without telomerase activity. Those without telomerase activity also had very long and heterogeneous telomeres. Taken together, these data suggest that the presence of lengthened or stabilized telomeres is necessary for immortalization, and that this may be achieved either by the reactivation of telomerase or by a novel and as yet unidentified mechanism.

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
02614189 and 14602075
Volume :
14
Issue :
17
Database :
Supplemental Index
Journal :
EMBO Journal
Publication Type :
Periodical
Accession number :
ejs42739018
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1002/j.1460-2075.1995.tb00098.x