Telomeraseperäiset

Telomeraseperäiset, also known as telomerase-positive, refers to a group of cancer cells that contain the enzyme telomerase. Telomerase is a ribonucleoprotein complex that maintains the length of telomeres, the protective caps at the ends of chromosomes. In most somatic cells, telomerase activity is low or absent, and telomeres shorten with each cell division, eventually leading to cellular senescence or apoptosis. However, many cancer cells reactivate telomerase, allowing them to maintain telomere length and potentially enabling unlimited proliferation.

Telomeraseperäiset cells are often associated with aggressive and metastatic cancer types, such as head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, ovarian cancer, and certain types of leukemia. The presence of telomerase activity in cancer cells is a significant prognostic indicator, as it is often correlated with poor patient outcomes, including shorter survival rates and increased likelihood of recurrence.

The detection of telomerase activity in cancer cells is typically done using molecular techniques, such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR) or fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). These methods allow for the identification of telomerase-positive cells, which can then be targeted for further analysis or treatment.

In summary, telomeraseperäiset refers to cancer cells that contain active telomerase, enabling them to maintain telomere length and potentially promoting tumor growth and progression. The presence of telomerase activity is a significant prognostic indicator in cancer and is often used as a target for molecular diagnostics and therapeutic interventions.