Departmental Papers (Dental)
Document Type
Journal Article
Date of this Version
7-2011
Publication Source
Head and Neck
Volume
33
Issue
7
Start Page
1423
Last Page
1430
Abstract
Background
Dyskerin, which is an important component of the telomerase complex and is needed for normal telomerase activity, is frequently overexpressed in neoplasia. Dyskerin also plays an essential role in ribosome biogenesis. Because protein synthesis increases during tumorigenesis, this led us to hypothesize that dyskerin expression would be upregulated independently of the cell immortalization mechanism.
Methods
Dyskerin and telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) expression were examined in oral squamous cell carcinomas (OSCC) and patient-matched controls, as well as in a panel of telomerase-positive and telomerase-negative cells. Antisense inhibition of TERT was used to test the effects of downregulation of telomerase on dyskerin expression.
Results
Dyskerin was frequently overexpressed in OSCC and in immortalized and transformed keratinocytes relative to primary cells, independently of TERT and telomerase activity. Instead, dyskerin expression strongly correlated with cell proliferation rates.
Conclusions
The role of dyskerin in tumorigenesis does not correlate with its function within the telomerase complex. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2011
Keywords
TERT, ALT, telomere, ribosome biogenesis, oralcarcinogenesis
Recommended Citation
Alawi, F., Lin, P., Ziober, B., & Patel, R. (2011). Correlation of Dyskerin Expression with Active Proliferation Independent of Telomerase. Head and Neck, 33 (7), 1423-1430. Retrieved from https://repository.upenn.edu/dental_papers/501
Date Posted: 10 February 2023
This document has been peer reviewed.