MODULATION OF LINE-1 REVERSE TRANSCRIPTASE

摘要

A reverse transcriptase encoded by L-1 (LINE-1) has been identified as a target molecule for treating or preventing cancers induced or mediated by this molecule. Method of treating or preventing such cancers in patients involves administration of a therapeutically effective amount of a composition having an inhibitor or antagonist of the reverse transcriptase in cells of the patients. The inhibitor or antagonist blocks lengthening of telomeres in telomerase negative cells. Methods and kits for detecting pathologically proliferating cells expressing L1RT are also disclosed.

主权项

1. A method of selecting a compound capable of shortening telomeres in telomerase negative cancer cells, the method comprising:
administering a test compound to said cells; evaluating anti-L-1 (LINE-1) retrotransposon reverse transcriptase (L1RT) activity of the test compound or evaluating whether the compound down-regulates expression of L1RT in said cells; and selecting the compound that exhibits anti-L-1 retrotransposon activity or down-regulates the L1RT expression, wherein said cells are either in vitro cultured cells or in a non-human animal model.