Correlation between expression of human telomerase subunits and telomerase activity in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma

Abstract

Telomerase activity and hTERT, TP-1 mRNA expression are up-regulated in ESCC. Telomerase activity in ESCC is correlated with lymphatic metastasis and cancer differentiation. Telomerase activity may be used as a prognostic marker in ESCC. hTERT mRNA expression is correlated with telomerase activity. Enhanced hTERT mRNA expression may initially comprehend the telomerase activity level, but it is less sensitive than TRAP assay.