Inhibition of telomerase by targeting MAP kinase signaling.

Abstract

Constitutive activation of the mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase signaling pathway by oncogenic stimulation is widespread in human cancers. With the recently demonstrated links between MAP kinase, histone phosphorylation, gene transcription factors, and hTERT gene promoter activity, abnormal MAP kinase activity is likely to be one of the essential forces that impact on hTERT gene transcription in transformed human cells. Several proteins have been implicated as playing important roles in MAP kinase signaling to hTERT gene, including Ets and activator protein-1 (AP-1). Inhibition of these signaling mechanisms may have a consequential effect on hTERT gene expression and telomerase activity. In this study, we brief the current progress and strategy in molecular targeting to the interface between MAP kinase and hTERT gene promoter in cancer.