The role of telomerase in human cancer develpment and an evaluation of its potencial as a therapeutic target

Objective

Telomerase is an attractive target at which to aim novel cancer drugs because it maintains tumor cell immortality, and is inactive in the majority of normal human cells. In this project we will determine the precise molecular mechanisms by which telomerase is repressed in normal cells and activated in human cancer progression. Genetic inhibitors of telomerase will be developed and used to provide unequivocal evidence that anti- telomerase strategies induce replicative senescence in cancer cells, in the absence of cellular resistance machanisms. Novel reagents and procedures will be established for use in telomerase-based cancer diagnosis and in prognostic evaluations. Small molecule lead compounds (from a natural product library) that act as potent inhibitors of telomerase will be identified and characterized, as a basis for anti-telomerase drug development.

Programme(s)

• FP5-LIFE QUALITY - Specific Programme for research, technological development and demonstration on "Quality of life and management of living resources", 1998-2002

Topic(s)

• 1.1.1.-7. - Chronic and degenerative diseases, cancer, diabetes, cardivascular diseases and rare diseases

Funding Scheme

CSC - Cost-sharing contracts

Coordinator

BRUNEL UNIVERSITY

Address

Kingston Lane
Uxbridge
United Kingdom

Participants (7)

ALBERT-LUDWIGS-UNIVERSITAET FREIBURG

Germany

Address

Fahnenbergplatz
79085 Freiburg (In Breisgau)

CONSEJO SUPERIOR DE INVESTIGACIONES CIENTIFICAS

Spain

Address

Campus De La Universidad Autonoma De Madrid
28049 Madrid

GERMAN CANCER RESEARCH CENTER

Germany

Address

Im Neuenheimer Feld 280
69120 Heidelberg

INSTITUT SUISSE DE RECHERCHES EXPERIMENTALES SUR LE CANCER

Switzerland

Address

155,Ch. Des Boveresses 155
1066 Epalinges

MEDICAL UNIVERSITY CENTER

Germany

Address

Hugstetterstr.55
79106 Freiburg (In Breisgau)

UNIVERSITY OF GLASGOW

United Kingdom

Address

University Avenue
G12 8QQ Glasgow

UNIVERSITY OF UMEAA

Sweden

Address

Universitetsomraadet
901 87 Umeaa