Expression of T-STAR gene is associated with regulation of telomerase activity in human colon cancer cell line HCT-116

AIM: To investigate the effects on telomerase activity of transfection of human T-STAR gene full-length sense cDNA or partial antisense cDNA into human colon cancer cell line HCT-116. METHODS: mRNA and protein expression levels of T-STAR gene Were determined by RT-PCR and western blot, and telomerase activity was measured by PCR-ELISA, after transfection of T-STAR sense or antisense gene into HCT-116 cells with lipofectamine. RESULTS: T-STAR gene expression was enhanced or knocked down both at mRNA and protein levels, and telomerase activity was significantly increased or decreased. CONCLUSION: The T-STAR gene may participate in regulation of telomerase activity in human colon cancer HCT-11.6 cells in a parallel fashion. (C) 2006 The WIG Press. All rights reserved.