scholarly journals Human TERT promoter mutations as a prognostic biomarker in glioma

2021 ◽  
Vol 147 (4) ◽  
pp. 1007-1017
Author(s):  
Branka Powter ◽  
Sarah A. Jeffreys ◽  
Heena Sareen ◽  
Adam Cooper ◽  
Daniel Brungs ◽  
...  

AbstractThe TERT promoter (pTERT) mutations, C228T and C250T, play a significant role in malignant transformation by telomerase activation, oncogenesis and immortalisation of cells. C228T and C250T are emerging as important biomarkers in many cancers including glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), where the prevalence of these mutations is as high as 80%. Additionally, the rs2853669 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) may cooperate with these pTERT mutations in modulating progression and overall survival in GBM. Using liquid biopsies, pTERT mutations, C228T and C250T, and other clinically relevant biomarkers can be easily detected with high precision and sensitivity, facilitating longitudinal analysis throughout therapy and aid in cancer patient management.In this review, we explore the potential for pTERT mutation analysis, via liquid biopsy, for its potential use in personalised cancer therapy. We evaluate the relationship between pTERT mutations and other biomarkers as well as their potential clinical utility in early detection, prognostication, monitoring of cancer progress, with the main focus being on brain cancer.

2016 ◽  
Vol 139 (2) ◽  
pp. 414-423 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rui Batista ◽  
Adriana Cruvinel-Carloni ◽  
João Vinagre ◽  
Joana Peixoto ◽  
Telmo A. Catarino ◽  
...  

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Silvia Giunco ◽  
Paolo Boscolo-Rizzo ◽  
Enrica Rampazzo ◽  
Giancarlo Tirelli ◽  
Lara Alessandrini ◽  
...  

ObjectiveTo date, no useful prognostic biomarker exists for patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma (OCSCC), a tumour with uncertain biological behaviour and subsequent unpredictable clinical course. We aim to investigate the prognostic significance of two recurrent somatic mutations (-124 C>T and -146 C>T) within the promoter of telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) gene and the impact of TERT single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) rs2853669 in patients surgically treated for OCSCC.MethodsThe genetic frequencies of rs2853669, -124 C>T and -146 C>T as well as the telomere length were investigated in 144 tumours and 57 normal adjacent mucosal (AM) specimens from OCSCC patients.ResultsForty-five tumours harboured TERT promoter mutations (31.3%), with -124 C>T and -146 C>T accounting for 64.4% and 35.6% of the alterations respectively. Patients with -124 C>T TERT promoter mutated tumours had the shortest telomeres in the AM (p=0.016) and showed higher risk of local recurrence (hazard ratio [HR]:2.75, p=0.0143), death (HR:2.71, p=0.0079) and disease progression (HR:2.71, p=0.0024) with the effect being potentiated by the co-occurrence of T/T genotype of rs2853669.Conclusion-124 C>T TERT promoter mutation as well as the T/T genotype of the rs2853669 SNP are attractive independent prognostic biomarkers in patients surgically treated for OCSCC, with the coexistence of these genetic variants showing a synergistic impact on the aggressiveness of the disease.


Crisis ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 37 (3) ◽  
pp. 212-217 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thomas E. Joiner ◽  
Melanie A. Hom ◽  
Megan L. Rogers ◽  
Carol Chu ◽  
Ian H. Stanley ◽  
...  

Abstract. Background: Lowered eye blink rate may be a clinically useful indicator of acute, imminent, and severe suicide risk. Diminished eye blink rates are often seen among individuals engaged in heightened concentration on a specific task that requires careful planning and attention. Indeed, overcoming one’s biological instinct for survival through suicide necessitates premeditation and concentration; thus, a diminished eye blink rate may signal imminent suicidality. Aims: This article aims to spur research and clinical inquiry into the role of eye blinks as an indicator of acute suicide risk. Method: Literature relevant to the potential connection between eye blink rate and suicidality was reviewed and synthesized. Results: Anecdotal, cognitive, neurological, and conceptual support for the relationship between decreased blink rate and suicide risk is outlined. Conclusion: Given that eye blinks are a highly observable behavior, the potential clinical utility of using eye blink rate as a marker of suicide risk is immense. Research is warranted to explore the association between eye blink rate and acute suicide risk.


2014 ◽  
Author(s):  
Miguel Melo ◽  
Rocha Adriana Gaspar da ◽  
Joao Vinagre ◽  
Rui Batista ◽  
Joana Peixoto ◽  
...  

Author(s):  
Marina Muzza ◽  
Carla Colombo ◽  
Maria Carla Proverbio ◽  
Stefania Rossi ◽  
Delfina Tosi ◽  
...  

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