Title:Telomeric Repeat Containing RNA (TERRA): Aging and Cancer
Volume: 14
Issue: 7
Author(s): Sonam Sinha, Samriddhi Shukla, Sajid Khan, Mohammad Farhan, Mohammad Amjad Kamal and Syed Musthapa Meeran
Affiliation:
Keywords:
Aging, cancer, non-coding RNA, telomerase, telomere.
Abstract: Telomeric repeat containing RNAs (TERRA) are small RNA molecules synthesized from
telomeric regions which were previously considered as silent genomic domains. In normal cells, these
RNAs are transcribed in a direction from subtelomeric region towards the chromosome ends, but in
case of cancer cells, their expression remains limited or absent. Telomerase is a rate limiting enzyme for cellular
senescence, cancer and aging. Most of the studies deal with the manipulation of telomerase enzyme in cancer and aging
either by synthetic oligonucleotide or by natural phytochemicals. Here, we collected evidences and discussed intensely
about the bio-molecular structure of TERRA, naturally occurring ligands of telomerase, and their genetic and epigenetic
regulations in aging associated diseases. Due to their capability to act as naturally occurring ligands of telomerase, these
RNAs can overcome the limitations possessed by synthetic oligonucleotides, which are aimed against telomerase. Drugs
specifically targeting TERRA molecules could modulate telomerase-mediated telomere lengthening. Thus, targeting
TERRA-mediated regulation of telomerase would be a promising therapeutic strategy against cancer and age-associated
diseases.
