The requirement for the maintenance of telomeres by telomerase by most cancer cells for continued proliferation is a target in anticancer strategies. Tankyrases are poly(ADP-ribose) polymerases that enhance telomerase access to telomeres. Tankyrase 1 modulates telomerase inhibition in human cancer cells and is reviewed in this report as a potential telomere-directed anticancer target.
Division of Molecular Biotherapy, Cancer Chemotherapy Center, Japanese Foundation for Cancer Research, 3-10-6 Ariake, Koto-ku, Tokyo 135-8550, Japan. hseimiya@jfcr.or.jp
