Telomeres and Telomerase in Cancer

Telomeres and telomerase are the pivotal players that destine cellular senescence and immortalization. Telomere shortening due to "End-replication problem" in each cell cycle is a universal phenomenon for all eukaryotic cells with linear chromosomes. Its compensation by telomerase is also common from yeast to human. However, the length of telomeres, distribution of telomerase positive cells, and consequence of telomerase inhibition are different among species. "Telomeres and Telomerase in Cancers", edited by Keiko Hiyama, focuses on "Human" telomeres and telomerase, from basic biology and hypothesis in human normal cells and cancer cells to clinical application as diagnostic tools and therapeutic targets in anti-cancer strategy. Cutting-edge experimental protocols for their evaluation are also included. This coverage will enable medical oncologists and students as well as basic researchers to capture the up-to-date entire picture of human telomeres and telomerase in cancer.