Telomerase activity predicts malignancy in percutaneous image-guided needle biopsy specimens of the abdomen and pelvis

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-116 cells in a parallel fashion.

Renal Masses in the Adult Patient: The Role of Percutaneous Biopsy

Although percutaneous renal mass biopsy with cross-sectional imaging guidance has long been considered to be safe and accurate, there have been recent advances in imaging, interventional, and cytologic techniques that have increased the role of percutaneous biopsy in the diagnosis of renal masses. Today, biopsy plays a fundamental role in the care of patients with a renal mass. Biopsy results are used to confirm the diagnosis of renal cancers, metastases, and infections, and there is increasing evidence to suggest that biopsy can help subtype and grade many primary renal cancers. Because a considerable fraction of small solid renal masses are benign and do not need treatment, there is an increasing need to diagnose them. Biopsy after a full imaging work-up can help prevent unnecessary and potentially morbid surgical and ablation procedures in a substantial number of patients. Although more data are needed to understand the overall accuracy of biopsy for the diagnosis of benign lesions, many can be diagnosed with the aid of biopsy findings. This article reviews reported experience with percutaneous renal mass biopsy, discusses the technical factors that contribute to results, and details seven specific clinical settings that should prompt the clinician to consider percutaneous biopsy when encountering a renal mass.

Effects of T-STAR gene on activity of telomerase in colon cancer cell line HCT-116

AIM: To investigate the effects of testis-signal transduction and activator of RNA (T-STAR) on telomerase activity in human colon cancer cell line HCT-116.

METHODS: The T-STAR sense or antisense gene was transfected into HCT-116 cells with lipofectamine. The mRNA and protein expression of T-STAR were determined by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and western blot, and the activity of telomerase was measured by PCR-ELISA.

RESULTS: The expression of T-STAR mRNA and protein were significantly increased in T-STAR transfected cells (296% and 180% respectively, P<0.01), while markedly decreased in antisense T-STAR transfected ones (59% and 83.8% respectively, P<0.01). The activity of telomerase was significantly increased in T-STAR transfected cells, but decreased in antisense T-STAR transfected ones. The expression of T-STAR and the activity of telomerase manifested no significant difference between HCT-116 cells transfected with empty vector and non-transfected ones.

CONCLUSION: T-STAR gene may play an important role in the positive regulation of telomerase activtity in human colon cancer HCT-116 cells.