Tankyrase, a positive regulator of telomere elongation, is over expressed in human breast cancer

Tankyrase promotes telomere elongation by interaction with the telomeric protein binding factor TRF1, a negative regulator of telomere extension. We measured tankyrase mRNA by real-time RT-PCR in 66 breast cancers and in paired normal tissues. Results were compared with hTERT mRNA expression. The levels of tankyrase in breast cancers were significantly higher in comparison to normal tissues (P<0.0001) and significantly related to the status of progesterone receptors. No relationship was found between tankyrase and hTERT mRNA expression in breast cancers. According to our results, tankyrase expression appeared up regulated in breast cancers.