Melanoma and the human telomerase reverse transcriptase gene

Melanoma is a highly malignant tumor originating from epidermal melanocytes.The human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) gene,which encodes the catalytic reverse transcriptase subunit of telomerase,takes part in cellular immortalization as well as tumor occurrence and development,and is the major factor determining telomerase activity.Recent studies have shown that the hTERT gene,especially the mutations and methylation state of its promoter region,is closely related to melanoma.The relationship between the hTERT gene and melanoma has become a focus of current research. Key words: Melanoma;  Human telomerase reverse transcriptase(hTERT);  Genes;  Mutation