Real-time quantification of human telomerase reverse transcriptase mRNA intumors and healthy tissues

Background: Expression of the hTERT gene, which codes for the catalytic sub unit of telomerase, is associated with malignancy. We recently developed a realtime reverse transcription-PCR assay, based on TaqMan technology, for a ccurate and reproducible determination of hTERT mRNA expression (Lab Invest ig 1999;79:911-2). This method may be of interest for molecular tumor diagn ostics in tissues and corresponding body fluids, washings, or brushes. Methods: In this study, we measured hTERT expression in a subset of healthy tissues and tumors to select those tumor types with the best potential for quantification of hTERT in corresponding body fluids. To demonstrate the u se of the method in body fluids, we quantified hTERT expression in voided u rine of patients with bladder cancer and controls. Results: Real-time measurement of hTERT expression could discriminate betwe en all healthy and malignant tissue samples from pancreas, lung, esophagus, and bladder, but not for colon tissues, Moreover, in five of nine (55%) ur ine samples, hTERT could be quantified. Conclusions: The present study demonstrates that accurate quantitative meas urement of hTERT expression has high potential for discrimination between h ealthy and tumor cells in tissues and urine and supports future measurement s in pancreatic fluid, bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, esophageal brushings, and urine or bladder washings. (C) 2000 American Association for Clinical Chemistry.