Abstract
We used a radioactive in situ method to study expression of the RNA component of human telomerase (hTR) during normal human development and differentiation using archival tissues. In embryonic tissues, the highest and most uniform expression was present in undifferentiated neuroepithelium. Expression was stronger in immature epithelium than in accompanying immature mesenchyme. Differentiation of most tissues was accompanied by decreased or absent expression. Except for testis and adrenal, the adult pattern of expression was present by the 10th postnatal week. In adult tissues, high expression was present in the testis (primary spermatocytes and Sertoli cells), moderate expression was present in lymphoid follicles (germinal centers), and weak expression was present in epithelia (regenerative cells) but was absent in the nervous system and mesenchymal derived tissues. Expression in adult tissues was predominantly limited to dividing cells, although certain differentiated postmitotic cells expressed the hTR. Our studies demonstrate the complex interrelationship of hTR expression with human development, differentiation, and cell division.
Publication types
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Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
MeSH terms
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Adolescent
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Adult
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Aged
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Central Nervous System / embryology
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Central Nervous System / enzymology
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Central Nervous System / growth & development
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Child
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Child, Preschool
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Embryo, Mammalian / enzymology
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Female
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Fetus / enzymology
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Gene Expression
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Gestational Age
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Gonads / embryology
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Gonads / enzymology
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Gonads / growth & development
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Hematopoietic System / embryology
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Hematopoietic System / enzymology
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Hematopoietic System / growth & development
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Humans
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In Situ Hybridization
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Infant
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Lymphoid Tissue / embryology
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Lymphoid Tissue / enzymology
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Lymphoid Tissue / growth & development
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Male
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Mesoderm / cytology
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Mesoderm / enzymology
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Middle Aged
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Peripheral Nervous System / embryology
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Peripheral Nervous System / enzymology
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Peripheral Nervous System / growth & development
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RNA / genetics
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RNA / metabolism*
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Respiratory System / embryology
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Respiratory System / enzymology
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Respiratory System / growth & development
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Skin / embryology
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Skin / enzymology
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Skin / growth & development
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Telomerase / genetics*
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Tissue Distribution
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Urogenital System / embryology
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Urogenital System / enzymology
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Urogenital System / growth & development