Note=Activation of telomerase has been implicated in cell immortalization and cancer cell pathogenesis.
Defects in TERT are associated with susceptibilty to aplastic anemia (AA) [MIM:609135]. AA is a rare disease in which the reduction of the circulating blood cells results from damage to the stem cell pool in bone marrow. In most patients, the stem cell lesion is caused by an autoimmune attack. T-lymphocytes, activated by an endogenous or exogenous, and most often unknown antigenic stimulus, secrete cytokines, including IFN-gamma, which would in turn be able to suppress hematopoiesis.
Note=Genetic variations in TERT are associated with coronary artery disease (CAD).
Defects in TERT are the cause of dyskeratosis congenital autosomal dominant type 2 (DKCA2) [MIM:613989]. A rare multisystem disorder caused by defective telomere maintenance. It is characterized by progressive bone marrow failure, and the clinical triad of reticulated skin hyperpigmentation, nail dystrophy, and mucosal leukoplakia. Common but variable features include premature graying, aplastic anemia, low platelets, osteoporosis, pulmonary fibrosis, and liver fibrosis among others. Early mortality is often associated with bone marrow failure, infections, fatal pulmonary complications, or malignancy.
Defects in TERT are the cause of dyskeratosis congenital autosomal recessive type 4 (DKCB4) [MIM:613989]. A rare multisystem disorder caused by defective telomere maintenance. It is characterized by progressive bone marrow failure, and the clinical triad of reticulated skin hyperpigmentation, nail dystrophy, and mucosal leukoplakia. Common but variable features include premature graying, aplastic anemia, low platelets, osteoporosis, pulmonary fibrosis, and liver fibrosis among others. Early mortality is often associated with bone marrow failure, infections, fatal pulmonary complications, or malignancy.
Defects in TERT are a cause of susceptibility to pulmonary fibrosis idiopathic (IPF) [MIM:178500]. Pulmonary fibrosis is a lung disease characterized by shortness of breath, radiographically evident diffuse pulmonary infiltrates, and varying degrees of inflammation and fibrosis on biopsy. It results in acute lung injury with subsequent scarring and endstage lung disease.