Telomerase Reverse Transcriptase Promoter Mutations in Human Hepatobiliary, Pancreatic and Gastrointestinal Cancer Cell Lines

Background/Aim: The promoter region of the telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) gene is a regulatory element capable of affecting TERT expression, telomerase activity, and telomerase length. Mutations within the TERT promoter region are the most common mutations in many cancers. In this study, we characterized the TERT promoter mutation status in hepatobiliary, pancreatic, and gastrointestinal cancer cell lines. Materials and Methods: TERT promoter mutation status was assessed by digital PCR in 12 liver cancer, 5 cholangiocarcinoma (CCA), 12 pancreatic cancer, 17 gastrointestinal cancer, and 3 healthy control cell lines. Results: The C228T promoter mutation was detected in 9 liver cancer lines, and the C250T TERT mutation was detected in 1 oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma line. Conclusion: The C228T promoter mutation is specific to liver cancer cell lines among various gastrointestinal cancer cell lines. These data will contribute to future research on the tumorigenic mechanisms and clinical use of digital PCR to detect mutations.