TERT promoter mutations

TERT promoter mutations involve changes in the DNA region that controls the TERT gene, which is responsible for producing an enzyme called telomerase. Telomerase helps maintain the ends of chromosomes, allowing cells to divide without aging. When these mutations occur, they can increase telomerase activity, enabling cells—particularly cancer cells—to grow uncontrollably and become more aggressive. These mutations are common in certain cancers like melanoma and glioblastoma and can be important for diagnosis, prognosis, and potential targeted therapies.