RT Journal Article SR Electronic T1 TERT gene: its function and dysregulation in cancer JF Journal of Clinical Pathology JO J Clin Pathol FD BMJ Publishing Group Ltd and Association of Clinical Pathologists SP 281 OP 284 DO 10.1136/jclinpath-2018-205653 VO 72 IS 4 A1 Andrew J Colebatch A1 Alexander Dobrovic A1 Wendy A Cooper YR 2019 UL http://jcp.bmj.com/content/72/4/281.abstract AB In this review, we summarise the function and structure of telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) in humans, including its regulation. The dysregulation of telomerase through TERT promoter mutations across a range of cancers is discussed. The molecular mechanism activated by TERT promoter mutations is outlined. Finally, the timing of TERT promoter mutations during carcinogenesis is reviewed in the context of their potential utility as clinical biomarkers of malignant transformation.