Fig. 1.

FK506 decreases TERT mRNA and protein levels with resulting decrease in telomerase activity. Lung lymphatic endothelial cells were treated for 48 (a, d) or 72 h (b). (a) Real-time PCR analysis of TERT mRNA in control and FK506-treated lung lymphatic endothelial cells. Results were expressed as the fold change compared to control. (b) Whole cell lysates were analyzed by Western blotting with antibodies against NFAT and TERT. (c) Ratio of TERT to β-actin density was expressed as fold change compared to control. Data represent mean ± SEM of 3 independent experiments (*p < 0.05) by one-way ANOVA; each independent experiment for western blotting consisted of one technical replicate. (d) Treatment with FK506 (15 ng/ml) resulted in decreased telomerase activity as assayed by the TRAP assay (p < 0.05). Experiment was repeated three times