Evolving Linear Chromosomes and Telomeres: A C-Strand-Centric View.

TitleEvolving Linear Chromosomes and Telomeres: A C-Strand-Centric View.
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2018
AuthorsLue NF
JournalTrends Biochem Sci
Volume43
Issue5
Pagination314-326
Date Published2018 05
ISSN0968-0004
KeywordsChromosomes, Humans, Telomere, Telomere-Binding Proteins
Abstract

Recent studies have resulted in deeper understanding of a variety of telomere maintenance mechanisms as well as plausible models of telomere evolution. Often overlooked in the discussion of telomere regulation and evolution is the synthesis of the DNA strand that bears the 5'-end (i.e., the C-strand). Herein, I describe a scenario for telomere evolution that more explicitly accounts for the evolution of the C-strand synthesis machinery. In this model, CTC1-STN1-TEN1 (CST), the G-strand-binding complex that regulates primase-Pol α-mediated C-strand synthesis, emerges as a pivotal player and evolutionary link. Itself arising from RPA, CST not only coordinates telomere synthesis, but also gives rise to the POT1-TPP1 complex, which became part of shelterin and regulates telomerase in G-strand elongation.

DOI10.1016/j.tibs.2018.02.008
Alternate JournalTrends Biochem Sci
PubMed ID29550242
PubMed Central IDPMC7392036
Grant ListR01 GM107287 / GM / NIGMS NIH HHS / United States

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