telomere
Research ArticleA 4-Base-Pair Core-Enclosing Helix in Telomerase RNA Is Essential for Activity and for Binding to the Telomerase Reverse Transcriptase Catalytic Protein SubunitThe telomerase ribonucleoprotein (RNP) counters the chromosome end replication problem, completing genome replication to prevent cellular senescence in yeast, humans, and most other eukaryotes. The telomerase RNP core enzyme is composed of a dedicated RNA subunit and a reverse transcriptase (telomerase reverse transcriptase [TERT]). Although the majority of the 1,157-nucleotide (nt)...
Research Article | SpotlightTIN2 Functions with TPP1/POT1 To Stimulate Telomerase ProcessivityTIN2 is an important regulator of telomere length, and mutations in TINF2, the gene encoding TIN2, cause short-telomere syndromes. While the genetics underscore the importance of TIN2, the mechanism through which TIN2 regulates telomere length remains unclear. Here, we tested the effects of human TIN2 on telomerase activity. We identified a new isoform in human cells, TIN2M, that is expressed at levels similar to those of...
Research ArticleA tel2 Mutation That Destabilizes the Tel2-Tti1-Tti2 Complex Eliminates Rad3ATR Kinase Signaling in the DNA Replication Checkpoint and Leads to Telomere Shortening in Fission YeastIn response to perturbed DNA replication, ATR (ataxia telangiectasia and Rad3-related) kinase is activated to initiate the checkpoint signaling necessary for maintaining genome integrity and cell survival. To better understand the signaling mechanism, we carried out a large-scale genetic screen in fission yeast looking for mutants with enhanced sensitivity to hydroxyurea.