Role of the telomeric DNA-binding protein TRF2 in the stability of human chromosome ends

Bioessays. 1998 Nov;20(11):879-83. doi: 10.1002/(SICI)1521-1878(199811)20:11<879::AID-BIES2>3.0.CO;2-I.

Abstract

A major issue in telomere research is to understand how the integrity of chromosome ends is preserved. A recent study shows that expression of a dominant-negative form of the human telomeric protein TRF2 increases the number of chromosome fusions in immortalized cells and decreases the quantity of G-rich telomeric DNA 3' overhang, the G tail. Consequently, TRF2 appears to control the structure of the very end of the chromosomal DNA molecule and to prevent recombination between two telomeres. Remarkably, the same study reveals a potential role of TRF2 in cell division control.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Cell Division
  • Chromosomes, Human / genetics*
  • Chromosomes, Human / ultrastructure
  • DNA-Binding Proteins / chemistry
  • DNA-Binding Proteins / genetics
  • DNA-Binding Proteins / metabolism*
  • Humans
  • Telomere / genetics*
  • Telomere / ultrastructure
  • Telomeric Repeat Binding Protein 2

Substances

  • DNA-Binding Proteins
  • Telomeric Repeat Binding Protein 2