Work

Telomeric armor: the layers of end protection

Year: 2009

Type: article

Abstract: The linear nature of eukaryotic chromosomes necessitates protection of their physical ends, the telomeres, because the DNA-repair machinery can misconstrue the ends as double-stranded DNA breaks. Thus, protection is crucial for avoiding an unwarranted DNA-damage response that could have catastrophic ramifications for the integrity and stability of the linear genome. In this Commentary, we attempt to define what is currently understood by the term ;telomere protection'. Delineating the defining boundaries of chromosome-end protection is important now more than ever, as it is becoming increasingly evident that, although unwanted DNA repair at telomeres must be avoided at all costs, the molecular players involved in recognition, signaling and repair of DNA damage might also serve to protect telomeres.

Source: Journal of Cell Science

DOI: 10.1242/jcs.050567

Authors: Liana Oganesian, Jan Karlseder

Institution: Salk Institute for Biological Studies

Language: English

Topic: Telomeres, Telomerase, and Senescence

Subfield: Physiology

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

Open Access status: green

Funders: National Institute on Aging, National Institute of General Medical Sciences

Awards: Telomeric Function in Aging Syndromes, G213187356, G761647166