| TRF2 protects human telomeres from end-to-end fusions |
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| Author(s): van Steensel B, Smogorzewska A, de Lange T |
| Source: CELL Volume: 92 Issue: 3 Pages: 401-413 Published: FEB 6 1998 |
| Times Cited: 802 References: 51 |
| Abstract: The mechanism by which telomeres prevent end-to-end fusion has remained elusive. Here, we show that the human telomeric protein TRF2 plays a key role in the protective activity of telomeres. A dominant negative allele of TRF2 induced end-to-end chromosome fusions detectable in metaphase and anaphase cells. Telomeric DNA persisted at the fusions, demonstrating that TTAGGG repeats per se are not sufficient for telomere integrity. Molecular analysis suggested that the fusions represented ligation of telomeres that have lost their single-stranded G-tails. Therefore, TRF2 may protect chromosome ends by maintaining the correct structure at telomere termini. In addition, expression of mutant forms of TRF2 induced a growth arrest with characteristics of senescence. The results raise the possibility that chromosome end fusions and senescence in primary human cells may be caused by loss by TRF2 from shortened telomeres. |
| Document Type: Article |
| Language: English |
| Reprint Address: de Lange, T (reprint author), Rockefeller Univ, New York, NY 10021 USA |
Addresses:
1. Rockefeller Univ, New York, NY 10021 USA |
| Publisher: CELL PRESS, 1050 MASSACHUSETTES AVE, CIRCULATION DEPT, CAMBRIDGE, MA 02138 USA |
| Subject Category: Biochemistry & Molecular Biology; Cell Biology |
| IDS Number: YX283 |
| ISSN: 0092-8674 |