ATM function and telomere stability

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Updated: Oct 2, 2026

Telomere Length and Telomerase Activity; A Yin and Yang of Cell Senescence
12:08

Telomere Length and Telomerase Activity; A Yin and Yang of Cell Senescence

Published on: May 22, 2013

Tej K Pandita1

  • 1Center for Radiological Research, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, New York, NY 10032, USA. tpl1@columbia.edu

Oncogene
|February 19, 2002
PubMed

Insights

The ataxia-telangiectasia mutated (ATM) gene controls cellular responses to DNA damage. Mutations in ATM disrupt telomere maintenance, impacting senescence and cancer risk.

Area of Science:

  • Genetics
  • Molecular Biology
  • Cellular Biology

Background:

  • DNA damage accumulation is linked to cellular senescence and cancer development.
  • The ataxia-telangiectasia mutated (ATM) gene is crucial for managing DNA double-strand break responses.
  • ATM exhibits both nuclear and cytoplasmic functions within cells.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the role of ATM in telomere metabolism.
  • To explore how ATM and telomeres regulate cellular responses to DNA damage.

Main Methods:

  • Comparative genomics analysis of ATM homologs in yeast (TEL1, MEC1, rad3).
  • Investigation of ATM's function in telomere maintenance in mammalian cells.
  • Literature review focusing on ATM's nuclear and cytoplasmic roles in DNA damage response.

Main Results:

  • Mutations in the ATM gene lead to impaired telomere maintenance in mammalian cells.
  • ATM plays a significant role in regulating telomere stability.
  • ATM and telomeres act as key controllers in cellular DNA damage response pathways.

Conclusions:

  • ATM is essential for proper telomere maintenance.
  • Dysfunctional ATM and telomeres can contribute to senescence and cancer predisposition.
  • Understanding ATM's role in telomere metabolism is vital for comprehending DNA damage responses.

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