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In eukaryotic cells, DNA replication is highly conserved and tightly regulated. Multiple linear chromosomes must be duplicated with high fidelity before cell division, so there are many proteins that fulfill specialized roles in the replication process. Replication occurs in three phases: initiation, elongation, and termination, and ends with two complete sets of chromosomes in the nucleus.
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In eukaryotic DNA replication, a single-stranded DNA fragment remains at the end of a chromosome after the removal of the final primer. This section of DNA cannot be replicated in the same manner as the rest of the strand because there is no 3’ end to which the newly synthesized DNA can attach. This non-replicated fragment results in gradual loss of the chromosomal DNA during each cell duplication. Additionally, it can induce a DNA damage response by enzymes that recognize single-stranded DNA.

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Imaging of mtHyPer7, a Ratiometric Biosensor for Mitochondrial Peroxide, in Living Yeast Cells

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Telomerase, mitochondria and oxidative stress.

Gabriele Saretzki¹

¹Crucible Laboratory, Institute for Ageing and Health, International Centre for Life, Bioscience Centre, Central Parkway, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom. gabriele.saretzki@ncl.ac.uk

Experimental Gerontology

|May 22, 2009

Summary

Telomerase, an enzyme crucial for cell survival, offers stress resistance beyond its known role in telomere maintenance. Recent findings show telomerase protects mitochondria, suggesting a new function in aging and cell longevity.

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

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

Published on: May 22, 2013

Area of Science:

Cellular Biology
Molecular Biology
Gerontology

Background:

Telomerase is vital for cellular proliferation, immortality in stem cells and cancer, primarily through telomere maintenance.
Emerging evidence suggests telomerase has critical roles in cell survival and stress resistance independent of telomere maintenance.
Telomerase exhibits dynamic subcellular localization, relocating under stress conditions.

Purpose of the Study:

To review the extra-telomeric functions of telomerase.
To discuss the significance of telomerase's mitochondrial localization.
To explore telomerase's role in cellular stress resistance and aging.

Main Methods:

Literature review of studies on telomerase localization and function.
Analysis of data linking telomerase exclusion from the nucleus to mitochondrial protection.
Discussion of proposed mechanisms for telomerase's non-canonical functions.

Main Results:

Telomerase translocates to mitochondria under oxidative stress.
Mitochondrial localization of telomerase correlates with reduced cellular oxidative stress.
Telomerase presence in mitochondria is associated with improved mitochondrial function.

Conclusions:

Telomerase possesses significant extra-telomeric functions, particularly in mitochondrial protection.
Mitochondrial localization of telomerase represents a novel mechanism for cellular stress resistance.
This non-canonical function of telomerase may play a crucial role in cellular aging and survival.