Telomere-binding factors in the regulation of DNA replication

Recent studies have indicated new roles for telomere-binding factors in the regulation of DNA replication, not only at the telomeres but also at the arm regions of the chromosome. Among these factors, Rif1, a conserved protein originally identified in yeasts as a telomere regulator, plays a major role in the spatiotemporal regulation of DNA replication during S phase. Its ability to interact with phosphatases and to create specific higher-order chromatin structures is central to the mechanism by which Rif1 exerts this function. In this review, we discuss recent progress in elucidating the roles of Rif1 and other telomere-binding factors in the regulation of chromosome events occurring at locations other than telomeres.