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Telomeres and Telomerase

Telomeres and Telomerase

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...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Sep 3, 2025

Semi-quantitative Detection of RNA-dependent RNA Polymerase Activity of Human Telomerase Reverse Transcriptase Protein

Semi-quantitative Detection of RNA-dependent RNA Polymerase Activity of Human Telomerase Reverse Transcriptase Protein

Published on: June 12, 2018

How Structural Features Define Biogenesis and Function of Human Telomerase RNA Primary Transcript.

Maria Rubtsova^1,2, Olga Dontsova^1,2,3

¹Department of Chemistry, A.N. Belozersky Institute of Physico Chemical Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, 119991 Moscow, Russia.

|July 27, 2022

Summary

Human telomerase RNA (hTR) has dual roles: maintaining telomere length and potentially acting as mRNA. Further research into hTR biogenesis could unlock new ways to control cellular processes and aging.

Keywords:

RNA biogenesis RNA processing alternative function hTERP localization telomerase RNA transport

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Last Updated: Sep 3, 2025

Semi-quantitative Detection of RNA-dependent RNA Polymerase Activity of Human Telomerase Reverse Transcriptase Protein

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Published on: June 12, 2018

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Generation of Cancer Cell Clones to Visualize Telomeric Repeat-containing RNA TERRA Expressed from a Single Telomere in Living Cells

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Published on: January 17, 2019

Area of Science:

Molecular Biology
Genetics
Cell Biology

Background:

Telomerase RNA (TR) is a crucial component of the telomerase enzyme, essential for maintaining telomere length in eukaryotic cells.
TR's known functions include serving as a template for telomeric repeat synthesis and acting as a structural scaffold for telomerase.
Emerging evidence suggests TR possesses functions beyond telomerase activity, including roles in biogenesis and turnover.

Purpose of the Study:

To review the specific features of human telomerase RNA (hTR) biogenesis and structure.
To explore the potential of an hTR isoform functioning as messenger RNA (mRNA).
To highlight how understanding hTR biogenesis can inform cellular homeostasis and aging mechanisms.

Main Methods:

Literature review focusing on telomerase RNA biogenesis and structure.
Analysis of existing data on telomerase RNA functions.
Exploration of the implications of hTR's potential mRNA-like isoform.

Main Results:

Human telomerase RNA (hTR) has a primary transcript that encodes the hTERP protein.
hTERP protein exhibits regulatory functions in autophagy, cellular proliferation, and metabolism.
Structural and biogenesis data suggest an hTR isoform capable of functioning as an mRNA.

Conclusions:

Human telomerase RNA (hTR) possesses functions beyond its role in telomere maintenance.
Investigating hTR biogenesis mechanisms offers potential for manipulating cellular homeostasis and survival.
Further study of hTR may deepen our understanding of aging processes.