Role of telomerase binding proteins:

Telomere-binding proteins are proteins that mediate telomere function by binding to them.

There are two types of telomere-binding proteins:

 single-strand DNA telomere binding proteins
 double-strand DNA telomere binding proteins.

Role of TBPs, e.g. TRF1 in the regulation of telomerase function:

 TRF1 is a double-stranded telomeric DNA binding protein.

 Inactivation of TRF1 disrupts telomeric localization of other shelterin components
and induces chromosomal instability.
 TRF1 regulates telomere length and function by at least two mechanisms; in one
TRF1 acts through the recruiting/tethering of other shelterin components to
telomeres, and in the other TRF1 seems to play a more direct role.

Can telomerase be used as an agent to extend cellular life span? Discuss the benefits and
pitfalls of this application.
Telomere Binding Protein
There are six telomere-associated proteins : TRF1, TRF2, POT1, RAP1, TIN2, TPP1 that will
form a complex known as the TELOSOME (shelterin complex) that is essential for telomere
function.

Fig. 1 Vertebrate shelterin complex. TRF1 and TRF2 directly bind to ds telomere DNA. Pot1
bind to ss G-strand DNA (G-tail). TPP1, Rap1 and POT1 are recruited to telomeres by protein–
protein interactions.