TPP1 is a component of the telomerase holoenzyme, involved in telomere replication. It has been demonstrated that TPP1 dimerises and binds to DNA and RNA. Furthermore, TPP1 stimulates the dissociation of RNA/DNA hetero-duplexes [1,2]. Yeast telomera ...
TPP1 is a component of the telomerase holoenzyme, involved in telomere replication. It has been demonstrated that TPP1 dimerises and binds to DNA and RNA. Furthermore, TPP1 stimulates the dissociation of RNA/DNA hetero-duplexes [1,2]. Yeast telomerase protein TPP1 (Est3 in yeast) is a novel type of GTPase [3]. The key residues in Swiss:Q03096 are an Asp at residue 86 and the Arg at residue 110. The Asp is totally conserved in the family, whereas the Arg is not so well conserved. The N-terminal of TPP1 is likely to be the binding surface for TINF2, whereas the C-terminus probably binds to POT1, thereby tethering POT1 to the shelterin complex [4]. The complex bound to telomeric DNA increases the activity and processivity of the human telomerase core enzyme, thus helping to maintain the length of the telomeres [5,6]. This domain is conserved from fungi to mammals, hence family Telomere_Pot1 has been merged into the family [7]. The human shelterin complex includes six proteins: telomere repeat binding factor 1 (TRF1), TRF2, repressor/activator protein 1 (RAP1), TRF1-interacting nuclear protein 2 (TIN2), TIN2-interacting protein 1 (TPP1) and protection of telomeres 1 (POT1) [8].