ELG1, a regulator of genome stability, has a role in telomere length regulation and in silencing.

Abstract

Telomeres, the natural ends of eukaryotic chromosomes, prevent the loss of chromosomal sequences and preclude their recognition as broken DNA. Telomere length is kept under strict boundaries by the action of various proteins, some with negative and others with positive effects on telomere length. Recently, data have been accumulating to support a role for DNA replication in the control of telomere length, although through a currently poorly understood mechanism. Elg1p, a replication factor C (RFC)-like protein of yeast, contributes to genome stability through a putative replication-associated function. Here, we show that Elg1p participates in negative control of telomere length and in telomeric silencing through a replication-mediated pathway. We show that the telomeric function of Elg1 is independent of recombination and completely dependent on an active telomerase. Additionally, this function depends on yKu and DNA polymerase. We discuss alternative models to explain how Elg1p affects telomere length.

• Authors: Sarit Smolikov, Yuval Mazor, Anat Krauskopf
• Journal: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America (Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A) Vol. 101 Issue 6 Pg. 1656-61 (Feb 10 2004) ISSN: 0027-8424 [Print] United States
• PMID: 14745004 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• Carrier Proteins
• DNA Primers
• Elg1 protein, S cerevisiae
• Saccharomyces cerevisiae Proteins

Topics

• Base Sequence
• Carrier Proteins (genetics, physiology)
• DNA Primers
• Gene Silencing
• Saccharomyces cerevisiae Proteins
• Telomere