Telomere Structure and Its Role in DNA Damage and Genetic Disorders

Document Type : Review Article

Authors

1 Assistant Professor, Pediatric Inherited Diseases Research Center AND Department of Genetics and Molecular Biology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran

2 MSc Student, Department of Genetics and Molecular Biology, School of Medicine AND Student Research Committee, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran

Abstract

Telomeres are special structures at the ends of chromosomes, especially in eukaryotes, that include repetitive sequences of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and non-nucleosomal proteins. These structures are essential to protect chromosomes from recombination and degradation. Telomeres are gene-poor repetitive sequences, but they are close to the more gene-rich subtelomeric regions. Proteins associated with telomeres are able to interact directly with the TTAGGG repeats and also can bind to other factors to form large protein complexes. These proteins are involved in DNA repair and telomere stability. Therefore, defects in the synthesis of these proteins could induce imperfections in telomere maintenance and DNA repair; and accordingly, should cause a number of genetic syndromes. Keywords: Telomere, DNA damage, Genetic diseases
Journal of Isfahan Medical School
Volume 30, Issue 210 - Serial Number 210
September and October 2012
Pages 1730-1744

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History

  • Receive Date: 07 August 2012
  • Revise Date: 28 April 2024
  • Accept Date: 06 April 2022

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