TELOMERE STRUCTURE, REPLICATION AND LENGTH MAINTENANCE

Telomeres are the termini of linear eukaryotic chromosomes consisting of tandem repeats of DNA and proteins that bind to these repeat sequen ces. Telomeres ensure the complete replication of chromosome ends, imp art protection to ends from nucleolytic degradation, end-to-end fusion , and guide the localization of chromosomes within the nucleus. In add ition, a combination of genetic, biochemical, and molecular biological approaches have implicated key roles for telomeres in diverse cellula r processes such as regulation of gene expression, cell division, cell senescence, and cancer. This review focuses on recent advances in our understanding of the organization of telomeres, telomere replication, proteins that bind telomeric DNA, and the establishment of telomere l ength equilibrium.