Association of the telomere-telomere-binding protein complex of hypotrichous ciliates with the nuclear matrix and dissociation during replication

Telomeric interactions with the nuclear matrix have been described in a var iety of eukaryotic cells and seem to be essential for specific nuclear loca lization. Macronuclear DNA of hypotrichous ciliates occurs in small gene-si zed DNA molecules, each being terminated by telomeres, Each macronucleus co ntains over 10(8) individual DNA molecules. Owing to the high number of tel omeres present in this nucleus it provides an excellent model to study telo mere behaviour throughout the cell cycle. In this study we provide experime ntal evidence that the telomere-telomere-binding protein (TEBP) complex spe cifically interacts with components of the nuclear matrix in vivo. In the c ourse of replication the specific interaction of the TEBP with components o f the nuclear matrix is resolved and an attachment of the telomeres to the matrix no longer occurs.