TRF2 recruits nucleolar protein TCOF1 to coordinate telomere transcription and replication

Cell Death Differ. 2021 Mar;28(3):1062-1075. doi: 10.1038/s41418-020-00637-3. Epub 2020 Oct 20.

Abstract

Telomeres are transcribed into telomeric RNA termed as TERRA. However, the transcription itself and excessive TERRA may interfere with telomere replication during S phase. The mechanism that coordinates telomere transcription and replication is unknown. Here, we report that TCOF1 leaves the nucleolus and is recruited to telomeres specifically during S phase by interacting with TRF2. Therein, TCOF1 acts to suppress telomere transcription by binding and inhibiting Pol II. Thus, TERRA is limited to low levels in S phase. Depletion of TCOF1 leads to abnormally elevated TERRA and formation of DNA/RNA hybrids (R-loops) at telomeres, which induces replication fork stalling and fragile telomeres. Importantly, telomere replication defect induced by TCOF1 deficiency can be rescued by either masking TERRA or expressing an R-loop eraser RNase H1, demonstrating a critical role of TCOF1 in coordinating telomere transcription and replication. These findings link nucleolus to telomeres and uncover a novel function of TCOF1 on ensuring telomere integrity.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Cell Line
  • DNA Damage
  • DNA Replication
  • DNA-Binding Proteins / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Nuclear Proteins / genetics*
  • Phosphoproteins / genetics*
  • Ribonuclease H / metabolism*
  • Telomere / chemistry
  • Telomere / metabolism*
  • Telomeric Repeat Binding Protein 2 / genetics*
  • Transcription Factors / metabolism

Substances

  • DMRT2 protein, human
  • DNA-Binding Proteins
  • Nuclear Proteins
  • Phosphoproteins
  • TCOF1 protein, human
  • TERF2 protein, human
  • Telomeric Repeat Binding Protein 2
  • Transcription Factors
  • Ribonuclease H
  • ribonuclease HI