Single-molecule analysis of human telomerase monomer

Nat Chem Biol. 2008 May;4(5):287-9. doi: 10.1038/nchembio.82.

Abstract

Human telomerase is a ribonucleoprotein that is minimally comprised of protein (hTERT) and RNA (hTR) components. We have applied single-molecule fluorescence two-color coincidence detection to characterize complex formation between fluorophore-labeled components in solution. By systematic labeling and in vitro assembly of hTERT, hTR and telomerase's DNA substrate, we have established that catalytically functional human telomerase comprises a stable hTERT:hTR:substrate interaction in a 1:1:1 absolute stoichiometry.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Catalysis
  • Fluorescence
  • Humans
  • Substrate Specificity
  • Telomerase / chemistry*
  • Telomerase / metabolism

Substances

  • TERT protein, human
  • Telomerase