Abstract

Most eukaryotes stabilize the ends of their linear chromosomes with a telomerase-based system. Telomerase maintains specific repetitive sequences, which protect chromosome ends with the help of telomere-binding proteins. How did this elaborate system evolve? Here, I propose that telomere function was originally mediated by t-loops, which could have been generated by prokaryotic DNA-replication factors. These early telomeres would have required only the presence of a few repeats at chromosome ends. Telomerase could have been a later innovation with specific advantages for telomere function and regulation.

Author affiliations

1. Titia de Lange is at the Laboratory for Cell Biology and Genetics, Box 159, The Rockefeller University, 1230 York Avenue, New York, New York 10021, USA.
   Email: delange@rockefeller.edu

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