Abstract

The replication of the ends of linear chromosomes, or telomeres, poses unique problems, which must be solved to maintain genome integrity and to allow cell division to occur. Here, we describe and compare the timing and specific mechanisms that are required to initiate, control and coordinate synthesis of the leading and lagging strands at telomeres in yeasts, ciliates and mammals. Overall, it emerges that telomere replication relies on a strong synergy between the conventional replication machinery, telomere protection systems, DNA-damage-response pathways and chromosomal organization.

Author affiliations

1. Laboratoire de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, UMR5239, IFR 128, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, University Lyon 1, Faculty of Medicine Lyon-Sud, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Ecole Normale Supérieure de Lyon, 46 Allée d'Italie, 69364 Lyon Cedex 07, France.
   Email: eric.gilson@ens-lyon.fr
2. Laboratoire d'Instabilité Génétique et Cancérogenèse (IGC), Institut de Biologie Struturale et Microbiologie, CNRS, 31 chemin Joseph Aiguier, 13402 Marseille Cedex 20, France.
   Email: geli@ibsm.cnrs-mrs.fr

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