Regulation of human telomerase RNA biogenesis and localization

Maintenance of telomeres is essential for genome integrity and replicative capacity in eukaryotic cells. Telomerase, the ribonucleoprotein complex that catalyses telomere synthesis is minimally composed of a reverse transcriptase and an RNA component. The sequence and structural domains of human telomerase RNA (hTR) have been extensively characterized, while the regulation of hTR transcription, maturation, and localization, is not fully understood. Here, we provide an up-to-date review of hTR, with an emphasis on current breakthroughs uncovering the mechanisms of hTR maturation and localization.

Automated summary

Telomere maintenance is crucial for genome integrity and replicative capacity in eukaryotic cells. Telomerase, composed of a reverse transcriptase and an RNA component, catalyzes telomere synthesis. While the sequence and structural domains of human telomerase RNA (hTR) have been extensively characterized, the regulation of hTR transcription, maturation, and localization remains not fully understood. This review focuses on recent breakthroughs in uncovering the mechanisms of hTR maturation and localization.