| Shelterin subunits |
Function |
References |
| Telomeric repeat binding factor 1 (TRF1)- binds to the canonical TTAGGG double-stranded telomeric repeats |
Determines the structure of telomeric ends, it is implicated in the generation of t-loops, and it controls the synthesis of telomeric DNA by telomerase |
de Lange [20] |
| Telomeric repeat binding factor 2 (TRF2)- TRF1 paralog |
Implicated in telomere protection and telomere length homeostasis |
Takai et al. [21]; Artandi et al. [22]; Palm et al. [23] |
| TRF1-interacting nuclear protein 2 (TIN2)- can bridge TRF1 and TRF2/RAP1 complex and can also recruit the TPP1/POT1 heterodimer |
Responsible for the recruitment of other shelterins, therefore implicated in telomere protection |
Lei et al. [24] |
| Telomeric overhang binding protein 1 (POT1)- associates with the single-stranded TTAGGG repeats |
The telomere length maintenance is exerted through the interaction between POT1 and the reverse-transcriptase ribonucleoprotein telomerase |
Baumann et al. [25]; Loayza et al. [26] |
| TIN2 and POT1 interacting protein 1 (TPP1) |
Required for the recruitment of telomerase to the DNA |
van Steensel et al. [27] |
| Repressor-activator protein 1 (RAP1)- 1:1 complex with TRF2 |
In addition to its telomeric function, also implicated in the upregulation of energy metabolism as a modulator of the NF-κB signalling pathway |
de Lange [20]; Teo et al. [28] |
