Telomeres, essential for maintaining genomic stability, are typically preserved through the action of telomerase, a ribonucleoprotein complex that synthesizes telomeric DNA. One of its two core components, telomerase RNA (TR), serves as the template for this synthesis, and its evolution across different species is both complex and diverse. This review discusses recent advancements in understanding TR evolution, with a focus on plants (Viridiplantae). Utilizing novel bioinformatic tools and accumulating genomic and transcriptomic data, combined with corresponding experimental validation, researchers have begun to unravel the intricate pathways of TR evolution and telomere maintenance mechanisms. Contrary to previous beliefs, a monophyletic origin of TR has been demonstrated first in land plants and subsequently across the broader phylogenetic megagroup Diaphoretickes. Conversely, the discovery of plant-type TRs in insects challenges assumptions about the monophyletic origin of TRs in animals, suggesting evolutionary innovations coinciding with arthropod divergence. The review also highlights key challenges in TR identification and provides examples of how these have been addressed. Overall, this work underscores the importance of expanding beyond model organisms to comprehend the full complexity of telomerase evolution, with potential applications in agriculture and biotechnology.
-
Cover Image
Cover Image
The cover of this issue of Biochemical Journal demonstrates the in vivo interaction of Rho and DNA. Super-resolution microscope images of E. coli MG1655 δrho strain carrying plasmid pRS2264 expressing mCherry–Rho at exponential growth phase show red signals of mCherry–Rho at the poles and along the membrane. The blue signal is the chromosomal DNA stained with DAPI. The stationary phase is also shown with super-resolution microscope images of mCherry–Rho and the DAPI-stained chromosomal DNA. White scale line indicates 1µm for all panels. Read more from Sen and colleagues in, 'DNA binding of RNA helicase bacterial transcription terminator' at: https://doi.org/10.1042/BCJ20240452
Telomerase RNA evolution: a journey from plant telomeres to broader eukaryotic diversity
Petr Fajkus, Jiří Fajkus; Telomerase RNA evolution: a journey from plant telomeres to broader eukaryotic diversity. Biochem J 5 February 2025; 482 (03): 167–177. doi: https://doi.org/10.1042/BCJ20240501
Download citation file:
Sign in
Sign in to your personal account
Biochemical Society Member Sign in
Sign InSign in via your Institution
Sign in via your InstitutionGet Access To This Article
Cited By
Follow us on Twitter @Biochem_Journal
Open Access for all
We offer compliant routes for all authors from 2025. With library support, there will be no author nor reader charges in 5 journals. Check here |
![]() View past webinars > |