POT1b protects telomeres from end-to-end chromosomal fusions and aberrant homologous recombination.
POT1 (protection of telomere 1) is a highly conserved single-stranded telomeric binding protein that is essential for telomere end protection. Here, we report the cloning and characterization of a second member of the mouse POT family. POT1b binds telomeric DNA via conserved DNA binding oligonucleotide/oligosaccharide (OB) folds. Compared to POT1a, POT1b OB-folds possess less sequence specificity for telomeres. In contrast to POT1a, truncated POT1b possessing only the OB-folds can efficiently localize to telomeres in vivo. Overexpression of a mutant Pot1b allele that cannot bind telomeric DNA initiated a DNA damage response at telomeres that led to p53-dependent senescence. Furthermore, a reduction of the 3' G-rich overhang, increased chromosomal fusions and elevated homologous recombination (HR) were observed at telomeres. shRNA mediated depletion of endogenous Pot1b in Pot1a deficient cells resulted in increased chromosomal aberrations. Our results indicate that POT1b plays important protective functions at telomeres and that proper maintenance of chromosomal stability requires both POT proteins.
He
Hua
H
Department of Molecular Genetics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
Multani
Asha S
AS
Cosme-Blanco
Wilfredo
W
Tahara
Hidetoshi
H
Ma
Jin
J
Pathak
Sen
S
Deng
Yibin
Y
Chang
Sandy
S
D000595:Amino Acid Sequence / Q000235:genetics; D000818:Animals; D002460:Cell Line; D016922:Cellular Senescence / Q000502:physiology; D002869:Chromosome Aberrations; D004268:DNA-Binding Proteins / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D051379:Mice; D009154:Mutation; D011995:Recombination, Genetic; D017384:Sequence Deletion; D000089804:Shelterin Complex; D016615:Telomere / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D034501:Telomere-Binding Proteins; D016159:Tumor Suppressor Protein p53 / Q000378:metabolism
D004268:DNA-Binding Proteins; C507326:POT1 protein, mouse; C512707:POT1b protein, mouse; D000089804:Shelterin Complex; D034501:Telomere-Binding Proteins; D016159:Tumor Suppressor Protein p53