Page last updated: 2024-10-24

telomere capping

Definition

Target type: biologicalprocess

A process in which telomeres are protected from degradation and fusion, thereby ensuring chromosome stability by protecting the ends from both degradation and from being recognized as damaged DNA. May be mediated by specific single- or double-stranded telomeric DNA binding proteins. [GOC:mah, GOC:rn, PMID:11349150, PMID:11352055]

Telomere capping is a crucial biological process that protects the ends of chromosomes from degradation and fusion, preventing genomic instability and cell death. Telomeres are specialized DNA-protein structures located at the ends of eukaryotic chromosomes. They consist of repetitive DNA sequences, typically TTAGGG in humans, and associated proteins.

During DNA replication, the lagging strand cannot be completely copied, resulting in a shortening of the chromosome ends with each round of replication. Telomeres act as buffers, sacrificing themselves to prevent the loss of essential genetic information. However, if telomeres become too short, they can trigger cellular senescence or apoptosis.

Telomere capping involves a multi-step process that ensures the proper protection and function of telomeres:

1. **Shelterin Complex Formation:** The shelterin complex, a group of six proteins, binds to the telomeric DNA and forms a protective cap. These proteins include TRF1, TRF2, POT1, TPP1, TIN2, and RAP1.

2. **T-loop Formation:** TRF1 and TRF2 proteins bind to the double-stranded telomeric DNA, while POT1 binds to the single-stranded overhang. The interaction between these proteins facilitates the formation of a t-loop, where the single-stranded overhang invades the double-stranded telomeric DNA, forming a loop structure.

3. **Protection from Nucleases and Exonucleases:** The shelterin complex prevents the recognition of telomeres by DNA repair machinery, which could otherwise trigger degradation or fusion of the chromosome ends.

4. **Regulation of Telomere Length:** The shelterin complex also plays a role in regulating telomere length. TRF1 acts as a negative regulator, preventing excessive telomere elongation, while other proteins contribute to telomere maintenance.

5. **Telomerase Activity:** Telomerase, a specialized reverse transcriptase, adds telomeric repeats to the chromosome ends, counteracting the shortening that occurs during DNA replication. This enzyme is active in germ cells and some stem cells but is typically inactive in somatic cells.

6. **Signaling Pathways:** Telomere length and capping status can influence signaling pathways involved in cell cycle regulation, apoptosis, and aging. When telomeres become critically short, they can trigger cellular senescence or apoptosis, preventing the accumulation of cells with damaged DNA.

Telomere capping is essential for maintaining genomic stability and ensuring the proper functioning of chromosomes. Dysregulation of telomere capping can contribute to various diseases, including cancer, premature aging, and developmental disorders. Understanding the complex mechanisms of telomere capping provides insights into the intricate processes of DNA replication, repair, and cell aging.'
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Proteins (2)

ProteinDefinitionTaxonomy
Protection of telomeres protein 1A protection of telomeres protein 1 that is encoded in the genome of human. [PRO:CNx, Reactome:R-HSA-174890]Homo sapiens (human)
DNA-dependent protein kinase catalytic subunitA DNA-dependent protein kinase catalytic subunit that is encoded in the genome of human. [PRO:DNx, UniProtKB:P78527]Homo sapiens (human)

Compounds (47)

CompoundDefinitionClassesRoles
vanillinVanilla: A plant genus of the family ORCHIDACEAE that is the source of the familiar flavoring used in foods and medicines (FLAVORING AGENTS).benzaldehydes;
monomethoxybenzene;
phenols
anti-inflammatory agent;
anticonvulsant;
antioxidant;
flavouring agent;
plant metabolite
caffeinepurine alkaloid;
trimethylxanthine
adenosine A2A receptor antagonist;
adenosine receptor antagonist;
adjuvant;
central nervous system stimulant;
diuretic;
EC 2.7.11.1 (non-specific serine/threonine protein kinase) inhibitor;
EC 3.1.4.* (phosphoric diester hydrolase) inhibitor;
environmental contaminant;
food additive;
fungal metabolite;
geroprotector;
human blood serum metabolite;
mouse metabolite;
mutagen;
plant metabolite;
psychotropic drug;
ryanodine receptor agonist;
xenobiotic
cgs 159439-chloro-2-(2-furyl)-(1,2,4)triazolo(1,5-c)quinazolin-5-imine: non-xanthine triazoloquinazoline adenosine antagonist

CGS 15943 : A member of the class of triazoloquinazolines that is [1,2,4]triazolo[1,5-c]quinazoline substited at positions 2, 5 and 9 by furan-2-yl, amino and chloro groups respectively. A potent antagonist at adenosine A1 and adenosine A2A receptors.
aromatic amine;
biaryl;
furans;
organochlorine compound;
primary amino compound;
quinazolines;
triazoloquinazoline
adenosine A1 receptor antagonist;
adenosine A2A receptor antagonist;
antineoplastic agent;
central nervous system stimulant
2-(4-morpholinyl)-8-phenyl-4h-1-benzopyran-4-one2-(4-morpholinyl)-8-phenyl-4H-1-benzopyran-4-one: specific inhibitor of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase; structure in first sourcechromones;
morpholines;
organochlorine compound
autophagy inhibitor;
EC 2.7.1.137 (phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase) inhibitor;
geroprotector
suraminsuramin : A member of the class of phenylureas that is urea in which each of the amino groups has been substituted by a 3-({2-methyl-5-[(4,6,8-trisulfo-1-naphthyl)carbamoyl]phenyl}carbamoyl)phenyl group. An activator of both the rabbit skeletal muscle RyR1 and sheep cardiac RyR2 isoform ryanodine receptor channels, it has been used for the treatment of human African trypanosomiasis for over 100 years.

Suramin: A polyanionic compound with an unknown mechanism of action. It is used parenterally in the treatment of African trypanosomiasis and it has been used clinically with diethylcarbamazine to kill the adult Onchocerca. (From AMA Drug Evaluations Annual, 1992, p1643) It has also been shown to have potent antineoplastic properties.
naphthalenesulfonic acid;
phenylureas;
secondary carboxamide
angiogenesis inhibitor;
antinematodal drug;
antineoplastic agent;
apoptosis inhibitor;
EC 2.7.11.13 (protein kinase C) inhibitor;
GABA antagonist;
GABA-gated chloride channel antagonist;
purinergic receptor P2 antagonist;
ryanodine receptor agonist;
trypanocidal drug
trifluoperazineN-alkylpiperazine;
N-methylpiperazine;
organofluorine compound;
phenothiazines
antiemetic;
calmodulin antagonist;
dopaminergic antagonist;
EC 1.8.1.12 (trypanothione-disulfide reductase) inhibitor;
EC 5.3.3.5 (cholestenol Delta-isomerase) inhibitor;
phenothiazine antipsychotic drug
flavoneflavone : The simplest member of the class of flavones that consists of 4H-chromen-4-one bearing a phenyl substituent at position 2.

flavone: RN given refers to unlabeled cpd; structure given in first source
flavonesmetabolite;
nematicide
alpha-naphthoflavonealpha-naphthoflavone : An extended flavonoid resulting from the formal fusion of a benzene ring with the h side of flavone. A synthetic compound, it is an inhibitor of aromatase (EC 1.14.14.14).

alpha-naphthoflavone: inhibits P4501A1 and P4501A2; stimulates some activities of P4503A4
extended flavonoid;
naphtho-gamma-pyrone;
organic heterotricyclic compound
aryl hydrocarbon receptor agonist;
aryl hydrocarbon receptor antagonist;
EC 1.14.14.14 (aromatase) inhibitor
4,5-dimethoxy-2-nitrobenzaldehydearomatic ether;
C-nitro compound
schizandrin bschizandrin B: a phytogenic antineoplastic agent with anti-inflammatory activity; isolated from Schisandra plant
gefitinibaromatic ether;
monochlorobenzenes;
monofluorobenzenes;
morpholines;
quinazolines;
secondary amino compound;
tertiary amino compound
antineoplastic agent;
epidermal growth factor receptor antagonist
2-(4-morpholinyl)-4h-1-benzopyran-4-one2-(4-morpholinyl)-4H-1-benzopyran-4-one: an aminochromone; exhibits both antiproliferative and antichemotactic activity in vitro
sorafenib(trifluoromethyl)benzenes;
aromatic ether;
monochlorobenzenes;
phenylureas;
pyridinecarboxamide
angiogenesis inhibitor;
anticoronaviral agent;
antineoplastic agent;
EC 2.7.11.1 (non-specific serine/threonine protein kinase) inhibitor;
ferroptosis inducer;
tyrosine kinase inhibitor
wortmanninacetate ester;
cyclic ketone;
delta-lactone;
organic heteropentacyclic compound
anticoronaviral agent;
antineoplastic agent;
autophagy inhibitor;
EC 2.7.1.137 (phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase) inhibitor;
geroprotector;
Penicillium metabolite;
radiosensitizing agent
dasatinibdasatinib (anhydrous) : An aminopyrimidine that is 2-methylpyrimidine which is substituted at position 4 by the primary amino group of 2-amino-1,3-thiazole-5-carboxylic acid and at position 6 by a 4-(2-hydroxyethyl)piperazin-1-yl group, and in which the carboxylic acid group has been formally condensed with 2-chloro-6-methylaniline to afford the corresponding amide. A multi-targeted kinase inhibitor, it is used, particularly as the monohydrate, for the treatment of chronic, accelerated, or myeloid or lymphoid blast phase chronic myeloid leukemia. Note that the name 'dasatinib' is used to refer to the monohydrate (USAN) as well as to anhydrous dasatinib (INN).

N-(2-chloro-6-methylphenyl)-2-((6-(4-(2-hydroxyethyl)piperazin-1-yl)-2-methylpyrimidin-4-yl)amino)-1,3-thiazole-5-carboxamide: a dasatinib prodrug; structure in first source
1,3-thiazoles;
aminopyrimidine;
monocarboxylic acid amide;
N-(2-hydroxyethyl)piperazine;
N-arylpiperazine;
organochlorine compound;
secondary amino compound;
tertiary amino compound
anticoronaviral agent;
antineoplastic agent;
tyrosine kinase inhibitor
uccf-029organic heterotricyclic compound;
organooxygen compound
ku 559332-morpholin-4-yl-6-thianthren-1-yl-pyran-4-one: specific inhibitor of the ataxia-telangiectasia mutated kinase ATM; structure in first source
su 11248monocarboxylic acid amide;
pyrroles
angiogenesis inhibitor;
antineoplastic agent;
EC 2.7.10.1 (receptor protein-tyrosine kinase) inhibitor;
immunomodulator;
neuroprotective agent;
vascular endothelial growth factor receptor antagonist
tanespimycinCP 127374: analog of herbimycin A1,4-benzoquinones;
ansamycin;
carbamate ester;
organic heterobicyclic compound;
secondary amino compound
antineoplastic agent;
apoptosis inducer;
Hsp90 inhibitor
braco-19BRACO-19: structure in first sourceacridines;
N-alkylpyrrolidine
ic 866211-(2-hydroxy-4-morpholin-4-ylphenyl)ethanone: a DNA-dependent protein kinase inhibitoraromatic ketone
nu 70262-(morpholin-4-yl)benzo(h)chromen-4-one: a radiosensitizing agent that inhibits DNA-dependent protein kinase; structure in first sourceorganic heterotricyclic compound;
organooxygen compound
pi103PI103: pyridofuropyrimidine antineoplastic; a potent inhibitor of class I phosphatidylinositide 3-kinases (PI3K); structure in first sorucearomatic amine;
morpholines;
organic heterotricyclic compound;
phenols;
tertiary amino compound
antineoplastic agent;
EC 2.7.1.137 (phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase) inhibitor;
mTOR inhibitor
nu 74418-dibenzothiophen-4-yl-2-morpholin-4-yl-chromen-4-one: structure in first sourcedibenzothiophenes
idelalisibidelalisib : A member of the class of quinazolines that is 5-fluoro-3-phenylquinazolin-4-one in which the hydrogen at position 2 is replaced by a (1S)-1-(3H-purin-6-ylamino)propyl group. used for for the treatment of refractory indolent non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and relapsed chronic lymphocytic leukemia.

idelalisib: an antineoplastic agent and p110delta inhibitor; structure in first source
aromatic amine;
organofluorine compound;
purines;
quinazolines;
secondary amino compound
antineoplastic agent;
apoptosis inducer;
EC 2.7.1.137 (phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase) inhibitor
ku-0060648dibenzothiophenes
ku 60019
buparlisibNVP-BKM120: a pan class I PI3 kinase inhibitor with antineoplastic activity; structure in first sourceaminopyridine;
aminopyrimidine;
morpholines;
organofluorine compound
antineoplastic agent;
EC 2.7.1.137 (phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase) inhibitor
ku 0063794Ku 0063794: an mTOR inhibitor; structure in first sourcebenzyl alcohols;
monomethoxybenzene;
morpholines;
pyridopyrimidine;
tertiary amino compound
antineoplastic agent;
mTOR inhibitor
gdc 0941pictrelisib : A sulfonamide composed of indazole, morpholine, and methylsulfonyl-substituted piperazine rings bound to a thienopyrimidine ring.indazoles;
morpholines;
piperazines;
sulfonamide;
thienopyrimidine
EC 2.7.1.137 (phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase) inhibitor
PP121aromatic amine;
cyclopentanes;
pyrazolopyrimidine;
pyrrolopyridine
antineoplastic agent;
EC 2.7.1.137 (phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase) inhibitor;
tyrosine kinase inhibitor
gdc 0980
pki 587gedatolisib: inhibits both phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase and mTOR; structure in first source
cp 466722quinazolines
(3R)-4-[2-(1H-indol-4-yl)-6-(1-methylsulfonylcyclopropyl)-4-pyrimidinyl]-3-methylmorpholineindoles
torin 1torin 1 : A member of the class of pyridoquinolines that is 9-(quinolin-3-yl)benzo[h][1,6]naphthyridin-2-one bearing an additional 4-(4-propionylpiperazin-1-yl)-3-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl substituent at position 1. It is a potent inhibitor of mTOR and exhibits anti-cancer properties.N-acylpiperazine;
N-arylpiperazine;
organofluorine compound;
pyridoquinoline;
quinolines
antineoplastic agent;
mTOR inhibitor
ve 8213-amino-6-(4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl)-N-phenylpyrazine-2-carboxamide: an antineoplastic agent; structure in first sourcearomatic amide
gdc-0032
torin 2torin 2 : A member of the class of pyridoquinolines that is benzo[h][1,6]naphthyridin-2-one carrying additional 3-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl and 6-aminopyridin-3-yl substituents at positions 1 and 9 respectively. It is a potent inhibitor of mTOR and exhibits anti-cancer properties.aminopyridine;
organofluorine compound;
primary amino compound;
pyridoquinoline
antineoplastic agent;
mTOR inhibitor
cudc-907
sar245408
byl719proline derivative
cc-1151-ethyl-7-(2-methyl-6-(1H-1,2,4-triazol-3-yl)pyridin-3-yl)-3,4-dihydropyrazino(2,3-b)pyrazin-2(1H)-one: an mTOR kinase inhibitor; structure in first source
vx-970berzosertib: an ATR kinase inhibitorsulfonamide
etp-46464ETP-46464: inhibits ATM and Rad3-related kinase; structure in first source
isogranulatimideisogranulatimide: G2 checkpoint inhibitor; structure in first source
pp242torkinib : A member of the class of pyrazolopyrimidines that is 1H-pyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidine substituted by isopropyl, 5-hydroxyindol-2-yl and amino groups at positions 1, 3 and 4 respectively. It is a potent inhibitor of mTOR and exhibits anti-cancer properties.aromatic amine;
biaryl;
hydroxyindoles;
phenols;
primary amino compound;
pyrazolopyrimidine
antineoplastic agent;
mTOR inhibitor