Shelterin and the replisome: at the intersection of telomere repair and replication

Abstract

Telomeres are G-rich repetitive sequences that are difficult to replicate, resulting in increased replication stress that can threaten genome stability. Shelterin protects telomeres from engaging in aberrant DNA repair and dictates the choice of DNA repair pathway at dysfunctional telomeres. Recently, shelterin has been shown to participate in telomere replication. Here we review the most recent discoveries documenting the mechanisms by which shelterin represses DNA repair pathways at telomeres while assisting its replication. The interplay between shelterin and the replisome complex highlights a novel connection between telomere maintenance and repair.