CST in maintaining genome stability: Beyond telomeres

DNA Repair (Amst). 2021 Jun:102:103104. doi: 10.1016/j.dnarep.2021.103104. Epub 2021 Mar 22.

Abstract

The human CST (CTC1-STN1-TEN1) complex is an RPA-like single-stranded DNA binding protein complex. While its telomeric functions have been well investigated, numerous studies have revealed that hCST also plays important roles in maintaining genome stability beyond telomeres. Here, we review and discuss recent discoveries on CST in various global genome maintenance pathways, including findings on the CST supercomplex structure, its functions in unperturbed DNA replication, stalled replication, double-strand break repair, and the ATR-CHK1 activation pathway. By summarizing these recent discoveries, we hope to offer new insights into genome maintenance mechanisms and the pathogenesis of CST mutation-associated diseases.

Keywords: CTC1-STN1-TEN1; DNA replication; DSB repair; Fork stalling; Genome stability; Replication stress.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Ataxia Telangiectasia Mutated Proteins / metabolism
  • Checkpoint Kinase 1 / metabolism
  • DNA / metabolism
  • DNA Breaks, Double-Stranded
  • DNA Repair
  • DNA Replication
  • Genomic Instability*
  • Humans
  • Signal Transduction
  • Telomere-Binding Proteins / metabolism*

Substances

  • Ctc1 protein, human
  • Stn1 protein, human
  • Telomere-Binding Proteins
  • Ten1 protein, human
  • DNA
  • ATR protein, human
  • Ataxia Telangiectasia Mutated Proteins
  • CHEK1 protein, human
  • Checkpoint Kinase 1