Human RPA helps telomerase keep chromosome ends stable

RPA is a critical factor that enhances telomerase processivity and is essential for telomere maintenance.

• RPA stimulates telomerase processivity in laboratory conditions.
• Modeling suggests RPA interacts with a different part of telomerase than the shelterin subunit TPP1.
• Mutations in telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) that disrupt RPA's stimulation lead to impaired telomere elongation.
• Short-telomere disease-associated TERT mutations are linked to reduced RPA-dependent telomerase stimulation.
• These findings indicate a connection between reduced telomerase processivity and telomere-related diseases.

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