Dysregulated R-loops can cause stalled replication forks and telomere instability. However, how R-loops are recognized and regulated, is still not well understood, particularly at telomeres. In this study, researchers used proximity-dependent biotin identification (BioID) technology to identify the ILF3 interactome and discovered that ILF3 interacts with several DNA/RNA helicases, including DHX9. This interaction suggests that ILF3 may facilitate the resolution of telomeric R-loops, thereby preventing abnormal homologous recombination and maintaining telomere homeostasis.
Key findings from the study include:
These results support that ILF3 interacts with telomeric RNA:DNA hybrid structures such as R-loops and promotes the resolution or inhibits excessive accumulation of R-loops through the RNA helicase DHX9. This research provides new insights into the regulation of telomeric R-loops and the mechanisms that maintain telomere homeostasis, with implications for aging biology. The work entitled “ ILF3 safeguards telomeres from aberrant homologous recombination as a telomeric R-loop reader ” was published on Protein & Cell (published on Nov. 22, 2023).
Protein & Cell
Experimental study
Not applicable
ILF3 safeguards telomeres from aberrant homologous recombination as a telomeric R-loop reader
22-Nov-2023