Review on Human Telomere-binding Proteins of CST Components

As an important structure contributing to linear chromosome end protection, telomere which is composed of telomeric DNA and a suite of telomere-binding proteins (TBPs) is involved in senescence, apoptosis and immortalization of cells. Telomere-binding proteins play pivotal roles in telomere silencing, telomere end protection and telomere length regulation. Previous studies have demonstrated that there are two major distinct telomere-binding complexes, CST components (Cdc13, Stn1 and Ten1) in yeast and shelterin components (TRF1, TRF2, TIN2, Rap1, TPP1 and POT1) in vertebrates. However, recent data have showed that CST-like components also exist in a wide range of higher eukaryotes. This review has summarized the research advances of construction and function of CST components in diverse eukaryotes in recent years to reveal its potential applications in tumor treatments and preventions.