Determination of Telomeric Protein Interaction Binding Sites Between Amino Acids 58-268 of TRF1 and 224-276 of TIN2 and Between Amino Acids 42-245 of TRF2 and 203-361 of TIN2

Abstract

Telomerase: • A ribonucleoprotein complex, with RNA and protein components, in all eukaryotes • Required for lengthening the ends of telomeric DNA by reverse transcriptase Without Telomerase: • Unable to lengthen chromosomes, DNA shortens with each replication • Results in the loss of genetic information and greater susceptibility to mutation Unknown: • The exact amino acid interactions of the telomeric proteins • The nature of the interaction between certain telomeric proteins The Study will: • Examine the relations of three telomeric proteins, TRF1, TRF2, and TIN2 • Attempt to form complexes with protein fragments of decreasing size (Figure 1) • Examine the interaction between TRF1 and TRF2 • Lead to greater understanding concerning telomeric protein binding