Telomerase-associated protein 1 (TEP1)

Telomerase-associated protein 1 (TEP1) is a mammalian protein homologous to the Tetrahymena p80 telomerase component and is associated with the telomerase ribonucleoprotein complex[1][5]. TEP1 interacts with the telomerase RNA component and telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT), but genetic knockout studies in mice show that TEP1 is not essential for telomerase activity or telomere length maintenance in vivo[1]. Beyond its association with telomerase, TEP1 is a structural component of the cytoplasmic vault particle, a large ribonucleoprotein of yet unclear function linked to intracellular transport or signaling. TEP1 binds RNA in both complexes, suggesting a general role in ribonucleoprotein assembly or localization[1]. There are no well-established drugs targeting TEP1, nor is it considered a classical drug target, biomarker, or therapeutic safety concern at this time.

Other names

Telomerase protein component 1TLP1TP1VAULT2p240TROVE1p80 telomerase homologTROVE domain family member 1