Telomerase RNA Component (hTR)

The Telomerase RNA component (hTR) is a non-coding RNA essential for telomere maintenance. It serves as a template for the addition of telomere repeats to chromosome ends by telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT). hTR also has proposed regulatory functions independent of TERT, including regulating transcription and stimulating inflammatory pathways. Mutations or dysregulation of hTR can lead to diseases associated with defective telomere maintenance such as dyskeratosis congenita. Antisense inhibition or mutation of hTR leads to loss of telomeres and eventual cell death after several divisions—a mechanism relevant both for aging research and cancer therapy development.

Other names

TRTERTERC

Antisense inhibition or mutation of hTR leads to loss of telomeres and eventual cell death.