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Dynamics of telomere length variation in tetrahymena thermophila

Cell, ISSN: 0092-8674, Vol: 50, Issue: 3, Page: 477-483
1987
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Article Description

We have analyzed the mechanism and dynamics of telomere length variation in the macronucleus of Tetrahymena thermophila. In a newly differentiated macronucleus, the average length of the telomeric repeated sequence, (C 4 A 2 ·T 2 G 4 )n, is closely regulated. In contrast, in vegetatively dividing cells in log phase, all macronuclear: telomeric sequences lengthen coordinately by 3–10 bp per generation until up to 1000 bp are added. In both elongated and short telomeres, characteristic single-stranded breaks on both strands are distally located. Reduction of elongated telomeres to their original length involves either the appearance of a novel type of variant cell, incapable of net telomere elongation, or, under stationary phase conditions, a reversible removal of telomeric sequences. The demonstration that telomeres are dynamic structures provides evidence for a model of telomere length regulation by activities that add and remove telomeric repeats.

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