Cohesin SMC1β promotes closed chromatin and controls TERRA expression at spermatocyte telomeres.

ABSTRACT: Previous data showed that meiotic cohesin SMC1β protects spermatocyte telomeres from damage. The underlying reason, however, remained unknown as the expressions of telomerase and shelterin components were normal in Smc1β ^-/- spermatocytes. Here. we report that SMC1β restricts expression of the long noncoding RNA TERRA (telomeric repeat containing RNA) in spermatocytes. In somatic cell lines increased TERRA was reported to cause telomere damage through altering telomere chromatin structure. In Smc1β ^-/- spermatocytes, we observed strongly increased levels of TERRA which accumulate on damaged chromosomal ends, where enhanced R-loop formation was found. This suggested a more open chromatin configuration near telomeres in Smc1β ^-

SUBMITTER: Biswas U 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10172765 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature