Computational Analysis of Telomerase RNA Evolution in <i>Caenorhabditis</i> Species.

ABSTRACT: Background/Objectives: The telomerase RNA (TR) is an indispensable part of the telomerase protein complex responsible for telomere elongation in most eukaryotic species. Although the telomere terminal repeat sequence (TTAGGC)_n in Caenorhabditis elegans has been known for years, a telomerase RNA gene was not identified in the entire phylum of Nematoda until recently. Methods: In this exploratory study, we employ a combination of different approaches to identify likely telomerase RNA candidates among putative non-coding transcripts. Results: A detailed analysis of our prime candidate shows compelling evidence that it encodes the missing RNA element of the telomerase complex, which is notably located in an intron of the coding gene nmy-2. Using

SUBMITTER: Klapproth C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12921731 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature