Human telomerase progressively emerged as a multifaceted ribonucleoprotein complex with additional functions beyond telomeric repeat synthesis. Both the hTERT catalytic subunit and the hTR long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) subunit are engaged in highly regulated cellular pathways that, together, contribute to cell fitness and protection against apoptosis. We recently described a new role for hTR in regulating the abundance of replication protein A at telomeres, adding to the growing repertoire of hTR’s functions. Here, we focus on the non-canonical roles of hTR and discuss them in the context of the structural elements of the lncRNA. We propose that some functions of hTR may compete amongst each other through distinct interactions with its partners, proteins or mRNAs. We postulate that hTR’s non-canonical functions may be highly relevant in the context of normal somatic cells that naturally silence hTERT gene, while keeping hTR expression.

中文翻译：

---

从结构的角度看多方面的 hTR 端粒酶 RNA

人类端粒酶逐渐以多面核糖核蛋白复合物的形式出现，除了端粒重复合成之外还具有其他功能。hTERT 催化亚基和 h TR长非编码 RNA (lncRNA) 亚基都参与高度调节的细胞通路，这些通路共同有助于细胞适应性和防止细胞凋亡。我们最近描述了 h TR在调节端粒复制蛋白 A 丰度方面的新作用，增加了 h TR功能的不断增长。在这里，我们关注 h TR的非规范角色，并在 lncRNA 的结构元素的背景下讨论它们。我们提出 h TR的一些函数可能通过与其伙伴、蛋白质或 mRNA 的不同相互作用相互竞争。我们假设 h TR的非规范功能可能与自然沉默 h TERT基因同时保持 h TR表达的正常体细胞高度相关。