HUR REGULATES TINF2 EXPRESSION IN TRANSCRIPTION LEVEL

Telomeres are at the end of chromosomes and protected by Shelterin complex composed of TRF1, TRF2, RAP1, TPP1, TINF2, and POT1. Among six components, TINF2 mediates the interaction of TRF1 and TRF2 and thus plays an important role in assembly of the complex. Mutations of TINF2 causes genetic diseases such as dyskeratosis congenital(DC). HuR (human antigen R), which is a member of the elav/hu family, facilitates senescent process through stabilizing mRNA of the ARF tumor suppressor. Here, we identify HuR as a novel regulator of TINF2. We found that HuR interacts with 3’UTR of TINF2 mRNA and downregulates its transcription. Both transient and stable knockdown of HuR expression induces stabilization of TINF2 mRNA and eventually cell growth stop. Our results identify novel regulatory pathways of TINF2 transcription.