Human CST Has Independent Functions during Telomere Duplex Replication and C-Strand Fill-In

SummaryHuman CST (CTC1-STN1-TEN1) is an RPA-like complex that is needed for efficient replication through the telomere duplex and genome-wide replication restart after fork stalling. Here, we show that STN1/CST has a second function in telomere replication during G-overhang maturation. Analysis of overhang structure after STN1 depletion revealed normal kinetics for telomerase-mediated extension in S phase but a delay in subsequent overhang shortening. This delay resulted from a defect in C-strand fill-in. Short telomeres exhibited the fill-in defect but normal telomere duplex replication, indicating that STN1/CST functions independently in these processes. Our work also indicates that the requirement for STN1/CST in telomere duplex replication correlates with increasing telomere length and replication stress. Our results provide direct evidence that STN1/CST participates in C-strand fill-in. They also demonstrate that STN1/CST participates in two mechanistically separate steps during telomere replication and identify CST as a replication factor that solves diverse replication-associated problems.

Graphical AbstractFigure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights
► STN1 depletion delays telomere-overhang shortening after telomerase extension
► STN1 is needed for C-strand fill-in synthesis by DNA polymerase α
► STN1 prevents defects in telomere duplex replication at long telomeres
► CST has independent roles in telomere duplex replication and C-strand fill-in