Telomeric Chromatin and TERRA

Chromatin function in telomeres is poorly understood, but it is generally viewed as repressive. Yet, telomeric DNA sequences are transcribed into long non-coding RNAs named TElomere Repeat-containing RNA (TERRA). As TERRA molecules mostly localize at telomeres, major research efforts have been made to understand their functions, and how TERRA transcription is regulated and affects telomere structure. This review describes the current state of knowledge about the nature of chromatin at telomeres, its functions, and the relation between chromatin structure and TERRA. [Display omitted] •Telomeric chromatin states are dynamic depending on the cell type and the mode of telomere maintenance.•TERRA production depends on the telomeric chromatin state.•Details about TERRA mediated chromatin regulation remain to be identified