Telomeric Repeat-Binding Factor 2 (TERF2) Antibody

Background

TERF2, or TRF2, is a core component of the shelterin complex that binds double-stranded telomeric DNA to protect chromosome ends from degradation, DNA damage signaling, and end-to-end fusions. TERF2 functions by remodeling telomeric DNA into t-loop structures that mask chromosome termini and prevent activation of the ATM-mediated DNA damage response pathway. It also regulates telomere stability during replication and ensures proper telomere capping in both dividing and quiescent cells. TERF2 is essential for telomere maintenance, cellular longevity, and genomic stability, particularly in rapidly proliferating cells like stem cells and cancer cells. Dysregulation of TERF2 is implicated in diseases such as cancer, where its overexpression allows cells to bypass senescence, and in aging-related disorders, where telomere shortening accelerates cellular decline. Knockout studies show telomere deprotection, activation of DNA damage checkpoints, and increased chromosome end fusions, emphasizing TERF2's critical role in telomere capping, genomic stability, and cell fate regulation.