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TERF2

Meaning

TERF2, or Telomeric Repeat-binding Factor 2, is an essential protein component of the shelterin complex, a specialized molecular assembly that protects the terminal ends of linear chromosomes, known as telomeres. This protein plays a critical structural and regulatory role by ensuring that the natural chromosome ends are not mistakenly recognized by the cell’s DNA repair machinery as double-strand breaks. Maintaining stable telomere structure, mediated by TERF2, is fundamental to preserving genomic integrity, preventing cellular senescence, and influencing the overall lifespan of a cell.