This entry represents the alpha subunit of the telomere-binding protein in ciliates. The telomer-binding protein forms a heterodimer in consisting of an alpha and a beta subunit. This complex may function as a protective cap for the single-stranded telomeric overhang, and may also participate in telomere length regulation during DNA replication. It binds specifically to the T4G4-containing extension on the 3' strand and protects this region of the telomere from nuclease digestion and chemical modification [<cite idref="PUB00026328"/>]. Telomere-binding protein, alpha subunit