Identification of the putative gene encoding the RNA subunit of telomerase in Malassezia clade species through comparative genomic analysis

Maintaining telomere length and genomic stability in eukaryotic cells is dependent on telomerase, a ribonucleoprotein with reverse transcriptase activity that counteracts the end replication problem. Its core components include TERT (telomerase reverse transcriptase) and TER (telomerase RNA). This study focused on the identification of the putative TER1 gene that encodes the telomerase RNA subunit in 19 Malassezia species via comparative genomics. Unlike the corresponding genes in other yeasts and filamentous fungi, this gene is compact and uniform in length, resembling similar genes in vertebrates, while retaining characteristic elements that are crucial for TER and snRNA biogenesis and activity. These elements include the template domain, pseudoknot domain, CR4/5 domain, and a putative Sm-binding site. Furthermore, transcriptomic analysis confirmed the transcriptional activity of the putative TER1 gene, reinforcing its potential functional significance within the Malassezia clade. These results establish a robust basis for future experimental investigations to verify the functionality and regulatory mechanisms of this gene, particularly its role in telomere maintenance and broader cellular processes.