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Beyond the ends: potential implications of telomeric repeat-containing RNA (TERRA) for CNS diseases 
Hadjer Namous1 , Raghu Vemuganti1,2,*
1Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53792, USA
2William S. Middleton Memorial Veterans Administration Hospital, Madison, WI 53705, USA
*Correspondence to:Raghu Vemuganti , Email:vemuganti@neurosurgery.wisc.edu
J Mol Cell Biol, Volume 17, Issue 4, April 2025, mjaf013,  https://doi.org/10.1093/jmcb/mjaf013
Keyword: non-coding RNA, telomere, CNS dysfunction, transcription, brain damage

Telomeric repeat-containing RNA (TERRA) is a class of non-coding RNAs emanating from telomeres and controlling telomere dynamics. Recent studies showed that TERRAs influence chromatin structure and gene expression. TERRAs can also play a crucial role in controlling inflammation, oxidative stress, DNA damage, and cellular senescence. This review discusses the significance of TERRAs in modulating these processes, particularly in the central nervous system (CNS). While our understanding of TERRAs largely stems from cancer research, their involvement in these physiologic and pathologic pathways highlights their potential as therapeutic targets for CNS disorders as well.