Telomere capping in Drosophila: dealing with chromosome ends that most resemble DNA breaks

Telomere caps prevent chromosome ends from being recognized as DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs). Unlike most organisms studied, the telomere-capping function of Drosophila does not require a specific sequence. Without this sequence component, Drosophila telomeres most resemble DNA breaks and, thus, represent a simpler system for the study of telomere capping. I review recent progress in Drosophila telomere studies, and challenge the notion that Drosophila may not be a relevant model for the study of telomere maintenance. This review article is part of a series dedicated to the eighth International conference on Drosophila heterochromatin, held in Gubbio (Italy), June 2007.