STN1

STN1, full name STN1 subunit of CST complex, also named FLJ22559 and bA541N10.2, is a core component of the CST trimeric complex. It maintains telomere homeostasis and genomic stability by mediating telomere C-strand synthesis and replication stress recovery. It also promotes ZEB1 transcription via recruiting STAT3, activating EMT process independent of its telomere-related function, and modulates DNA replication and repair pathways with DNA polymerase δ.
STN1 mutations cause Coats plus syndrome with telomere defects, and its high expression drives pancreatic cancer metastasis linked to poor prognosis. Preclinically, STAT3 inhibitors like S3I-201 suppress STN1-induced pancreatic cancer progression, making STN1 a novel biomarker and therapeutic target for pancreatic cancer. Thalidomide also relieves clinical symptoms of STN1-related telomeropathy in preliminary studies.