TELS1 stabilizes t-loops independently of TRF2 and controls telomere length in pluripotent cells

Telomeric loops (t-loops) are thought to protect chromosome ends, with their stabilization generally requiring the shelterin protein TRF2. However, the mechanisms operating in pluripotent cells remain unknown. Here, we identify TELS1 as a TRF2-independent t-loop stabilizer in pluripotent cells. TELS1 binds single-stranded, G-rich telomeric DNA tracts likely present within duplex telomeric regions and promotes strand invasion in vitro, consistent with a direct role in t-loop formation. When targeted to telomeres in differentiated cells, TELS1 is able to substitute for TRF2 in making the t-loop, which partially protects from ATM activation. In TELS1-deficient pluripotent cells, telomeres lack t-loops but remain protected and become more accessible to telomerase, resulting in elongation. A genome-wide CRISPR screen identifies Ubr5 as essential for this tolerance. These findings validate the t-loop as an essential structure for end protection and uncover a telomere protection pathway unique to pluripotent cells that appears to function independently of shelterin.