Telomeric repeat-binding factor 2 is a protein that is present at telomeres throughout the cell cycle. It is also known as TERF2, TRF2, and TRBF2, and is encoded in humans by the TERF2 gene. It is a component of the shelterin nucleoprotein complex and a second negative regulator of telomere length, playing a key role in the protective activity of telomeres. It was first reported in 1997 in the lab of Titia de Lange, where a DNA sequence similar, but not identical, to TERF1 was discovered, with respect to the Myb-domain. De Lange isolated the new Myb-containing protein sequence and called it TERF2. Structure and domains TERF2 has a similar structure to that of TERF1. Both proteins carry a C-terminus Myb motif and large TERF1-related dimerization domains near their N-terminus. However, both proteins exist exclusively as homodimers and do not heterodimerize with each other, as proven by co-immunoprecipitation assay analysis. Also, TERF2 has a basic N-terminus, differing from TERF1’s acidic N-terminus, and was found to be much more conserved, suggesting that the two proteins have distinct functions. There are 4 domain categories on the TERF2 protein that allow it to bind to both other proteins in the shelterin protein complex, and to specific types of DNA. TERF homology domain The TERF Homology Domain (TRFH; ) is an area that helps to promote homodimerization of TERF2 with itself. This results in the formation of a quaternary structure that is characteristic of this protein. This TRFH domain also allows TERF2 to bind to and act as a dock for many other types of proteins. The Apollo nuclease, a shelterin accessory factor, uses the TRFH domain as a dock. The recruitment of Apollo by TERF2 allows for telomeric ends formed by DNA synthesis to be processed. By doing so, the telomere ends are able to avoid ATM kinase activation through the creation of a terminal structure. SLX4, which is important in DNA repair by acting as a scaffold for structure-specific DNA repair nucleases, also binds to the TRFH domain of TERF2. The TRFH domain is responsible for other binding events, including RTEL1, and proteins that contain a TBD site. Myb domain The Myb domain () acts by binding to double-stranded telomeric DNA. This region gets its name from a viral protein called Myb derived from the avian myeloblastosis virus. Specifically, the sequence that this Myb domain targets on the DNA is (GGTTAG/CCAATC)n. Basic