TERF1, short for Telomeric repeat binding factor 1, is a gene essential to telomere maintenance [2]. It has also been associated with ethylene-related signaling pathways in plants, where it plays a role in seed germination. In the context of cancer, telomere dysfunction is a significant factor, and TERF1's role in this regard makes it an important gene for study.

In plants, overexpressing Tomato Ethylene Responsive Factor 1 (TERF1), an ethylene-responsive factor (ERF) transcription factor, promotes seed germination. It does so through the HEXOKINASE 1 (HXK1)-mediated signaling pathway, repressing the ABA signaling pathway, alleviating endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, and accelerating germination [1]. TERF1 also activates the gibberellin acid (GA) signaling pathway independent of GA metabolism under osmotic conditions, promoting seed germination through the glucose-GA signaling pathway [3]. In tobacco, expressing TERF1 enhances drought tolerance and abscisic acid sensitivity during seedling development [5].

In prostate cancer, 6% of localized prostate cancer presents alterations in TERF1 (mostly amplifications), and in castration-resistant tumors (CRPC), 26% of samples have TERF1 amplification. Amplification/upregulation of TERF1 is associated with the worst prognosis in localized prostate cancer, and miR-155 regulates TERF1 expression in prostate cancer, suggesting TERF1 could be a biomarker [2]. In the PC3 prostate cancer cell line, TERF1 down-regulation promotes cell migration and invasion via the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) pathway as a target of miR-155 [4].

In conclusion, TERF1 is crucial for telomere maintenance and has a significant impact on both plant growth, especially seed germination, and cancer development, particularly in prostate cancer. Studies on TERF1 provide insights into the mechanisms of seed germination regulation and the pathogenesis of prostate cancer, offering potential directions for further research in these areas.