1
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Clark FE, Greenberg NL, Silva DMZA, Trimm E, Skinner M, Walton RZ, Rosin LF, Lampson MA, Akera T. An egg-sabotaging mechanism drives non-Mendelian transmission in mice. Curr Biol 2024:S0960-9822(24)00901-1. [PMID: 39067449 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2024.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2024] [Revised: 05/31/2024] [Accepted: 07/01/2024] [Indexed: 07/30/2024]
Abstract
Selfish genetic elements drive in meiosis to distort their transmission ratio and increase their representation in gametes, violating Mendel's law of segregation. The two established paradigms for meiotic drive, gamete killing and biased segregation, are fundamentally different. In gamete killing, typically observed with male meiosis, selfish elements sabotage gametes that do not contain them. By contrast, killing is predetermined in female meiosis, and selfish elements bias their segregation to the single surviving gamete (i.e., the egg in animal meiosis). Here, we show that a selfish element on mouse chromosome 2, Responder to drive 2 (R2d2), drives using a hybrid mechanism in female meiosis, incorporating elements of both killing and biased segregation. We propose that if R2d2 is destined for the polar body, it manipulates segregation to sabotage the egg by causing aneuploidy, which is subsequently lethal in the embryo, ensuring that surviving progeny preferentially contain R2d2. In heterozygous females, R2d2 orients randomly on the metaphase spindle but lags during anaphase and preferentially remains in the egg, regardless of its initial orientation. Thus, the egg genotype is either euploid with R2d2 or aneuploid with both homologs of chromosome 2, with only the former generating viable embryos. Consistent with this model, R2d2 heterozygous females produce eggs with increased aneuploidy for chromosome 2, increased embryonic lethality, and increased transmission of R2d2. In contrast to typical gamete killing of sisters produced as daughter cells in a single meiosis, R2d2 prevents production of any viable gametes from meiotic divisions in which it should have been excluded from the egg.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frances E Clark
- Cell and Developmental Biology Center, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20894, USA
| | - Naomi L Greenberg
- Cell and Developmental Biology Center, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20894, USA
| | - Duilio M Z A Silva
- Cell and Developmental Biology Center, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20894, USA
| | - Emily Trimm
- Department of Biology, School of Arts and Sciences, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Morgan Skinner
- Cell and Developmental Biology Center, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20894, USA
| | - R Zaak Walton
- Cell and Developmental Biology Center, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20894, USA
| | - Leah F Rosin
- Unit on Chromosome Dynamics, Division of Developmental Biology, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20894, USA
| | - Michael A Lampson
- Department of Biology, School of Arts and Sciences, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Takashi Akera
- Cell and Developmental Biology Center, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20894, USA.
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2
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Clark FE, Greenberg NL, Silva DM, Trimm E, Skinner M, Walton RZ, Rosin LF, Lampson MA, Akera T. An egg sabotaging mechanism drives non-Mendelian transmission in mice. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.02.22.581453. [PMID: 38903120 PMCID: PMC11188085 DOI: 10.1101/2024.02.22.581453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/22/2024]
Abstract
During meiosis, homologous chromosomes segregate so that alleles are transmitted equally to haploid gametes, following Mendel's Law of Segregation. However, some selfish genetic elements drive in meiosis to distort the transmission ratio and increase their representation in gametes. The established paradigms for drive are fundamentally different for female vs male meiosis. In male meiosis, selfish elements typically kill gametes that do not contain them. In female meiosis, killing is predetermined, and selfish elements bias their segregation to the single surviving gamete (i.e., the egg in animal meiosis). Here we show that a selfish element on mouse chromosome 2, R2d2, drives using a hybrid mechanism in female meiosis, incorporating elements of both male and female drivers. If R2d2 is destined for the polar body, it manipulates segregation to sabotage the egg by causing aneuploidy that is subsequently lethal in the embryo, so that surviving progeny preferentially contain R2d2. In heterozygous females, R2d2 orients randomly on the metaphase spindle but lags during anaphase and preferentially remains in the egg, regardless of its initial orientation. Thus, the egg genotype is either euploid with R2d2 or aneuploid with both homologs of chromosome 2, with only the former generating viable embryos. Consistent with this model, R2d2 heterozygous females produce eggs with increased aneuploidy for chromosome 2, increased embryonic lethality, and increased transmission of R2d2. In contrast to a male meiotic driver, which kills its sister gametes produced as daughter cells in the same meiosis, R2d2 eliminates "cousins" produced from meioses in which it should have been excluded from the egg.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frances E. Clark
- Cell and Developmental Biology Center, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health; Bethesda, Maryland 20894, USA
| | - Naomi L. Greenberg
- Cell and Developmental Biology Center, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health; Bethesda, Maryland 20894, USA
| | - Duilio M.Z.A. Silva
- Cell and Developmental Biology Center, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health; Bethesda, Maryland 20894, USA
| | - Emily Trimm
- Department of Biology, School of Arts and Sciences, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, USA
| | - Morgan Skinner
- Cell and Developmental Biology Center, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health; Bethesda, Maryland 20894, USA
| | - R Zaak Walton
- Cell and Developmental Biology Center, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health; Bethesda, Maryland 20894, USA
| | - Leah F. Rosin
- Unit on Chromosome Dynamics, Division of Developmental Biology, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20894 USA
| | - Michael A. Lampson
- Department of Biology, School of Arts and Sciences, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, USA
| | - Takashi Akera
- Cell and Developmental Biology Center, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health; Bethesda, Maryland 20894, USA
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3
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Cappelletti E, Piras FM, Sola L, Santagostino M, Petersen JL, Bellone RR, Finno CJ, Peng S, Kalbfleisch TS, Bailey E, Nergadze SG, Giulotto E. The localization of centromere protein A is conserved among tissues. Commun Biol 2023; 6:963. [PMID: 37735603 PMCID: PMC10514049 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-023-05335-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Centromeres are epigenetically specified by the histone H3 variant CENP-A. Although mammalian centromeres are typically associated with satellite DNA, we previously demonstrated that the centromere of horse chromosome 11 (ECA11) is completely devoid of satellite DNA. We also showed that the localization of its CENP-A binding domain is not fixed but slides within an about 500 kb region in different individuals, giving rise to positional alleles. These epialleles are inherited as Mendelian traits but their position can move in one generation. It is still unknown whether centromere sliding occurs during meiosis or during development. Here, we first improve the sequence of the ECA11 centromeric region in the EquCab3.0 assembly. Then, to test whether centromere sliding may occur during development, we map the CENP-A binding domains of ECA11 using ChIP-seq in five tissues of different embryonic origin from the four horses of the equine FAANG (Functional Annotation of ANimal Genomes) consortium. Our results demonstrate that the centromere is localized in the same region in all tissues, suggesting that the position of the centromeric domain is maintained during development.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Francesca M Piras
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Sola
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Marco Santagostino
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Jessica L Petersen
- Department of Animal Science, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, USA
| | - Rebecca R Bellone
- Department of Population Health and Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California-Davis, Davis, CA, USA
- Veterinary Genetics Laboratory, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California-Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Carrie J Finno
- Department of Population Health and Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California-Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Sichong Peng
- Department of Population Health and Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California-Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Ted S Kalbfleisch
- Gluck Equine Research Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Ernest Bailey
- Gluck Equine Research Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Solomon G Nergadze
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Elena Giulotto
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy.
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4
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Karam G, Molaro A. Casting histone variants during mammalian reproduction. Chromosoma 2023:10.1007/s00412-023-00803-9. [PMID: 37347315 PMCID: PMC10356639 DOI: 10.1007/s00412-023-00803-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2023] [Revised: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/23/2023]
Abstract
During mammalian reproduction, germ cell chromatin packaging is key to prepare parental genomes for fertilization and to initiate embryonic development. While chromatin modifications such as DNA methylation and histone post-translational modifications are well known to carry regulatory information, histone variants have received less attention in this context. Histone variants alter the stability, structure and function of nucleosomes and, as such, contribute to chromatin organization in germ cells. Here, we review histone variants expression dynamics during the production of male and female germ cells, and what is currently known about their parent-of-origin effects during reproduction. Finally, we discuss the apparent conundrum behind these important functions and their recent evolutionary diversification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Germaine Karam
- Genetics, Reproduction and Development Institute (iGReD), CNRS UMR 6293, INSERM U1103, Université Clermont Auvergne, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Antoine Molaro
- Genetics, Reproduction and Development Institute (iGReD), CNRS UMR 6293, INSERM U1103, Université Clermont Auvergne, Clermont-Ferrand, France.
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5
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Das A, Destouni A. Novel insights into reproductive ageing and menopause from genomics. Hum Reprod 2023; 38:195-203. [PMID: 36478237 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deac256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2022] [Revised: 11/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The post-reproductive phase or menopause in females is triggered by a physiological timer that depends on a threshold of follicle number in the ovary. Curiously, reproductive senescence appears to be decoupled from chronological age and is instead thought to be a function of physiological ageing. Ovarian ageing is associated with a decrease in oocyte developmental competence, attributed to a concomitant increase in meiotic errors. Although many biological hallmarks of general ageing are well characterized, the precise mechanisms underlying the programmed ageing of the female reproductive system remain elusive. In particular, the molecular pathways linking the external menopause trigger to the internal oocyte chromosome segregation machinery that controls fertility outcomes is unclear. However, recent large scale genomics studies have begun to provide insights into this process. Next-generation sequencing integrated with systems biology offers the advantage of sampling large datasets to uncover molecular pathways associated with a phenotype such as ageing. In this mini-review, we discuss findings from these studies that are crucial for advancing female reproductive senescence research. Targets identified in these studies can inform future animal models for menopause. We present three potential hypotheses for how external pathways governing ovarian ageing can influence meiotic chromosome segregation, with evidence from both animal models and molecular targets revealed from genomics studies. Although still in incipient stages, we discuss the potential of genomics studies combined with epigenetic age acceleration models for providing a predictive toolkit of biomarkers controlling menopause onset in women. We also speculate on future research directions to investigate extending female reproductive lifespan, such as comparative genomics in model systems that lack menopause. Novel genomics insights from such organisms are predicted to provide clues to preserving female fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arunika Das
- Department of Biology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.,Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Aspasia Destouni
- Laboratory of Cytogenetics and Molecular Genetics, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece
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6
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Jeffery D, Lochhead M, Almouzni G. CENP-A: A Histone H3 Variant with Key Roles in Centromere Architecture in Healthy and Diseased States. Results Probl Cell Differ 2022; 70:221-261. [PMID: 36348109 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-06573-6_7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Centromeres are key architectural components of chromosomes. Here, we examine their construction, maintenance, and functionality. Focusing on the mammalian centromere- specific histone H3 variant, CENP-A, we highlight its coevolution with both centromeric DNA and its chaperone, HJURP. We then consider CENP-A de novo deposition and the importance of centromeric DNA recently uncovered with the added value from new ultra-long-read sequencing. We next review how to ensure the maintenance of CENP-A at the centromere throughout the cell cycle. Finally, we discuss the impact of disrupting CENP-A regulation on cancer and cell fate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Jeffery
- Equipe Labellisée Ligue contre le Cancer, Institut Curie, PSL Research University, CNRS, Sorbonne Université, Nuclear Dynamics Unit, UMR3664, Paris, France
| | - Marina Lochhead
- Equipe Labellisée Ligue contre le Cancer, Institut Curie, PSL Research University, CNRS, Sorbonne Université, Nuclear Dynamics Unit, UMR3664, Paris, France
| | - Geneviève Almouzni
- Equipe Labellisée Ligue contre le Cancer, Institut Curie, PSL Research University, CNRS, Sorbonne Université, Nuclear Dynamics Unit, UMR3664, Paris, France.
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7
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Kursel LE, McConnell H, de la Cruz AFA, Malik HS. Gametic specialization of centromeric histone paralogs in Drosophila virilis. Life Sci Alliance 2021; 4:e202000992. [PMID: 33986021 PMCID: PMC8200288 DOI: 10.26508/lsa.202000992] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2020] [Revised: 04/27/2021] [Accepted: 04/28/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
In most eukaryotes, centromeric histone (CenH3) proteins mediate mitosis and meiosis and ensure epigenetic inheritance of centromere identity. We hypothesized that disparate chromatin environments in soma versus germline might impose divergent functional requirements on single CenH3 genes, which could be ameliorated by gene duplications and subsequent specialization. Here, we analyzed the cytological localization of two recently identified CenH3 paralogs, Cid1 and Cid5, in Drosophila virilis using specific antibodies and epitope-tagged transgenic strains. We find that only ancestral Cid1 is present in somatic cells, whereas both Cid1 and Cid5 are expressed in testes and ovaries. However, Cid1 is lost in male meiosis but retained throughout oogenesis, whereas Cid5 is lost during female meiosis but retained in mature sperm. Following fertilization, only Cid1 is detectable in the early embryo, suggesting that maternally deposited Cid1 is rapidly loaded onto paternal centromeres during the protamine-to-histone transition. Our studies reveal mutually exclusive gametic specialization of divergent CenH3 paralogs. Duplication and divergence might allow essential centromeric genes to resolve an intralocus conflict between maternal and paternal centromeric requirements in many animal species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa E Kursel
- Molecular and Cellular Biology Graduate Program, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Division of Basic Sciences, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Hannah McConnell
- Division of Basic Sciences, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Aida Flor A de la Cruz
- Division of Basic Sciences, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Harmit S Malik
- Division of Basic Sciences, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA
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8
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Franklin R, Murn J, Cheloufi S. Cell Fate Decisions in the Wake of Histone H3 Deposition. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:654915. [PMID: 33959610 PMCID: PMC8093820 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.654915] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2021] [Accepted: 03/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
An expanding repertoire of histone variants and specialized histone chaperone partners showcases the versatility of nucleosome assembly during different cellular processes. Recent research has suggested an integral role of nucleosome assembly pathways in both maintaining cell identity and influencing cell fate decisions during development and normal homeostasis. Mutations and altered expression profiles of histones and corresponding histone chaperone partners are associated with developmental defects and cancer. Here, we discuss the spatiotemporal deposition mechanisms of the Histone H3 variants and their influence on mammalian cell fate during development. We focus on H3 given its profound effect on nucleosome stability and its recently characterized deposition pathways. We propose that differences in deposition of H3 variants are largely dependent on the phase of the cell cycle and cellular potency but are also affected by cellular stress and changes in cell fate. We also discuss the utility of modern technologies in dissecting the spatiotemporal control of H3 variant deposition, and how this could shed light on the mechanisms of cell identity maintenance and lineage commitment. The current knowledge and future studies will help us better understand how organisms employ nucleosome dynamics in health, disease, and aging. Ultimately, these pathways can be manipulated to induce cell fate change in a therapeutic setting depending on the cellular context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reuben Franklin
- Department of Biochemistry, Stem Cell Center, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, CA, United States
| | - Jernej Murn
- Department of Biochemistry, Stem Cell Center, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, CA, United States
| | - Sihem Cheloufi
- Department of Biochemistry, Stem Cell Center, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, CA, United States
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9
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Jeffery D, Gatto A, Podsypanina K, Renaud-Pageot C, Ponce Landete R, Bonneville L, Dumont M, Fachinetti D, Almouzni G. CENP-A overexpression promotes distinct fates in human cells, depending on p53 status. Commun Biol 2021; 4:417. [PMID: 33772115 PMCID: PMC7997993 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-021-01941-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2020] [Accepted: 02/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Tumour evolution is driven by both genetic and epigenetic changes. CENP-A, the centromeric histone H3 variant, is an epigenetic mark that directly perturbs genetic stability and chromatin when overexpressed. Although CENP-A overexpression is a common feature of many cancers, how this impacts cell fate and response to therapy remains unclear. Here, we established a tunable system of inducible and reversible CENP-A overexpression combined with a switch in p53 status in human cell lines. Through clonogenic survival assays, single-cell RNA-sequencing and cell trajectory analysis, we uncover the tumour suppressor p53 as a key determinant of how CENP-A impacts cell state, cell identity and therapeutic response. If p53 is functional, CENP-A overexpression promotes senescence and radiosensitivity. Surprisingly, when we inactivate p53, CENP-A overexpression instead promotes epithelial-mesenchymal transition, an essential process in mammalian development but also a precursor for tumour cell invasion and metastasis. Thus, we uncover an unanticipated function of CENP-A overexpression to promote cell fate reprogramming, with important implications for development and tumour evolution.
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Grants
- Ligue Contre le Cancer
- Agence Nationale de la Recherche (French National Research Agency)
- Université de Recherche Paris Sciences et Lettres (PSL Research University)
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (National Center for Scientific Research)
- Institut Curie
- AG, CRP, DJ, KP, LB, RPL and GA were supported by la Ligue Nationale contre le Cancer (Equipe labellisée Ligue), Labex DEEP (ANR-11-LABX-0044_DEEP, ANR-10-IDEX-0001-02), PSL, ERC-2015-ADG-694694 ChromADICT and ANR-16-CE12-0024 CHIFT. Funding for RPL provided by Horizon 2020 Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions Initial Training Network “EpiSyStem” (grant number 765966). Individual funding was also provided to DJ from la Fondation ARC pour la recherche sur le cancer (“Aides individuelles” 3 years, post-doc), and to AG from the Horizon 2020 Framework Programme for Research and Innovation (H2020 Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions grant agreement 798106 “REPLICHROM4D”). DF receives salary support from the Centre Nationale de Recherche Scientifique (CNRS). MD receives salary support from the City of Paris via Emergence(s) 2018 of DF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Jeffery
- Institut Curie, PSL Research University, CNRS, Sorbonne Université, Nuclear Dynamics Unit, Equipe Labellisée Ligue contre le Cancer, Paris, France
| | - Alberto Gatto
- Institut Curie, PSL Research University, CNRS, Sorbonne Université, Nuclear Dynamics Unit, Equipe Labellisée Ligue contre le Cancer, Paris, France
| | - Katrina Podsypanina
- Institut Curie, PSL Research University, CNRS, Sorbonne Université, Nuclear Dynamics Unit, Equipe Labellisée Ligue contre le Cancer, Paris, France
| | - Charlène Renaud-Pageot
- Institut Curie, PSL Research University, CNRS, Sorbonne Université, Nuclear Dynamics Unit, Equipe Labellisée Ligue contre le Cancer, Paris, France
| | - Rebeca Ponce Landete
- Institut Curie, PSL Research University, CNRS, Sorbonne Université, Nuclear Dynamics Unit, Equipe Labellisée Ligue contre le Cancer, Paris, France
| | - Lorraine Bonneville
- Institut Curie, PSL Research University, CNRS, Sorbonne Université, Nuclear Dynamics Unit, Equipe Labellisée Ligue contre le Cancer, Paris, France
| | - Marie Dumont
- Institut Curie, PSL Research University, Centre de Recherche, Sorbonne Université, Cell Biology and Cancer Unit, Paris, France
| | - Daniele Fachinetti
- Institut Curie, PSL Research University, Centre de Recherche, Sorbonne Université, Cell Biology and Cancer Unit, Paris, France
| | - Geneviève Almouzni
- Institut Curie, PSL Research University, CNRS, Sorbonne Université, Nuclear Dynamics Unit, Equipe Labellisée Ligue contre le Cancer, Paris, France.
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10
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Abstract
Nucleosome dynamics and properties are central to all forms of genomic activities. Among the core histones, H3 variants play a pivotal role in modulating nucleosome structure and function. Here, we focus on the impact of H3 variants on various facets of development. The deposition of the replicative H3 variant following DNA replication is essential for the transmission of the epigenomic information encoded in posttranscriptional modifications. Through this process, replicative H3 maintains cell fate while, in contrast, the replacement H3.3 variant opposes cell differentiation during early embryogenesis. In later steps of development, H3.3 and specialized H3 variants are emerging as new, important regulators of terminal cell differentiation, including neurons and gametes. The specific pathways that regulate the dynamics of the deposition of H3.3 are paramount during reprogramming events that drive zygotic activation and the initiation of a new cycle of development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Loppin
- Laboratoire de Biologie et de Modélisation de la Cellule, CNRS UMR 5239, Ecole Normale Supérieure de Lyon, University of Lyon, F-69007 Lyon, France;
| | - Frédéric Berger
- Gregor Mendel Institute (GMI), Austrian Academy of Sciences, Vienna BioCenter (VBC), 1030 Vienna, Austria;
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11
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Balzano E, Giunta S. Centromeres under Pressure: Evolutionary Innovation in Conflict with Conserved Function. Genes (Basel) 2020; 11:E912. [PMID: 32784998 PMCID: PMC7463522 DOI: 10.3390/genes11080912] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2020] [Revised: 08/04/2020] [Accepted: 08/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Centromeres are essential genetic elements that enable spindle microtubule attachment for chromosome segregation during mitosis and meiosis. While this function is preserved across species, centromeres display an array of dynamic features, including: (1) rapidly evolving DNA; (2) wide evolutionary diversity in size, shape and organization; (3) evidence of mutational processes to generate homogenized repetitive arrays that characterize centromeres in several species; (4) tolerance to changes in position, as in the case of neocentromeres; and (5) intrinsic fragility derived by sequence composition and secondary DNA structures. Centromere drive underlies rapid centromere DNA evolution due to the "selfish" pursuit to bias meiotic transmission and promote the propagation of stronger centromeres. Yet, the origins of other dynamic features of centromeres remain unclear. Here, we review our current understanding of centromere evolution and plasticity. We also detail the mutagenic processes proposed to shape the divergent genetic nature of centromeres. Changes to centromeres are not simply evolutionary relics, but ongoing shifts that on one side promote centromere flexibility, but on the other can undermine centromere integrity and function with potential pathological implications such as genome instability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Balzano
- Dipartimento di Biologia e Biotecnologie “Charles Darwin”, Sapienza Università di Roma, 00185 Roma, Italy;
| | - Simona Giunta
- Laboratory of Chromosome and Cell Biology, The Rockefeller University, 1230 York Avenue, New York, NY 10065, USA
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12
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Wong CYY, Ling YH, Mak JKH, Zhu J, Yuen KWY. "Lessons from the extremes: Epigenetic and genetic regulation in point monocentromere and holocentromere establishment on artificial chromosomes". Exp Cell Res 2020; 390:111974. [PMID: 32222413 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2020.111974] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2019] [Revised: 03/16/2020] [Accepted: 03/18/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
The formation of de novo centromeres on artificial chromosomes in humans (HACs) and fission yeast (SpYACs) has provided much insights to the epigenetic and genetic control on regional centromere establishment and maintenance. Similarly, the use of artificial chromosomes in point centromeric budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae (ScYACs) and holocentric Caenorhabditis elegans (WACs) has revealed epigenetic regulation in the originally thought purely genetically-determined point centromeres and some centromeric DNA sequence features in holocentromeres, respectively. These relatively extreme and less characterized centromere organizations, on the endogenous chromosomes and artificial chromosomes, will be discussed and compared to the more well-studied regional centromere systems. This review will highlight some of the common epigenetic and genetic features in different centromere architectures, including the presence of the centromeric histone H3 variant, CENP-A or CenH3, centromeric and pericentric transcription, AT-richness and repetitiveness of centromeric DNA sequences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charmaine Yan Yu Wong
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong
| | - Yick Hin Ling
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong
| | - Jason Ka Ho Mak
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong
| | - Jing Zhu
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong
| | - Karen Wing Yee Yuen
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong.
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13
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Zielinska AP, Bellou E, Sharma N, Frombach AS, Seres KB, Gruhn JR, Blayney M, Eckel H, Moltrecht R, Elder K, Hoffmann ER, Schuh M. Meiotic Kinetochores Fragment into Multiple Lobes upon Cohesin Loss in Aging Eggs. Curr Biol 2019; 29:3749-3765.e7. [PMID: 31679939 PMCID: PMC6868511 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2019.09.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2019] [Revised: 07/23/2019] [Accepted: 09/04/2019] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Chromosome segregation errors during female meiosis are a leading cause of pregnancy loss and human infertility. The segregation of chromosomes is driven by interactions between spindle microtubules and kinetochores. Kinetochores in mammalian oocytes are subjected to special challenges: they need to withstand microtubule pulling forces over multiple hours and are built on centromeric chromatin that in humans is decades old. In meiosis I, sister kinetochores are paired and oriented toward the same spindle pole. It is well established that they progressively separate from each other with advancing female age. However, whether aging also affects the internal architecture of centromeres and kinetochores is currently unclear. Here, we used super-resolution microscopy to study meiotic centromere and kinetochore organization in metaphase-II-arrested eggs from three mammalian species, including humans. We found that centromeric chromatin decompacts with advancing maternal age. Kinetochores built on decompacted centromeres frequently lost their integrity and fragmented into multiple lobes. Fragmentation extended across inner and outer kinetochore regions and affected over 30% of metaphase-II-arrested (MII) kinetochores in aged women and mice, making the lobular architecture a prominent feature of the female meiotic kinetochore. We demonstrate that a partial cohesin loss, as is known to occur in oocytes with advancing maternal age, is sufficient to trigger centromere decompaction and kinetochore fragmentation. Microtubule pulling forces further enhanced the fragmentation and shaped the arrangement of kinetochore lobes. Fragmented kinetochores were frequently abnormally attached to spindle microtubules, suggesting that kinetochore fragmentation could contribute to the maternal age effect in mammalian eggs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agata P Zielinska
- Max Planck Institute for Biophysical Chemistry, Am Fassberg 11, Göttingen 37077, Germany
| | - Eirini Bellou
- Max Planck Institute for Biophysical Chemistry, Am Fassberg 11, Göttingen 37077, Germany
| | - Ninadini Sharma
- Max Planck Institute for Biophysical Chemistry, Am Fassberg 11, Göttingen 37077, Germany
| | - Ann-Sophie Frombach
- Max Planck Institute for Biophysical Chemistry, Am Fassberg 11, Göttingen 37077, Germany
| | - K Bianka Seres
- Max Planck Institute for Biophysical Chemistry, Am Fassberg 11, Göttingen 37077, Germany; Bourn Hall Clinic, High Street, Cambridge CB23 2TN, UK
| | - Jennifer R Gruhn
- DNRF Center for Chromosome Stability, Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 3, Copenhagen DK-2200, Denmark
| | | | - Heike Eckel
- Kinderwunschzentrum, Kasseler Landstraße 25A, Göttingen 37081, Germany
| | - Rüdiger Moltrecht
- Kinderwunschzentrum, Kasseler Landstraße 25A, Göttingen 37081, Germany
| | - Kay Elder
- Bourn Hall Clinic, High Street, Cambridge CB23 2TN, UK
| | - Eva R Hoffmann
- DNRF Center for Chromosome Stability, Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 3, Copenhagen DK-2200, Denmark
| | - Melina Schuh
- Max Planck Institute for Biophysical Chemistry, Am Fassberg 11, Göttingen 37077, Germany.
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14
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Haliki E, Alpagut Keskin N, Masalci O. Boolean gene regulatory network model of centromere function in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. J Biol Phys 2019; 45:235-251. [PMID: 31175490 DOI: 10.1007/s10867-019-09526-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2018] [Accepted: 05/09/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Centromeres, a highly conserved locus of eukaryotic chromosomes, have critical function for genome stability and integrity. Because their centromeric DNA sequences are necessary and sufficient for kinetochore recruitment and DNA segregation, point centromeres of Saccharomyces cerevisiae chromosomes provide an attractive system for the study of the regulation of centromere function. Using the mathematical model of Boolean gene regulatory networks, the gene regulatory dynamics of centromere region of S. cerevisiae (budding yeast), which is actively involved in the cell-cycle, has been examined. A gene regulatory network containing the relevant centromere genes of the model organism from biological databases was established and all possible cellular phenotypes subjected to a synchronous gene regulation and attracted to several basins. Gene expression in the largest attractor was compared with the biological data by obtaining changes in the cell-cycle. We show that the model for centromere function recovers a single cyclic attractor. The trajectory flow diagram plotted over all initial conditions of the system also shows good correspondence with the cell-cycle phases. Although other upstream signals are possibly involved in the regulation of centromere genes, proposed interactions with selected cell-cycle genes were sufficient to recover whole cell-cycle process. To truly clarify these proposed regulatory interactions of candidate genes for centromere function, profiling and analyzing their expression levels over time with expanded nodes/edges are required. Moreover, a previously modeled gene knock-down mechanism applied to the network and robustness versus knock-down was interpreted based on the obtained consequences.
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15
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The nucleosomes that mark centromere location on chromosomes old and new. Essays Biochem 2019; 63:15-27. [DOI: 10.1042/ebc20180060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2019] [Revised: 03/07/2019] [Accepted: 03/13/2019] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Abstract
Proper segregation of chromosomes is an essential component of cell division. The centromere is the locus at which the kinetochore—the proteinaceous complex that ties chromosomes to microtubules—forms during mitosis and meiosis. Thus, the centromere is critical for equal segregation of chromosomes. The centromere is characterized by both protein and DNA elements: the histone H3 variant CENP-A epigenetically defines the location of the centromere while centromeric DNA sequences are neither necessary nor sufficient for centromere function. Paradoxically, the DNA sequences play a critical role in new centromere formation. In this essay, we discuss the contribution of both epigenetics and genetics at the centromere. Understanding these contributions is vital to efforts to control centromere formation on synthetic/artificial chromosomes and centromere strength on natural ones.
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What is behind “centromere repositioning”? Chromosoma 2018; 127:229-234. [DOI: 10.1007/s00412-018-0672-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2018] [Revised: 04/17/2018] [Accepted: 04/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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