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Lin L, Huang Y, McIntyre J, Chang CH, Colmenares S, Lee YCG. Prevalent Fast Evolution of Genes Involved in Heterochromatin Functions. Mol Biol Evol 2024; 41:msae181. [PMID: 39189646 PMCID: PMC11408610 DOI: 10.1093/molbev/msae181] [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: 03/15/2024] [Revised: 08/14/2024] [Accepted: 08/20/2024] [Indexed: 08/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Heterochromatin is a gene-poor and repeat-rich genomic compartment universally found in eukaryotes. Despite its low transcriptional activity, heterochromatin plays important roles in maintaining genome stability, organizing chromosomes, and suppressing transposable elements. Given the importance of these functions, it is expected that genes involved in heterochromatin regulation would be highly conserved. Yet, a handful of these genes were found to evolve rapidly. To investigate whether these previous findings are anecdotal or general to genes modulating heterochromatin, we compile an exhaustive list of 106 candidate genes involved in heterochromatin functions and investigate their evolution over short and long evolutionary time scales in Drosophila. Our analyses find that these genes exhibit significantly more frequent evolutionary changes, both in the forms of amino acid substitutions and gene copy number change, when compared to genes involved in Polycomb-based repressive chromatin. While positive selection drives amino acid changes within both structured domains with diverse functions and intrinsically disordered regions, purifying selection may have maintained the proportions of intrinsically disordered regions of these proteins. Together with the observed negative associations between the evolutionary rate of these genes and the genomic abundance of transposable elements, we propose an evolutionary model where the fast evolution of genes involved in heterochromatin functions is an inevitable outcome of the unique functional roles of heterochromatin, while the rapid evolution of transposable elements may be an effect rather than cause. Our study provides an important global view of the evolution of genes involved in this critical cellular domain and provides insights into the factors driving the distinctive evolution of heterochromatin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leila Lin
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Yuheng Huang
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Jennifer McIntyre
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Ching-Ho Chang
- Division of Basic Sciences, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Serafin Colmenares
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Yuh Chwen G Lee
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA
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2
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Takeuchi H, Nagahara S, Higashiyama T, Berger F. The Chaperone NASP Contributes to de Novo Deposition of the Centromeric Histone Variant CENH3 in Arabidopsis Early Embryogenesis. PLANT & CELL PHYSIOLOGY 2024; 65:1135-1148. [PMID: 38597891 PMCID: PMC11287212 DOI: 10.1093/pcp/pcae030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2023] [Revised: 03/01/2024] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
The centromere is an essential chromosome region where the kinetochore is formed to control equal chromosome distribution during cell division. The centromere-specific histone H3 variant CENH3 (also called CENP-A) is a prerequisite for the kinetochore formation. Since CENH3 evolves rapidly, associated factors, including histone chaperones mediating the deposition of CENH3 on the centromere, are thought to act through species-specific amino acid sequences. The functions and interaction networks of CENH3 and histone chaperons have been well-characterized in animals and yeasts. However, molecular mechanisms involved in recognition and deposition of CENH3 are still unclear in plants. Here, we used a swapping strategy between domains of CENH3 of Arabidopsis thaliana and the liverwort Marchantia polymorpha to identify specific regions of CENH3 involved in targeting the centromeres and interacting with the general histone H3 chaperone, nuclear autoantigenic sperm protein (NASP). CENH3's LoopN-α1 region was necessary and sufficient for the centromere targeting in cooperation with the α2 region and was involved in interaction with NASP in cooperation with αN, suggesting a species-specific CENH3 recognition. In addition, by generating an Arabidopsis nasp knock-out mutant in the background of a fully fertile GFP-CENH3/cenh3-1 line, we found that NASP was implicated for de novo CENH3 deposition after fertilization and thus for early embryo development. Our results imply that the NASP mediates the supply of CENH3 in the context of the rapidly evolving centromere identity in land plants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hidenori Takeuchi
- Institute of Transformative Bio-Molecules (WPI-ITbM), Nagoya University, Nagoya, Aichi 464-8601, Japan
- Institute for Advanced Research, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Aichi 464-8601, Japan
| | - Shiori Nagahara
- Institute of Transformative Bio-Molecules (WPI-ITbM), Nagoya University, Nagoya, Aichi 464-8601, Japan
| | - Tetsuya Higashiyama
- Institute of Transformative Bio-Molecules (WPI-ITbM), Nagoya University, Nagoya, Aichi 464-8601, Japan
- Division of Biological Science, Graduate School of Science, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Aichi 464-8602, Japan
- Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan
| | - Frédéric Berger
- Gregor Mendel Institute, Austrian Academy of Sciences, Vienna BioCenter, Vienna 1030, Austria
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3
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Lin L, Huang Y, McIntyre J, Chang CH, Colmenares S, Lee YCG. Prevalent fast evolution of genes involved in heterochromatin functions. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.03.03.583199. [PMID: 38496614 PMCID: PMC10942301 DOI: 10.1101/2024.03.03.583199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/19/2024]
Abstract
Heterochromatin is a gene-poor and repeat-rich genomic compartment universally found in eukaryotes. Despite its low transcriptional activity, heterochromatin plays important roles in maintaining genome stability, organizing chromosomes, and suppressing transposable elements (TEs). Given the importance of these functions, it is expected that the genes involved in heterochromatin regulation would be highly conserved. Yet, a handful of these genes were found to evolve rapidly. To investigate whether these previous findings are anecdotal or general to genes modulating heterochromatin, we compile an exhaustive list of 106 candidate genes involved in heterochromatin functions and investigate their evolution over short and long evolutionary time scales in Drosophila. Our analyses find that these genes exhibit significantly more frequent evolutionary changes, both in the forms of amino acid substitutions and gene copy number change, when compared to genes involved in Polycomb-based repressive chromatin. While positive selection drives amino acid changes within both structured domains with diverse functions and intrinsically disordered regions (IDRs), purifying selection may have maintained the proportions of IDRs of these proteins. Together with the observed negative associations between evolutionary rates of these genes and genomic TE abundance, we propose an evolutionary model where the fast evolution of genes involved in heterochromatin functions is an inevitable outcome of the unique functional roles of heterochromatin, while the rapid evolution of TEs may be an effect rather than cause. Our study provides an important global view of the evolution of genes involved in this critical cellular domain and provides insights into the factors driving the distinctive evolution of heterochromatin.
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4
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Hockens C, Lorenzi H, Wang TT, Lei EP, Rosin LF. Chromosome segregation during spermatogenesis occurs through a unique center-kinetic mechanism in holocentric moth species. PLoS Genet 2024; 20:e1011329. [PMID: 38913752 PMCID: PMC11226059 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1011329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2023] [Revised: 07/05/2024] [Accepted: 06/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Precise regulation of chromosome dynamics in the germline is essential for reproductive success across species. Yet, the mechanisms underlying meiotic chromosomal events such as homolog pairing and chromosome segregation are not fully understood in many species. Here, we employ Oligopaint DNA FISH to investigate mechanisms of meiotic homolog pairing and chromosome segregation in the holocentric pantry moth, Plodia interpunctella, and compare our findings to new and previous studies in the silkworm moth, Bombyx mori, which diverged from P. interpunctella over 100 million years ago. We find that pairing in both Bombyx and Plodia spermatogenesis is initiated at gene-rich chromosome ends. Additionally, both species form rod shaped cruciform-like bivalents at metaphase I. However, unlike the telomere-oriented chromosome segregation mechanism observed in Bombyx, Plodia can orient bivalents in multiple different ways at metaphase I. Surprisingly, in both species we find that kinetochores consistently assemble at non-telomeric loci toward the center of chromosomes regardless of where chromosome centers are located in the bivalent. Additionally, sister kinetochores do not seem to be paired in these species. Instead, four distinct kinetochores are easily observed at metaphase I. Despite this, we find clear end-on microtubule attachments and not lateral microtubule attachments co-orienting these separated kinetochores. These findings challenge the classical view of segregation where paired, poleward-facing kinetochores are required for accurate homolog separation in meiosis I. Our studies here highlight the importance of exploring fundamental processes in non-model systems, as employing novel organisms can lead to the discovery of novel biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clio Hockens
- 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, United States of America
| | - Hernan Lorenzi
- TriLab Bioinformatics Group, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Tricia T. Wang
- 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, United States of America
| | - Elissa P. Lei
- Nuclear Organization and Gene Expression Section; Laboratory of Biochemistry and Genetics, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
| | - 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, United States of America
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5
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Kyriacou E, Heun P. Centromere structure and function: lessons from Drosophila. Genetics 2023; 225:iyad170. [PMID: 37931172 PMCID: PMC10697814 DOI: 10.1093/genetics/iyad170] [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: 06/15/2023] [Accepted: 09/01/2023] [Indexed: 11/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster serves as a powerful model organism for advancing our understanding of biological processes, not just by studying its similarities with other organisms including ourselves but also by investigating its differences to unravel the underlying strategies that evolved to achieve a common goal. This is particularly true for centromeres, specialized genomic regions present on all eukaryotic chromosomes that function as the platform for the assembly of kinetochores. These multiprotein structures play an essential role during cell division by connecting chromosomes to spindle microtubules in mitosis and meiosis to mediate accurate chromosome segregation. Here, we will take a historical perspective on the study of fly centromeres, aiming to highlight not only the important similarities but also the differences identified that contributed to advancing centromere biology. We will discuss the current knowledge on the sequence and chromatin organization of fly centromeres together with advances for identification of centromeric proteins. Then, we will describe both the factors and processes involved in centromere organization and how they work together to provide an epigenetic identity to the centromeric locus. Lastly, we will take an evolutionary point of view of centromeres and briefly discuss current views on centromere drive.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eftychia Kyriacou
- Swiss Institute for Experimental Cancer Research (ISREC), School of Life Sciences, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Patrick Heun
- Wellcome Centre of Cell Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, EH9 3BF Edinburgh, UK
- Department of Biology, Technische Universität Darmstadt, 64287 Darmstadt, Germany
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6
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Dudka D, Akins RB, Lampson MA. FREEDA: An automated computational pipeline guides experimental testing of protein innovation. J Cell Biol 2023; 222:e202212084. [PMID: 37358475 PMCID: PMC10292211 DOI: 10.1083/jcb.202212084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2022] [Revised: 04/22/2023] [Accepted: 06/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Cell biologists typically focus on conserved regions of a protein, overlooking innovations that can shape its function over evolutionary time. Computational analyses can reveal potential innovations by detecting statistical signatures of positive selection that lead to rapid accumulation of beneficial mutations. However, these approaches are not easily accessible to non-specialists, limiting their use in cell biology. Here, we present an automated computational pipeline FREEDA that provides a simple graphical user interface requiring only a gene name; integrates widely used molecular evolution tools to detect positive selection in rodents, primates, carnivores, birds, and flies; and maps results onto protein structures predicted by AlphaFold. Applying FREEDA to >100 centromere proteins, we find statistical evidence of positive selection within loops and turns of ancient domains, suggesting innovation of essential functions. As a proof-of-principle experiment, we show innovation in centromere binding of mouse CENP-O. Overall, we provide an accessible computational tool to guide cell biology research and apply it to experimentally demonstrate functional innovation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Damian Dudka
- Department of Biology, School of Arts and Sciences, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - R. Brian Akins
- Department of Biology, School of Arts and Sciences, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Michael A. Lampson
- Department of Biology, School of Arts and Sciences, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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7
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Dudka D, Akins RB, Lampson MA. FREEDA: an automated computational pipeline guides experimental testing of protein innovation by detecting positive selection. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.02.27.530329. [PMID: 36909479 PMCID: PMC10002610 DOI: 10.1101/2023.02.27.530329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/06/2023]
Abstract
Cell biologists typically focus on conserved regions of a protein, overlooking innovations that can shape its function over evolutionary time. Computational analyses can reveal potential innovations by detecting statistical signatures of positive selection that leads to rapid accumulation of beneficial mutations. However, these approaches are not easily accessible to non-specialists, limiting their use in cell biology. Here, we present an automated computational pipeline FREEDA (Finder of Rapidly Evolving Exons in De novo Assemblies) that provides a simple graphical user interface requiring only a gene name, integrates widely used molecular evolution tools to detect positive selection, and maps results onto protein structures predicted by AlphaFold. Applying FREEDA to >100 mouse centromere proteins, we find evidence of positive selection in intrinsically disordered regions of ancient domains, suggesting innovation of essential functions. As a proof-of-principle experiment, we show innovation in centromere binding of CENP-O. Overall, we provide an accessible computational tool to guide cell biology research and apply it to experimentally demonstrate functional innovation.
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8
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Kitaoka M, Smith OK, Straight AF, Heald R. Molecular conflicts disrupting centromere maintenance contribute to Xenopus hybrid inviability. Curr Biol 2022; 32:3939-3951.e6. [PMID: 35973429 PMCID: PMC9529917 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2022.07.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2022] [Revised: 06/15/2022] [Accepted: 07/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Although central to evolution, the causes of hybrid inviability that drive reproductive isolation are poorly understood. Embryonic lethality occurs when the eggs of the frog X. tropicalis are fertilized with either X. laevis or X. borealis sperm. We observed that distinct subsets of paternal chromosomes failed to assemble functional centromeres, causing their mis-segregation during embryonic cell divisions. Core centromere DNA sequence analysis revealed little conservation among the three species, indicating that epigenetic mechanisms that normally operate to maintain centromere integrity are disrupted on specific paternal chromosomes in hybrids. In vitro reactions combining X. tropicalis egg extract with either X. laevis or X. borealis sperm chromosomes revealed that paternally matched or overexpressed centromeric histone CENP-A and its chaperone HJURP could rescue centromere assembly on affected chromosomes in interphase nuclei. However, although the X. laevis chromosomes maintained centromeric CENP-A in metaphase, X. borealis chromosomes did not and also displayed ultra-thin regions containing ribosomal DNA. Both centromere assembly and morphology of X. borealis mitotic chromosomes could be rescued by inhibiting RNA polymerase I or preventing the collapse of stalled DNA replication forks. These results indicate that specific paternal centromeres are inactivated in hybrids due to the disruption of associated chromatin regions that interfere with CENP-A incorporation, at least in some cases due to conflicts between replication and transcription machineries. Thus, our findings highlight the dynamic nature of centromere maintenance and its susceptibility to disruption in vertebrate interspecies hybrids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maiko Kitaoka
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720-3200, USA
| | - Owen K Smith
- Department of Biochemistry, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305-5307, USA
| | - Aaron F Straight
- Department of Biochemistry, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305-5307, USA
| | - Rebecca Heald
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720-3200, USA.
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9
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Cell biology: Centromere instability and replication stress underlie Xenopus hybrid incompatibility. Curr Biol 2022; 32:R947-R949. [PMID: 36167041 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2022.08.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Crosses between closely related species of frogs result in inviable embryos that die following catastrophic cell divisions. A new study identifies defects in centromere maintenance and DNA replication stress as key forces driving this incompatibility.
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10
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Dudka D, Lampson MA. Centromere drive: model systems and experimental progress. Chromosome Res 2022; 30:187-203. [PMID: 35731424 DOI: 10.1007/s10577-022-09696-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2022] [Revised: 04/11/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Centromeres connect chromosomes and spindle microtubules to ensure faithful chromosome segregation. Paradoxically, despite this conserved function, centromeric DNA evolves rapidly and centromeric proteins show signatures of positive selection. The centromere drive hypothesis proposes that centromeric DNA can act like a selfish genetic element and drive non-Mendelian segregation during asymmetric female meiosis. Resulting fitness costs lead to genetic conflict with the rest of the genome and impose a selective pressure for centromeric proteins to adapt by suppressing the costs. Here, we describe experimental model systems for centromere drive in yellow monkeyflowers and mice, summarize key findings demonstrating centromere drive, and explain molecular mechanisms. We further discuss efforts to test if centromeric proteins are involved in suppressing drive-associated fitness costs, highlight a model for centromere drive and suppression in mice, and put forth outstanding questions for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Damian Dudka
- Department of Biology, School of Arts and Sciences, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Michael A Lampson
- Department of Biology, School of Arts and Sciences, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.
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11
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Brändle F, Frühbauer B, Jagannathan M. Principles and functions of pericentromeric satellite DNA clustering into chromocenters. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2022; 128:26-39. [PMID: 35144860 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2022.02.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2022] [Revised: 02/03/2022] [Accepted: 02/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Simple non-coding tandem repeats known as satellite DNA are observed widely across eukaryotes. These repeats occupy vast regions at the centromere and pericentromere of chromosomes but their contribution to cellular function has remained incompletely understood. Here, we review the literature on pericentromeric satellite DNA and discuss its organization and functions across eukaryotic species. We specifically focus on chromocenters, DNA-dense nuclear foci that contain clustered pericentromeric satellite DNA repeats from multiple chromosomes. We first discuss chromocenter formation and the roles that epigenetic modifications, satellite DNA transcripts and sequence-specific satellite DNA-binding play in this process. We then review the newly emerging functions of chromocenters in genome encapsulation, the maintenance of cell fate and speciation. We specifically highlight how the rapid divergence of satellite DNA repeats impacts reproductive isolation between closely related species. Together, we underline the importance of this so-called 'junk DNA' in fundamental biological processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franziska Brändle
- Institute of Biochemistry, ETH Zürich, Otto-Stern-Weg 3, Zürich CH-8093, Switzerland
| | - Benjamin Frühbauer
- Institute of Biochemistry, ETH Zürich, Otto-Stern-Weg 3, Zürich CH-8093, Switzerland
| | - Madhav Jagannathan
- Institute of Biochemistry, ETH Zürich, Otto-Stern-Weg 3, Zürich CH-8093, Switzerland.
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12
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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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13
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Marimuthu MPA, Maruthachalam R, Bondada R, Kuppu S, Tan EH, Britt A, Chan SWL, Comai L. Epigenetically mismatched parental centromeres trigger genome elimination in hybrids. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2021; 7:eabk1151. [PMID: 34797718 PMCID: PMC8604413 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abk1151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Wide crosses result in postzygotic elimination of one parental chromosome set, but the mechanisms that result in such differential fate are poorly understood. Here, we show that alterations of centromeric histone H3 (CENH3) lead to its selective removal from centromeres of mature Arabidopsis eggs and early zygotes, while wild-type CENH3 persists. In the hybrid zygotes and embryos, CENH3 and essential centromere proteins load preferentially on the CENH3-rich centromeres of the wild-type parent, while CENH3-depleted centromeres fail to reconstitute new CENH3-chromatin and the kinetochore and are frequently lost. Genome elimination is opposed by E3 ubiquitin ligase VIM1. We propose a model based on cooperative binding of CENH3 to chromatin to explain the differential CENH3 loading rates. Thus, parental CENH3 polymorphisms result in epigenetically distinct centromeres that instantiate a strong mating barrier and produce haploids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohan P. A. Marimuthu
- UC Davis Genome Center, UC Davis, Davis, CA, USA
- Department of Plant Biology, UC Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Ravi Maruthachalam
- School of Biology, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER), Thiruvananthapuram, Vithura, Kerala 695551, India
| | - Ramesh Bondada
- School of Biology, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER), Thiruvananthapuram, Vithura, Kerala 695551, India
| | | | | | - Anne Britt
- Department of Plant Biology, UC Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | | | - Luca Comai
- UC Davis Genome Center, UC Davis, Davis, CA, USA
- Department of Plant Biology, UC Davis, Davis, CA, USA
- Corresponding author.
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14
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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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15
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Affiliation(s)
- Ching-Ho Chang
- Division of Basic Sciences, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Harmit S Malik
- Division of Basic Sciences, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
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16
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Abstract
Eukaryotic nucleosomes organize chromatin by wrapping 147 bp of DNA around a histone core particle comprising two molecules each of histone H2A, H2B, H3 and H4. The DNA entering and exiting the particle may be bound by the linker histone H1. Whereas deposition of bulk histones is confined to S-phase, paralogs of the common histones, known as histone variants, are available to carry out functions throughout the cell cycle and accumulate in post-mitotic cells. Histone variants confer different structural properties on nucleosomes by wrapping more or less DNA or by altering nucleosome stability. They carry out specialized functions in DNA repair, chromosome segregation and regulation of transcription initiation, or perform tissue-specific roles. In this Cell Science at a Glance article and the accompanying poster, we briefly examine new insights into histone origins and discuss variants from each of the histone families, focusing on how structural differences may alter their functions. Summary: Histone variants change the structural properties of nucleosomes by wrapping more or less DNA, altering nucleosome stability or carrying out specialized functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul B Talbert
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, 1100 Fairview Avenue N, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Steven Henikoff
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, 1100 Fairview Avenue N, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
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17
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Navarro AP, Cheeseman IM. Kinetochore assembly throughout the cell cycle. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2021; 117:62-74. [PMID: 33753005 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2021.03.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2021] [Revised: 03/12/2021] [Accepted: 03/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The kinetochore plays an essential role in facilitating chromosome segregation during cell division. This massive protein complex assembles onto the centromere of chromosomes and enables their attachment to spindle microtubules during mitosis. The kinetochore also functions as a signaling hub to regulate cell cycle progression, and is crucial to ensuring the fidelity of chromosome segregation. Despite the fact that kinetochores are large and robust molecular assemblies, they are also highly dynamic structures that undergo structural and organizational changes throughout the cell cycle. This review will highlight our current understanding of kinetochore structure and function, focusing on the dynamic processes that underlie kinetochore assembly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra P Navarro
- Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research, 455 Main Street, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA; Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Iain M Cheeseman
- Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research, 455 Main Street, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA; Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA.
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18
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CENP-A nucleosome-a chromatin-embedded pedestal for the centromere: lessons learned from structural biology. Essays Biochem 2021; 64:205-221. [PMID: 32720682 PMCID: PMC7475651 DOI: 10.1042/ebc20190074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2020] [Revised: 06/16/2020] [Accepted: 06/19/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The centromere is a chromosome locus that directs equal segregation of chromosomes during cell division. A nucleosome containing the histone H3 variant CENP-A epigenetically defines the centromere. Here, we summarize findings from recent structural biology studies, including several CryoEM structures, that contributed to elucidate specific features of the CENP-A nucleosome and molecular determinants of its interactions with CENP-C and CENP-N, the only two centromere proteins that directly bind to it. Based on those findings, we propose a role of the CENP-A nucleosome in the organization of centromeric chromatin beyond binding centromeric proteins.
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19
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Kursel LE, Welsh FC, Malik HS. Ancient Coretention of Paralogs of Cid Centromeric Histones and Cal1 Chaperones in Mosquito Species. Mol Biol Evol 2020; 37:1949-1963. [PMID: 32125433 PMCID: PMC7306699 DOI: 10.1093/molbev/msaa056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite their essential role in chromosome segregation in most eukaryotes, centromeric histones (CenH3s) evolve rapidly and are subject to gene turnover. We previously identified four instances of gene duplication and specialization of Cid, which encodes for the CenH3 in Drosophila. We hypothesized that retention of specialized Cid paralogs could be selectively advantageous to resolve the intralocus conflict that occurs on essential genes like Cid, which are subject to divergent selective pressures to perform multiple functions. We proposed that intralocus conflict could be a widespread phenomenon that drives evolutionary innovation in centromeric proteins. If this were the case, we might expect to find other instances of coretention and specialization of centromeric proteins during animal evolution. Consistent with this hypothesis, we find that most mosquito species encode two CenH3 (mosqCid) genes, mosqCid1 and mosqCid2, which have been coretained for over 150 My. In addition, Aedes species encode a third mosqCid3 gene, which arose from an independent gene duplication of mosqCid1. Like Drosophila Cid paralogs, mosqCid paralogs evolve under different selective constraints and show tissue-specific expression patterns. Analysis of mosqCid N-terminal protein motifs further supports the model that mosqCid paralogs have functionally diverged. Extending our survey to other centromeric proteins, we find that all Anopheles mosquitoes encode two CAL1 paralogs, which are the chaperones that deposit CenH3 proteins at centromeres in Diptera, but a single CENP-C paralog. The ancient coretention of paralogs of centromeric proteins adds further support to the hypothesis that intralocus conflict can drive their coretention and functional specialization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa E Kursel
- Molecular and Cellular Biology Graduate Program, University of Washington, Seattle, WA
- Division of Basic Sciences, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA
- Department of Biology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT
| | - Frances C Welsh
- Molecular and Cellular Biology Graduate Program, University of Washington, Seattle, WA
- Division of Basic Sciences, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA
- University of Puget Sound, Tacoma, WA
| | - Harmit S Malik
- Division of Basic Sciences, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA
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20
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Medina‐Pritchard B, Lazou V, Zou J, Byron O, Abad MA, Rappsilber J, Heun P, Jeyaprakash AA. Structural basis for centromere maintenance by Drosophila CENP-A chaperone CAL1. EMBO J 2020; 39:e103234. [PMID: 32134144 PMCID: PMC7110144 DOI: 10.15252/embj.2019103234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2019] [Revised: 01/25/2020] [Accepted: 02/11/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Centromeres are microtubule attachment sites on chromosomes defined by the enrichment of histone variant CENP-A-containing nucleosomes. To preserve centromere identity, CENP-A must be escorted to centromeres by a CENP-A-specific chaperone for deposition. Despite this essential requirement, many eukaryotes differ in the composition of players involved in centromere maintenance, highlighting the plasticity of this process. In humans, CENP-A recognition and centromere targeting are achieved by HJURP and the Mis18 complex, respectively. Using X-ray crystallography, we here show how Drosophila CAL1, an evolutionarily distinct CENP-A histone chaperone, binds both CENP-A and the centromere receptor CENP-C without the requirement for the Mis18 complex. While an N-terminal CAL1 fragment wraps around CENP-A/H4 through multiple physical contacts, a C-terminal CAL1 fragment directly binds a CENP-C cupin domain dimer. Although divergent at the primary structure level, CAL1 thus binds CENP-A/H4 using evolutionarily conserved and adaptive structural principles. The CAL1 binding site on CENP-C is strategically positioned near the cupin dimerisation interface, restricting binding to just one CAL1 molecule per CENP-C dimer. Overall, by demonstrating how CAL1 binds CENP-A/H4 and CENP-C, we provide key insights into the minimalistic principles underlying centromere maintenance.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Vasiliki Lazou
- Wellcome Centre for Cell BiologyUniversity of EdinburghEdinburghUK
| | - Juan Zou
- Wellcome Centre for Cell BiologyUniversity of EdinburghEdinburghUK
| | - Olwyn Byron
- School of Life SciencesUniversity of GlasgowGlasgowUK
| | - Maria A Abad
- Wellcome Centre for Cell BiologyUniversity of EdinburghEdinburghUK
| | - Juri Rappsilber
- Wellcome Centre for Cell BiologyUniversity of EdinburghEdinburghUK,Institute of BiotechnologyTechnische Universität BerlinBerlinGermany
| | - Patrick Heun
- Wellcome Centre for Cell BiologyUniversity of EdinburghEdinburghUK
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21
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Talbert PB, Henikoff S. What makes a centromere? Exp Cell Res 2020; 389:111895. [PMID: 32035948 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2020.111895] [Citation(s) in RCA: 101] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2019] [Revised: 01/18/2020] [Accepted: 02/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Centromeres are the eukaryotic chromosomal sites at which the kinetochore forms and attaches to spindle microtubules to orchestrate chromosomal segregation in mitosis and meiosis. Although centromeres are essential for cell division, their sequences are not conserved and evolve rapidly. Centromeres vary dramatically in size and organization. Here we categorize their diversity and explore the evolutionary forces shaping them. Nearly all centromeres favor AT-rich DNA that is gene-free and transcribed at a very low level. Repair of frequent centromere-proximal breaks probably contributes to their rapid sequence evolution. Point centromeres are only ~125 bp and are specified by common protein-binding motifs, whereas short regional centromeres are 1-5 kb, typically have unique sequences, and may have pericentromeric repeats adapted to facilitate centromere clustering. Transposon-rich centromeres are often ~100-300 kb and are favored by RNAi machinery that silences transposons, by suppression of meiotic crossovers at centromeres, and by the ability of some transposons to target centromeres. Megabase-length satellite centromeres arise in plants and animals with asymmetric female meiosis that creates centromere competition, and favors satellite monomers one or two nucleosomes in length that position and stabilize centromeric nucleosomes. Holocentromeres encompass the length of a chromosome and may differ dramatically between mitosis and meiosis. We propose a model in which low level transcription of centromeres facilitates the formation of non-B DNA that specifies centromeres and promotes loading of centromeric nucleosomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul B Talbert
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, 1100 Fairview Ave N, Seattle, WA, 98109, USA
| | - Steven Henikoff
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, 1100 Fairview Ave N, Seattle, WA, 98109, USA.
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22
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Moreno-Moreno O, Torras-Llort M, Azorin F. The E3-ligases SCFPpa and APC/CCdh1 co-operate to regulate CENP-ACID expression across the cell cycle. Nucleic Acids Res 2019; 47:3395-3406. [PMID: 30753559 PMCID: PMC6468245 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkz060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2018] [Revised: 01/22/2019] [Accepted: 01/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Centromere identity is determined by the specific deposition of CENP-A, a histone H3 variant localizing exclusively at centromeres. Increased CENP-A expression, which is a frequent event in cancer, causes mislocalization, ectopic kinetochore assembly and genomic instability. Proteolysis regulates CENP-A expression and prevents its misincorporation across chromatin. How proteolysis restricts CENP-A localization to centromeres is not well understood. Here we report that, in Drosophila, CENP-ACID expression levels are regulated throughout the cell cycle by the combined action of SCFPpa and APC/CCdh1. We show that SCFPpa regulates CENP-ACID expression in G1 and, importantly, in S-phase preventing its promiscuous incorporation across chromatin during replication. In G1, CENP-ACID expression is also regulated by APC/CCdh1. We also show that Cal1, the specific chaperone that deposits CENP-ACID at centromeres, protects CENP-ACID from SCFPpa-mediated degradation but not from APC/CCdh1-mediated degradation. These results suggest that, whereas SCFPpa targets the fraction of CENP-ACID that is not in complex with Cal1, APC/CCdh1 mediates also degradation of the Cal1-CENP-ACID complex and, thus, likely contributes to the regulation of centromeric CENP-ACID deposition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olga Moreno-Moreno
- Institute of Molecular Biology of Barcelona, IBMB, CSIC. Baldiri Reixac 4. 08028 Barcelona, Spain.,Institute for Research in Biomedicine, IRB Barcelona. The Barcelona Institute for Science and Technology. Baldiri Reixac 10, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Mònica Torras-Llort
- Institute of Molecular Biology of Barcelona, IBMB, CSIC. Baldiri Reixac 4. 08028 Barcelona, Spain.,Institute for Research in Biomedicine, IRB Barcelona. The Barcelona Institute for Science and Technology. Baldiri Reixac 10, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Fernando Azorin
- Institute of Molecular Biology of Barcelona, IBMB, CSIC. Baldiri Reixac 4. 08028 Barcelona, Spain.,Institute for Research in Biomedicine, IRB Barcelona. The Barcelona Institute for Science and Technology. Baldiri Reixac 10, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
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23
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Chang CH, Chavan A, Palladino J, Wei X, Martins NMC, Santinello B, Chen CC, Erceg J, Beliveau BJ, Wu CT, Larracuente AM, Mellone BG. Islands of retroelements are major components of Drosophila centromeres. PLoS Biol 2019; 17:e3000241. [PMID: 31086362 PMCID: PMC6516634 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.3000241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2018] [Accepted: 04/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Centromeres are essential chromosomal regions that mediate kinetochore assembly and spindle attachments during cell division. Despite their functional conservation, centromeres are among the most rapidly evolving genomic regions and can shape karyotype evolution and speciation across taxa. Although significant progress has been made in identifying centromere-associated proteins, the highly repetitive centromeres of metazoans have been refractory to DNA sequencing and assembly, leaving large gaps in our understanding of their functional organization and evolution. Here, we identify the sequence composition and organization of the centromeres of Drosophila melanogaster by combining long-read sequencing, chromatin immunoprecipitation for the centromeric histone CENP-A, and high-resolution chromatin fiber imaging. Contrary to previous models that heralded satellite repeats as the major functional components, we demonstrate that functional centromeres form on islands of complex DNA sequences enriched in retroelements that are flanked by large arrays of satellite repeats. Each centromere displays distinct size and arrangement of its DNA elements but is similar in composition overall. We discover that a specific retroelement, G2/Jockey-3, is the most highly enriched sequence in CENP-A chromatin and is the only element shared among all centromeres. G2/Jockey-3 is also associated with CENP-A in the sister species D. simulans, revealing an unexpected conservation despite the reported turnover of centromeric satellite DNA. Our work reveals the DNA sequence identity of the active centromeres of a premier model organism and implicates retroelements as conserved features of centromeric DNA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ching-Ho Chang
- Department of Biology, University of Rochester; Rochester, New York, United States of America
| | - Ankita Chavan
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut, United States of America
| | - Jason Palladino
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut, United States of America
| | - Xiaolu Wei
- Department of Biomedical Genetics, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York, United States of America
| | - Nuno M. C. Martins
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Bryce Santinello
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut, United States of America
| | - Chin-Chi Chen
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut, United States of America
| | - Jelena Erceg
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Brian J. Beliveau
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Department of Systems Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Department of Genome Sciences, University of Washington Seattle, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Chao-Ting Wu
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Amanda M. Larracuente
- Department of Biology, University of Rochester; Rochester, New York, United States of America
| | - Barbara G. Mellone
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut, United States of America
- Institute for Systems Genomics, University of Connecticut Storrs, Connecticut, United States of America
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24
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Mendiratta S, Gatto A, Almouzni G. Histone supply: Multitiered regulation ensures chromatin dynamics throughout the cell cycle. J Cell Biol 2018; 218:39-54. [PMID: 30257851 PMCID: PMC6314538 DOI: 10.1083/jcb.201807179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2018] [Revised: 09/05/2018] [Accepted: 09/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Mendiratta et al. review the interplay between the different regulatory layers that affect the transcription and dynamics of distinct histone H3 variants along the cell cycle. As the building blocks of chromatin, histones are central to establish and maintain particular chromatin states associated with given cell fates. Importantly, histones exist as distinct variants whose expression and incorporation into chromatin are tightly regulated during the cell cycle. During S phase, specialized replicative histone variants ensure the bulk of the chromatinization of the duplicating genome. Other non-replicative histone variants deposited throughout the cell cycle at specific loci use pathways uncoupled from DNA synthesis. Here, we review the particular dynamics of expression, cellular transit, assembly, and disassembly of replicative and non-replicative forms of the histone H3. Beyond the role of histone variants in chromatin dynamics, we review our current knowledge concerning their distinct regulation to control their expression at different levels including transcription, posttranscriptional processing, and protein stability. In light of this unique regulation, we highlight situations where perturbations in histone balance may lead to cellular dysfunction and pathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shweta Mendiratta
- Institut Curie, Paris Sciences et Lettres Research University, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, UMR3664, Equipe Labellisée Ligue contre le Cancer, Paris, France.,Sorbonne Universités, Université Pierre et Marie Curie Paris 06, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, UMR3664, Paris, France
| | - Alberto Gatto
- Institut Curie, Paris Sciences et Lettres Research University, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, UMR3664, Equipe Labellisée Ligue contre le Cancer, Paris, France.,Sorbonne Universités, Université Pierre et Marie Curie Paris 06, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, UMR3664, Paris, France
| | - Genevieve Almouzni
- Institut Curie, Paris Sciences et Lettres Research University, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, UMR3664, Equipe Labellisée Ligue contre le Cancer, Paris, France .,Sorbonne Universités, Université Pierre et Marie Curie Paris 06, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, UMR3664, Paris, France
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25
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Pontremoli C, Forni D, Cagliani R, Pozzoli U, Clerici M, Sironi M. Evolutionary rates of mammalian telomere-stability genes correlate with karyotype features and female germline expression. Nucleic Acids Res 2018; 46:7153-7168. [PMID: 29893967 PMCID: PMC6101625 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gky494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2018] [Revised: 05/17/2018] [Accepted: 05/22/2018] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Telomeres protect the ends of eukaryotic chromosomes and are essential for cell viability. In mammals, telomere dynamics vary with life history traits (e.g. body mass and longevity), suggesting differential selection depending on physiological characteristics. Telomeres, in analogy to centromeric regions, also represent candidate meiotic drivers and subtelomeric DNA evolves rapidly. We analyzed the evolutionary history of mammalian genes implicated in telomere homeostasis (TEL genes). We detected widespread positive selection and we tested two alternative hypotheses: (i) fast evolution is driven by changes in life history traits; (ii) a conflict with selfish DNA elements at the female meiosis represents the underlying selective pressure. By accounting for the phylogenetic relationships among mammalian species, we show that life history traits do not contribute to shape diversity of TEL genes. Conversely, the evolutionary rate of TEL genes correlates with expression levels during meiosis and episodes of positive selection across mammalian species are associated with karyotype features (number of chromosome arms). We thus propose a telomere drive hypothesis, whereby (sub)telomeres and telomere-binding proteins are engaged in an intra-genomic conflict similar to the one described for centromeres.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Pontremoli
- Bioinformatics, Scientific Institute IRCCS E. MEDEA, 23842 Bosisio Parini, Italy
| | - Diego Forni
- Bioinformatics, Scientific Institute IRCCS E. MEDEA, 23842 Bosisio Parini, Italy
| | - Rachele Cagliani
- Bioinformatics, Scientific Institute IRCCS E. MEDEA, 23842 Bosisio Parini, Italy
| | - Uberto Pozzoli
- Bioinformatics, Scientific Institute IRCCS E. MEDEA, 23842 Bosisio Parini, Italy
| | - Mario Clerici
- Department of Physiopathology and Transplantation, University of Milan, 20090 Milan, Italy
- Don C. Gnocchi Foundation ONLUS, IRCCS, 20148 Milan, Italy
| | - Manuela Sironi
- Bioinformatics, Scientific Institute IRCCS E. MEDEA, 23842 Bosisio Parini, Italy
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26
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Oliferenko S. Understanding eukaryotic chromosome segregation from a comparative biology perspective. J Cell Sci 2018; 131:131/14/jcs203653. [PMID: 30030298 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.203653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
A long-appreciated variation in fundamental cell biological processes between different species is becoming increasingly tractable due to recent breakthroughs in whole-genome analyses and genome editing techniques. However, the bulk of our mechanistic understanding in cell biology continues to come from just a few well-established models. In this Review, I use the highly diverse strategies of chromosome segregation in eukaryotes as an instrument for a more general discussion on phenotypic variation, possible rules underlying its emergence and its utility in understanding conserved functional relationships underlying this process. Such a comparative approach, supported by modern molecular biology tools, might provide a wider, holistic view of biology that is difficult to achieve when concentrating on a single experimental system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Snezhana Oliferenko
- The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London, NW1 1AT, UK .,Randall Centre for Cell and Molecular Biophysics, New Hunt's House, Guy's Campus, King's College London, London, SE1 1UL, UK
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27
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Kursel LE, Malik HS. The cellular mechanisms and consequences of centromere drive. Curr Opin Cell Biol 2018; 52:58-65. [PMID: 29454259 DOI: 10.1016/j.ceb.2018.01.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2017] [Revised: 01/17/2018] [Accepted: 01/29/2018] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
During female meiosis, only one of four meiotic products is retained in the egg. It was previously proposed that chromosomes might compete for inclusion in the egg via their centromere 'strength'. Recent findings have revealed the primary requirements for such 'centromere drive'. First, CDC42 signaling from the oocyte cortex renders the meiotic I spindle asymmetric. Second, 'stronger' centromeres preferentially detach from microtubules in cortical proximity, making them more likely to orient away from the cortex, and be included in the egg. Third, centromeric satellite DNA expansions result in greater recruitment of centromeric proteins. Despite these mechanistic insights, it is still unclear if centromere drive elicits rapid evolution of centromeric proteins, thereby driving cellular incompatibilities and wreaking havoc on centromere stability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa E Kursel
- Molecular and Cellular Biology Graduate Program, University of Washington, Seattle, USA; Division of Basic Sciences, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, USA
| | - Harmit S Malik
- Division of Basic Sciences, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, USA. mailto:
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28
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Kursel LE, Malik HS. Recurrent Gene Duplication Leads to Diverse Repertoires of Centromeric Histones in Drosophila Species. Mol Biol Evol 2017; 34:1445-1462. [PMID: 28333217 PMCID: PMC5435080 DOI: 10.1093/molbev/msx091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite their essential role in the process of chromosome segregation in most eukaryotes, centromeric histones show remarkable evolutionary lability. Not only have they been lost in multiple insect lineages, but they have also undergone gene duplication in multiple plant lineages. Based on detailed study of a handful of model organisms including Drosophila melanogaster, centromeric histone duplication is considered to be rare in animals. Using a detailed phylogenomic study, we find that Cid, the centromeric histone gene, has undergone at least four independent gene duplications during Drosophila evolution. We find duplicate Cid genes in D. eugracilis (Cid2), in the montium species subgroup (Cid3, Cid4) and in the entire Drosophila subgenus (Cid5). We show that Cid3, Cid4, and Cid5 all localize to centromeres in their respective species. Some Cid duplicates are primarily expressed in the male germline. With rare exceptions, Cid duplicates have been strictly retained after birth, suggesting that they perform nonredundant centromeric functions, independent from the ancestral Cid. Indeed, each duplicate encodes a distinct N-terminal tail, which may provide the basis for distinct protein–protein interactions. Finally, we show some Cid duplicates evolve under positive selection whereas others do not. Taken together, our results support the hypothesis that Drosophila Cid duplicates have subfunctionalized. Thus, these gene duplications provide an unprecedented opportunity to dissect the multiple roles of centromeric histones.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa E Kursel
- Molecular and Cellular Biology Graduate Program, University of Washington, Seattle, WA.,Division of Basic Sciences, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA
| | - Harmit S Malik
- Division of Basic Sciences, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA.,Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA
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29
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Chen CC, Mellone BG. Chromatin assembly: Journey to the CENter of the chromosome. J Cell Biol 2017; 214:13-24. [PMID: 27377247 PMCID: PMC4932374 DOI: 10.1083/jcb.201605005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2016] [Accepted: 06/14/2016] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
All eukaryotic genomes are packaged into basic units of DNA wrapped around histone proteins called nucleosomes. The ability of histones to specify a variety of epigenetic states at defined chromatin domains is essential for cell survival. The most distinctive type of chromatin is found at centromeres, which are marked by the centromere-specific histone H3 variant CENP-A. Many of the factors that regulate CENP-A chromatin have been identified; however, our understanding of the mechanisms of centromeric nucleosome assembly, maintenance, and reorganization remains limited. This review discusses recent insights into these processes and draws parallels between centromeric and noncentromeric chromatin assembly mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chin-Chi Chen
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06269
| | - Barbara G Mellone
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06269 Institute for Systems Genomics, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06269
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Comai L, Maheshwari S, Marimuthu MPA. Plant centromeres. CURRENT OPINION IN PLANT BIOLOGY 2017; 36:158-167. [PMID: 28411416 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbi.2017.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2017] [Revised: 03/09/2017] [Accepted: 03/10/2017] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Plant centromeres, which are determined epigenetically by centromeric histone 3 (CENH3) have revealed surprising structural diversity, ranging from the canonical monocentric seen in vertebrates, to polycentric, and holocentric. Normally stable, centromeres can change position over evolutionary times or upon genomic stress, such as when chromosomes are broken. At the DNA level, centromeres can be based on single copy DNA or more commonly on repeats. Rapid evolution of centromeric sequences and of CENH3 protein remains a mystery, as evidence of co-adaptation is lacking. Epigenetic differences between parents can trigger uniparental centromere failure and genome elimination, contributing to postzygotic hybridization barriers..
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Comai
- Department of Plant Biology and Genome Center, University of California Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA.
| | - Shamoni Maheshwari
- Department of Plant Biology and Genome Center, University of California Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Mohan P A Marimuthu
- Department of Plant Biology and Genome Center, University of California Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA
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Maheshwari S, Ishii T, Brown CT, Houben A, Comai L. Centromere location in Arabidopsis is unaltered by extreme divergence in CENH3 protein sequence. Genome Res 2017; 27:471-478. [PMID: 28223399 PMCID: PMC5340974 DOI: 10.1101/gr.214619.116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2016] [Accepted: 12/14/2016] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
During cell division, spindle fibers attach to chromosomes at centromeres. The DNA sequence at regional centromeres is fast evolving with no conserved genetic signature for centromere identity. Instead CENH3, a centromere-specific histone H3 variant, is the epigenetic signature that specifies centromere location across both plant and animal kingdoms. Paradoxically, CENH3 is also adaptively evolving. An ongoing question is whether CENH3 evolution is driven by a functional relationship with the underlying DNA sequence. Here, we demonstrate that despite extensive protein sequence divergence, CENH3 histones from distant species assemble centromeres on the same underlying DNA sequence. We first characterized the organization and diversity of centromere repeats in wild-type Arabidopsis thaliana. We show that A. thaliana CENH3-containing nucleosomes exhibit a strong preference for a unique subset of centromeric repeats. These sequences are largely missing from the genome assemblies and represent the youngest and most homogeneous class of repeats. Next, we tested the evolutionary specificity of this interaction in a background in which the native A. thaliana CENH3 is replaced with CENH3s from distant species. Strikingly, we find that CENH3 from Lepidium oleraceum and Zea mays, although specifying epigenetically weaker centromeres that result in genome elimination upon outcrossing, show a binding pattern on A. thaliana centromere repeats that is indistinguishable from the native CENH3. Our results demonstrate positional stability of a highly diverged CENH3 on independently evolved repeats, suggesting that the sequence specificity of centromeres is determined by a mechanism independent of CENH3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shamoni Maheshwari
- Plant Biology Department and Genome Center, University of California, Davis, California 95616, USA
| | - Takayoshi Ishii
- Leibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research (IPK) Gatersleben, 06466 Stadt Seeland, Germany
| | - C Titus Brown
- Department of Population Health and Reproduction, University of California, Davis, California 95616, USA
| | - Andreas Houben
- Leibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research (IPK) Gatersleben, 06466 Stadt Seeland, Germany
| | - Luca Comai
- Plant Biology Department and Genome Center, University of California, Davis, California 95616, USA
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Musacchio A, Desai A. A Molecular View of Kinetochore Assembly and Function. BIOLOGY 2017; 6:E5. [PMID: 28125021 PMCID: PMC5371998 DOI: 10.3390/biology6010005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 310] [Impact Index Per Article: 44.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2016] [Revised: 01/16/2017] [Accepted: 01/17/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Kinetochores are large protein assemblies that connect chromosomes to microtubules of the mitotic and meiotic spindles in order to distribute the replicated genome from a mother cell to its daughters. Kinetochores also control feedback mechanisms responsible for the correction of incorrect microtubule attachments, and for the coordination of chromosome attachment with cell cycle progression. Finally, kinetochores contribute to their own preservation, across generations, at the specific chromosomal loci devoted to host them, the centromeres. They achieve this in most species by exploiting an epigenetic, DNA-sequence-independent mechanism; notable exceptions are budding yeasts where a specific sequence is associated with centromere function. In the last 15 years, extensive progress in the elucidation of the composition of the kinetochore and the identification of various physical and functional modules within its substructure has led to a much deeper molecular understanding of kinetochore organization and the origins of its functional output. Here, we provide a broad summary of this progress, focusing primarily on kinetochores of humans and budding yeast, while highlighting work from other models, and present important unresolved questions for future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Musacchio
- Department of Mechanistic Cell Biology, Max Planck Institute of Molecular Physiology, Otto-Hahn Straße 11, Dortmund 44227, Germany.
- Centre for Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Biology, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen 45117, Germany.
| | - Arshad Desai
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA.
- Department of Cellular & Molecular Medicine, 9500 Gilman Dr., La Jolla, CA 92093, USA.
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Centromeres Drive a Hard Bargain. Trends Genet 2017; 33:101-117. [PMID: 28069312 DOI: 10.1016/j.tig.2016.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2016] [Revised: 12/01/2016] [Accepted: 12/05/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Centromeres are essential chromosomal structures that mediate the accurate distribution of genetic material during meiotic and mitotic cell divisions. In most organisms, centromeres are epigenetically specified and propagated by nucleosomes containing the centromere-specific H3 variant, centromere protein A (CENP-A). Although centromeres perform a critical and conserved function, CENP-A and the underlying centromeric DNA are rapidly evolving. This paradox has been explained by the centromere drive hypothesis, which proposes that CENP-A is undergoing an evolutionary tug-of-war with selfish centromeric DNA. Here, we review our current understanding of CENP-A evolution in relation to centromere drive and discuss classical and recent advances, including new evidence implicating CENP-A chaperones in this conflict.
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Mellone BG. Winged migration. Mol Biol Cell 2016; 27:3189-3191. [PMID: 27799491 PMCID: PMC5170848 DOI: 10.1091/mbc.e16-07-0492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
It is an honor to become a part of the talented group of cell biologists who have received this award before me. While running a research group certainly has its ups and downs, I love being a faculty member and am continuously excited by the prospect of scientific discoveries yet to be made. I have benefited from the support of many people over the years and hope to be able to do the same for others through my mentoring and teaching.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara G Mellone
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology and Institute for Systems Genomics, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06269
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Zasadzińska E, Foltz DR. Centromeres of a Different CAL-ibre. Dev Cell 2016; 37:105-6. [PMID: 27093076 DOI: 10.1016/j.devcel.2016.04.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Centromeres of higher eukaryotes are defined by the epigenetic inheritance of the centromere-specific CENP-A nucleosome. Reporting in Developmental Cell, Rosin and Mellone (2016) show that co-evolution of the CENP-A histone variant and its chaperone CAL1 accounts for species incompatibility between centromeric histones in Drosophila.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ewelina Zasadzińska
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA
| | - Daniel R Foltz
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA; Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA.
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