Building the centromere: from foundation proteins to 3D organization

DMRT1 regulates human germline commitment

Germline commitment following primordial germ cell (PGC) specification during early human development establishes an epigenetic programme and competence for gametogenesis. Here we follow the progression of nascent PGC-like cells derived from human embryonic stem cells in vitro. We show that switching from BMP signalling for PGC specification to Activin A and retinoic acid resulted in DMRT1 and CDH5 expression, the indicators of migratory PGCs in vivo. Moreover, the induction of DMRT1 and SOX17 in PGC-like cells promoted epigenetic resetting with striking global enrichment of 5-hydroxymethylcytosine and locus-specific loss of 5-methylcytosine at DMRT1 binding sites and the expression of DAZL representing DNA methylation-sensitive genes, a hallmark of the germline commitment programme. We provide insight into the unique role of DMRT1 in germline development for advances in human germ cell biology and in vitro gametogenesis.

Clinical and molecular cytogenetic findings and pregnancy outcomes of fetuses with isochromosome Y

BACKGROUND

The mosaic forms and clinical phenotypes of fetuses with isochromosome Y are difficult to predict. Therefore, we summarized the cases of nine fetuses with isochromosome Y identified in prenatal diagnosis with a combination of molecular cytogenetic techniques, providing clinical evidence for prenatal genetic counseling.

METHODS

The prenatal diagnosis and pregnancy outcomes of nine fetuses with isochromosome Y were obtained by a  retrospective analysis. Isochromosome Y was identified prenatally by different approaches, such as conventional karyotyping, chromosomal microarray analysis (CMA), quantitative fluorescent polymerase chain reaction (QF-PCR) and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH).

RESULTS

Seven idic(Y) fetuses and two i(Y) fetuses were identified. One fetus was complete for i(Y)(p10), and the rest with 45,X had mosaic forms. A break and fusion locus was identified in Yp11.3 in one fetus, in Yq11.22 in six fetuses and in Yp10 in two fetuses. The CMA results suggested that different deletions and duplications were found on the Y chromosome. The deletion fragments ranged from 4.7 Mb to the entire Y chromosome, and the duplication fragments ranged from 10.4 to 18.0 Mb. QF-PCR analysis suggested that the AZF region was intact in one fetus, four fetuses had AZFb+c+d deletion, one fetus had AZFa+b+c+d deletion, and one fetus had AZFc+d deletion. Finally, four healthy male neonates were delivered successfully, but the parents of the remaining five fetuses, including three healthy and two unhealthy fetuses, chose to terminate their pregnancies.

CONCLUSION

The fetus and neonate phenotype of prenatally detected isochromosome Y usually is that of a normally developed male, ascertained in the absence of other indicators of a fetal structural anomaly. Our study provides clinical reference materials for risk assessment and permits better prenatally counseling and preparation of parents facing the birth of isochromosome Y fetuses.

Histone Modifications in Mouse Pronuclei and Consequences for Embryo Development

Epigenetic marks, such as DNA methylation and posttranslational modifications of core histones, are the key regulators of gene expression. In the mouse, many of these marks are erased during gamete formation and must be introduced de novo after fertilization. Some of them appear synchronously, but the others are deposited asynchronously and/or remain differently distributed on maternal and paternal chromatin. Although the mechanisms regulating these processes are not entirely understandable, it is commonly accepted that epigenetic reprogramming occurring during the first cell cycle of a mouse embryo is crucial for its further development. This chapter focuses on selected epigenetic modifications, such as DNA methylation, the introduction of histone variants, histones acetylation, phosphorylation, and methylation. Properly depositing these marks on maternal and paternal chromatin is crucial for normal embryonic development.

Multi-CpG linear regression models to accurately predict paclitaxel and docetaxel activity in cancer cell lines

The microtubule-targeting paclitaxel (PTX) and docetaxel (DTX) are widely used chemotherapeutic agents. However, the dysregulation of apoptotic processes, microtubule-binding proteins, and multi-drug resistance efflux and influx proteins can alter the efficacy of taxane drugs. In this review, we have created multi-CpG linear regression models to predict the activities of PTX and DTX drugs through the integration of publicly available pharmacological and genome-wide molecular profiling datasets generated using hundreds of cancer cell lines of diverse tissue of origin. Our findings indicate that linear regression models based on CpG methylation levels can predict PTX and DTX activities (log-fold change in viability relative to DMSO) with high precision. For example, a 287-CpG model predicts PTX activity at R² of 0.985 among 399 cell lines. Just as precise (R²=0.996) is a 342-CpG model for predicting DTX activity in 390 cell lines. However, our predictive models, which employ a combination of mRNA expression and mutation as input variables, are less accurate compared to the CpG-based models. While a 290 mRNA/mutation model was able to predict PTX activity with R² of 0.830 (for 546 cell lines), a 236 mRNA/mutation model could calculate DTX activity at R² of 0.751 (for 531 cell lines). The CpG-based models restricted to lung cancer cell lines were also highly predictive (R²≥0.980) for PTX (74 CpGs, 88 cell lines) and DTX (58 CpGs, 83 cell lines). The underlying molecular biology behind taxane activity/resistance is evident in these models. Indeed, many of the genes represented in PTX or DTX CpG-based models have functionalities related to apoptosis (e.g., ACIN1, TP73, TNFRSF10B, DNASE1, DFFB, CREB1, BNIP3), and mitosis/microtubules (e.g., MAD1L1, ANAPC2, EML4, PARP3, CCT6A, JAKMIP1). Also represented are genes involved in epigenetic regulation (HDAC4, DNMT3B, and histone demethylases KDM4B, KDM4C, KDM2B, and KDM7A), and those that have never been previously linked to taxane activity (DIP2C, PTPRN2, TTC23, SHANK2). In summary, it is possible to accurately predict taxane activity in cell lines based entirely on methylation at multiple CpG sites.

A role of the Trx-G complex in Cid/CENP-A deposition at Drosophila melanogaster centromeres

Centromeres are epigenetically determined chromatin structures that specify the assembly site of the kinetochore, the multiprotein machinery that binds microtubules and mediates chromosome segregation during mitosis and meiosis. The centromeric protein A (CENP-A) and its Drosophila orthologue centromere identifier (Cid) are H3 histone variants that replace the canonical H3 histone in centromeric nucleosomes of eukaryotes. CENP-A/Cid is required for recruitment of other centromere and kinetochore proteins and its deficiency disrupts chromosome segregation. Despite the many components that are known to cooperate in centromere function, the complete network of factors involved in CENP-A recruitment remains to be defined. In Drosophila, the Trx-G proteins localize along the heterochromatin with specific patterns and some of them localize to the centromeres of all chromosomes. Here, we show that the Trx, Ash1, and CBP proteins are required for the correct chromosome segregation and that Ash1 and CBP mediate for Cid/CENP-A recruitment at centromeres through post-translational histone modifications. We found that centromeric H3 histone is consistently acetylated in K27 by CBP and that nej and ash1 silencing respectively causes a decrease in H3K27 acetylation and H3K4 methylation along with an impairment of Cid loading.

Dynamics of the Centromeric Histone CENH3 Structure in Rye-Wheat Amphidiploids (Secalotriticum)

The centromeres perform integral control of the cell division process and proper distribution of chromosomes into daughter cells. The correct course of this process is often disrupted in case of remote hybridization, which is a stress factor. The combination of parental genomes of different species in a hybrid cell leads to a "genomic shock" followed by loss of genes, changes in gene expression, deletions, inversions, and translocations of chromosome regions. The created rye-wheat allopolyploid hybrids, which were collectively called secalotriticum, represent a new interesting model for studying the effect of remote hybridization on the centromere and its components. The main feature of an active centromere is the presence of a specific histone H3 modification in the centromeric nucleosomes, which is referred to as CENH3 in plants. In this paper the results of cytogenetic analysis of the secalotriticum hybrid karyotypes and the comparison of the CENH3 N-terminal domain structure of parent and hybrid forms are presented. It is shown that the karyotypes of the created secalotriticum forms are stable balanced hexaploids not containing minichromosomes with deleted arms, in full or in part. A high level of homology between rye and wheat enables to express both parental forms of CENH3 gene in the hybrid genomes of secalotriticum cultivars. The CENH3 structure in hybrids in each crossing combination has some specific features. The percentage of polymorphisms at several amino acid positions is much higher in one of the secalotriticum hybrids, STr VD, than in parental forms, whereas the other hybrid, STr VM, inherits a high level of amino acid substitutions at the position 25 from the maternal parent.

Regulation of DNA Replication through Natural Impediments in the Eukaryotic Genome

All living organisms need to duplicate their genetic information while protecting it from unwanted mutations, which can lead to genetic disorders and cancer development. Inaccuracies during DNA replication are the major cause of genomic instability, as replication forks are prone to stalling and collapse, resulting in DNA damage. The presence of exogenous DNA damaging agents as well as endogenous difficult-to-replicate DNA regions containing DNA–protein complexes, repetitive DNA, secondary DNA structures, or transcribing RNA polymerases, increases the risk of genomic instability and thus threatens cell survival. Therefore, understanding the cellular mechanisms required to preserve the genetic information during S phase is of paramount importance. In this review, we will discuss our current understanding of how cells cope with these natural impediments in order to prevent DNA damage and genomic instability during DNA replication.

Breaking Symmetry - Asymmetric Histone Inheritance in Stem Cells

Asymmetric cell division (ACD) gives rise to two daughter cells with distinct fates. ACD is widely used during development and by many types of adult stem cells during tissue homeostasis and regeneration. ACD can be regulated by extrinsic cues, such as signaling molecules, as well as by intrinsic factors, such as organelles and cortex proteins. The recent discovery of asymmetric histone inheritance during stem cell ACD has revealed another intrinsic mechanism by which ACD produces two distinct daughters. In this review we discuss these findings in the context of cell-cycle regulation, as well as other studies of ACD, to begin understanding the underlying mechanisms and biological relevance of this phenomenon.

Chromosomal distribution of H3K4me2, H3K9me2 and 5-methylcytosine: variations associated with polyploidy and hybridization in Brachiaria (Poaceae)

Assessment of chromosomal distribution of modified histones and 5-methylcytosine shown that there are diversification of chromosomal types among species of Brachiaria and its interspecific hybrids. Histone post-translational modifications and DNA methylation are epigenetic processes that are involved in structural and functional organization of the genome. This study compared the chromosomal distribution of modified histones and 5-methylcytosine (5-mCyt) in species and interspecific hybrids of Brachiaria with different ploidy levels and reproduction modes. The relation between H3K9me2 and 5-mCyt was observed in the nucleolus organizer region, centromeric central domain and pericentromeric region. H3K4me2 was detected in euchromatic domains, mainly in the terminal chromosomal regions. Comparison of chromosomal distribution among species and hybrids showed greater variation of chromosomal types for the H3K9me2 in B. decumbens (tetraploid and apomictic species) and the 963 hybrid, while, for the H3K4me2, the variation was higher in B. brizantha and B. decumbens (tetraploid and apomictic species) and 963 hybrid. The chromosome distribution of 5-mCyt was similar between B. brizantha and B. decumbens, which differ from the distribution observed in B. ruziziensis (diploid and sexual species). Significant alterations in DNA methylation were observed in the artificially tetraploidized B. ruziziensis and in the interspecific hybrids, possibly as result of hybridization and polyploidization processes. The monitoring of histone modifications and DNA methylation allowed categorizing nuclear and chromosomal distribution of these epigenetic marks, thus contributing to the knowledge of composition and structure of the genome/epigenome of Brachiaria species and hybrids. These data can be useful for speciation and genome evolution studies in genus Brachiaria, and represent important markers to explore relationships between genomes.

Nuclear PTEN tumor-suppressor functions through maintaining heterochromatin structure

The tumor suppressor, PTEN, is one of the most commonly mutated genes in cancer. Recently, PTEN has been shown to localize in the nucleus and is required to maintain genomic stability. Here, we show that nuclear PTEN, independent of its phosphatase activity, is essential for maintaining heterochromatin structure. Depletion of PTEN leads to loss of heterochromatic foci, decreased chromatin compaction, overexpression of heterochromatic genes, and reduced protein stability of heterochromatin protein 1 α. We found that the C-terminus of PTEN is required to maintain heterochromatin structure. Additionally, cancer-associated PTEN mutants lost their tumor-suppressor function when their heterochromatin structure was compromised. We propose that this novel role of PTEN accounts for its function in guarding genomic stability and suppressing tumor development.

Widespread Positive Selection Drives Differentiation of Centromeric Proteins in the Drosophila melanogaster subgroup

Rapid evolution of centromeric satellite repeats is thought to cause compensatory amino acid evolution in interacting centromere-associated kinetochore proteins. Cid, a protein that mediates kinetochore/centromere interactions, displays particularly high amino acid turnover. Rapid evolution of both Cid and centromeric satellite repeats led us to hypothesize that the apparent compensatory evolution may extend to interacting partners in the Condensin I complex (i.e., SMC2, SMC4, Cap-H, Cap-D2, and Cap-G) and HP1s. Missense mutations in these proteins often result in improper centromere formation and aberrant chromosome segregation, thus selection for maintained function and coevolution among proteins of the complex is likely strong. Here, we report evidence of rapid evolution and recurrent positive selection in seven centromere-associated proteins in species of the Drosophila melanogaster subgroup, and further postulate that positive selection on these proteins could be a result of centromere drive and compensatory changes, with kinetochore proteins competing for optimal spindle attachment.

Sunflower centromeres consist of a centromere-specific LINE and a chromosome-specific tandem repeat

The kinetochore is a protein complex including kinetochore-specific proteins that plays a role in chromatid segregation during mitosis and meiosis. The complex associates with centromeric DNA sequences that are usually species-specific. In plant species, tandem repeats including satellite DNA sequences and retrotransposons have been reported as centromeric DNA sequences. In this study on sunflowers, a cDNA-encoding centromere-specific histone H3 (CENH3) was isolated from a cDNA pool from a seedling, and an antibody was raised against a peptide synthesized from the deduced cDNA. The antibody specifically recognized the sunflower CENH3 (HaCENH3) and showed centromeric signals by immunostaining and immunohistochemical staining analysis. The antibody was also applied in chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP)-Seq to isolate centromeric DNA sequences and two different types of repetitive DNA sequences were identified. One was a long interspersed nuclear element (LINE)-like sequence, which showed centromere-specific signals on almost all chromosomes in sunflowers. This is the first report of a centromeric LINE sequence, suggesting possible centromere targeting ability. Another type of identified repetitive DNA was a tandem repeat sequence with a 187-bp unit that was found only on a pair of chromosomes. The HaCENH3 content of the tandem repeats was estimated to be much higher than that of the LINE, which implies centromere evolution from LINE-based centromeres to more stable tandem-repeat-based centromeres. In addition, the epigenetic status of the sunflower centromeres was investigated by immunohistochemical staining and ChIP, and it was found that centromeres were heterochromatic.

Centromeric chromatin and its dynamics in plants

Centromeres are chromatin structures that are required for proper separation of chromosomes during mitosis and meiosis. The centromere is composed of centromeric DNA, often enriched in satellite repeats, and kinetochore complex proteins. To date, over 100 kinetochore components have been identified in various eukaryotes. Kinetochore assembly begins with incorporation of centromeric histone H3 variant CENH3 into centromeric nucleosomes. Protein components of the kinetochore are either present at centromeres throughout the cell cycle or localize to centromeres transiently, prior to attachment of microtubules to each kinetochore in prometaphase of mitotic cells. This is the case for the spindle assembly checkpoint (SAC) proteins in animal cells. The SAC complex ensures equal separation of chromosomes between daughter nuclei by preventing anaphase onset before metaphase is complete, i.e. the sister kinetochores of all chromosomes are attached to spindle fibers from opposite poles. In this review, we focus on the organization of centromeric DNA and the kinetochore assembly in plants. We summarize recent advances regarding loading of CENH3 into the centromere, and the subcellular localization and protein-protein interactions of Arabidopsis thaliana proteins involved in kinetochore assembly and function. We describe the transcriptional activity of corresponding genes based on in silico analysis of their promoters and cell cycle-dependent expression. Additionally, barley homologs of all selected A. thaliana proteins have been identified in silico, and their sequences and domain structures are presented.

Histone variants and epigenetics

Histones package and compact DNA by assembling into nucleosome core particles. Most histones are synthesized at S phase for rapid deposition behind replication forks. In addition, the replacement of histones deposited during S phase by variants that can be deposited independently of replication provide the most fundamental level of chromatin differentiation. Alternative mechanisms for depositing different variants can potentially establish and maintain epigenetic states. Variants have also evolved crucial roles in chromosome segregation, transcriptional regulation, DNA repair, and other processes. Investigations into the evolution, structure, and metabolism of histone variants provide a foundation for understanding the participation of chromatin in important cellular processes and in epigenetic memory.

Karyotype structure and chromosome fragility in the grass Phleum echinatum Host

Phleum echinatum Host (2n = 2x = 10) is an annual Mediterranean species which differs from other representatives of the genus Phleum by reduced chromosome number, asymmetric karyotype and unusually high amount of DNA in the genome. Chromosomes of this plant were studied using conventional acetic-orcein staining and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). FISH showed the major 35S ribosomal DNA (rDNA) site at the secondary constriction of satellite chromosome (3) and the minor 35S rDNA site near 5S rDNA cluster in the monobrachial chromosome 5. Telomeric repeats were detected at all chromosome ends within secondary constriction in satellited chromosome 3 and at the centromeric regions of chromosomes 1 and 2. Intrachromosomally located telomeric repeats are probably traces of chromosomal rearrangements that have shaped P.echinatum genome; they were prone to breakage which was manifested in chromosome fragmentation. The most distinct telomeric signals, suggesting massive amplification of interstitial telomeric sequences (ITRs), were observed at the nucleolar organizer region (NOR) of the third chromosome pair. Double FISH confirmed co-localization of telomeric and 35S rDNA repeats in this locus characterized by the biggest fragility in the karyotype. Fragile sites of P.echinatum, composed of amplified telomeric repeats, may bear a resemblance to metazoan rare fragile sites enriched in microsatellite repeats.

Loss of BRCA1 impairs centromeric cohesion and triggers chromosomal instability

In contrast to its well-known role in the DNA damage response during interphase, the function of BRCA1 in the maintenance of chromosomal stability during mitosis remains to be defined. In this study, we uncover a novel role of BRCA1 in preserving centromere integrity in mitotic human cells. Using immunofluorescence and chromatin immunoprecipitation approaches, we report BRCA1 association with centromeric chromatin during mitosis. BRCA1 depletion impairs centromeric cohesion, leading to an increase in interkinetochore distance and in unpaired sister-chromatids frequency during prometaphase. Moreover, BRCA1 loss partially decreased accumulation of the Aurora B kinase at the centromere. We found that proper recruitment of the DNMT3b DNA methyltransferase to satellite sequences is BRCA1-dependent during mitosis, suggesting that DNA hypomethylation contributes to Aurora B mislocalization. BRCA1-deficient cells exhibited decreased ability to correct improper Aurora B-dependent chromosome-spindle attachments and to align chromosomes at metaphase. Finally, we show that BRCA1 disruption promotes merotelic kinetochore attachments that represent a major mechanism of aneuploidy in human cells. In summary, we report here a novel function of BRCA1 in maintaining chromosomal stability through its contribution to the mitotic centromere integrity necessary for faithful segregation of sister-chromatids during cell division.

Identification and diversity of functional centromere satellites in the wild rice species Oryza brachyantha

The centromere is a key chromosomal component for sister chromatid cohesion and is the site for kinetochore assembly and spindle fiber attachment, allowing each sister chromatid to faithfully segregate to each daughter cell during cell division. It is not clear what types of sequences act as functional centromeres and how centromere sequences are organized in Oryza brachyantha, an FF genome species. In this study, we found that the three classes of centromere-specific CentO-F satellites (CentO-F1, CentO-F2, and CentOF3) in O. brachyantha share no homology with the CentO satellites in Oryza sativa. The three classes of CentO-F satellites are all located within the chromosomal regions to which the spindle fibers attach and are characterized by megabase tandem arrays that are flanked by centromere-specific retrotransposons, CRR-F, in the O. brachyantha centromeres. Although these CentO-F satellites are quantitatively variable among 12 O. brachyantha centromeres, immunostaining with an antibody specific to CENH3 indicates that they are colocated with CENH3 in functional centromere regions. Our results demonstrate that the three classes of CentO-F satellites may be the major components of functional centromeres in O. brachyantha.

Histone variants: key players of chromatin

Histones are fundamental structural components of chromatin. Eukaryotic DNA is wound around an octamer of the core histones H2A, H2B, H3, and H4. Binding of linker histone H1 promotes higher order chromatin organization. In addition to their structural role, histones impact chromatin function and dynamics by, e.g., post-translational histone modifications or the presence of specific histone variants. Histone variants exhibit differential expression timings (DNA replication-independent) and mRNA characteristics compared to canonical histones. Replacement of canonical histones with histone variants can affect nucleosome stability and help to create functionally distinct chromatin domains. In line with this, several histone variants have been implicated in the regulation of cellular processes such as DNA repair and transcriptional activity. In this review, we focus on recent progress in the study of core histone variants H2A.X, H2A.Z, macroH2A, H3.3, and CENP-A, as well as linker histone H1 variants, their functions and their links to development and disease.

DNA replication components as regulators of epigenetic inheritance--lesson from fission yeast centromere

Genetic information stored in DNA is accurately copied and transferred to subsequent generations through DNA replication. This process is accomplished through the concerted actions of highly conserved DNA replication components. Epigenetic information stored in the form of histone modifications and DNA methylation, constitutes a second layer of regulatory information important for many cellular processes, such as gene expression regulation, chromatin organization, and genome stability. During DNA replication, epigenetic information must also be faithfully transmitted to subsequent generations. How this monumental task is achieved remains poorly understood. In this review, we will discuss recent advances on the role of DNA replication components in the inheritance of epigenetic marks, with a particular focus on epigenetic regulation in fission yeast. Based on these findings, we propose that specific DNA replication components function as key regulators in the replication of epigenetic information across the genome.

A regulatory effect of INMAP on centromere proteins: antisense INMAP induces CENP-B variation and centromeric halo

CENP-B is a highly conserved protein that facilitates the assembly of specific centromere structures both in interphase nuclei and on mitotic chromosomes. INMAP is a conserved protein that localizes at nucleus in interphase cells and at mitotic apparatus in mitotic cells. Our previous results showed that INMAP over-expression leads to spindle defects, mitotic arrest and formation of polycentrosomal and multinuclear cells, indicating that INMAP may modulate the function of (a) key protein(s) in mitotic apparatus. In this study, we demonstrate that INMAP interacts with CENP-B and promotes cleavage of the N-terminal DNA binding domain from CENP-B. The cleaved CENP-B cannot associate with centromeres and thus lose its centromere-related functions. Consistent with these results, CENP-B in INMAP knockdown cells becomes more diffused around kinetochores. Although INMAP knockdown cells do not exhibit gross defects in mitotic spindle formation, these cells go through mitosis, especially prophase and metaphase, with different relative timing, indicating subtle abnormality. These results identify INMAP as a model regulator of CENP-B and support the notion that INMAP regulates mitosis through modulating CENP-B-mediated centromere organization.

Chromosome Y centromere array deletion leads to impaired centromere function

The centromere is an essential chromosomal structure that is required for the faithful distribution of replicated chromosomes to daughter cells. Defects in the centromere can compromise the stability of chromosomes resulting in segregation errors. We have characterised the centromeric structure of the spontaneous mutant mouse strain, BALB/cWt, which exhibits a high rate of Y chromosome instability. The Y centromere DNA array shows a de novo interstitial deletion and a reduction in the level of the foundation centromere protein, CENP-A, when compared to the non-deleted centromere array in the progenitor strain. These results suggest there is a lower threshold limit of centromere size that ensures full kinetochore function during cell division.

Heterochromatin reorganization during early mouse development requires a single-stranded noncoding transcript

The equalization of pericentric heterochromatin from distinct parental origins following fertilization is essential for genome function and development. The recent implication of noncoding transcripts in this process raises questions regarding the connection between RNA and the nuclear organization of distinct chromatin environments. Our study addresses the interrelationship between replication and transcription of the two parental pericentric heterochromatin (PHC) domains and their reorganization during early embryonic development. We demonstrate that the replication of PHC is dispensable for its clustering at the late two-cell stage. In contrast, using parthenogenetic embryos, we show that pericentric transcripts are essential for this reorganization independent of the chromatin marks associated with the PHC domains. Finally, our discovery that only reverse pericentric transcripts are required for both the nuclear reorganization of PHC and development beyond the two-cell stage challenges current views on heterochromatin organization.

Clinical Significance of CENP-H Expression in Uterine Cervical Cancer

Objective

This work aims to investigate the expression pattern and clinicopathologic significance of centromere protein H (CENP-H) in uterine cervical cancer (UCC).

Methods

The level of CENP-H expression in the paraffin sections of 62 UCC cases was determined by the SP immunohistochemical method, with complete clinicopathologic data in all cases. Statistical analysis was conducted to evaluate the prognostic and diagnostic significance of CENP-H using SPSS13.0 software package.

Results

Immunohistochemical assay showed strong CENP-H expression in 61.29% (38/62) of the paraffin-embedded cervical cancer tissues. Statistical analysis revealed a strong correlation between the CENP-H expression and the clinical classification (P=0.038) of the cervical carcinoma. The expression increased with rise of the stages. The analysis of Cox proportional hazards regression model suggested that CENP-H expression (P=0.002) and tumor stage (P=0.001) were independent prognostic markers for the survival of UCC patients. The survival analysis showed that the survival rate was significantly lower in patients with high expression of CENP-H than in those with low expression of CENP-H (P=0.001).

Conclusions

CENP-H is likely to be a valuable marker for carcinogenesis and progression of UCC. It might be used as the important diagnostic and prognostic marker for cervical carcinoma patients, especially for those at early stage.

The tudor protein survival motor neuron (SMN) is a chromatin-binding protein that interacts with methylated histone H3 lysine 79

Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a muscular disease characterized by the death of motoneurons, and is a major genetic cause of infant mortality. Mutations in the SMN1 gene, which encodes the protein survival motor neuron (SMN), are responsible for the disease due to compensation deficit. SMN belongs to the Tudor domain protein family, whose members are known to interact with methylated arginine (R) or lysine (K) residues. SMN has well-defined roles in the metabolism of small non-coding ribonucleoproteins (snRNPs) and spliceosome activity. We previously showed that SMN relocated to damaged interphase centromeres, together with the Cajal body-associated proteins coilin and fibrillarin, during the so-called interphase centromere damage response (iCDR). Here we reveal that SMN is a chromatin-binding protein that specifically interacts with methylated histone H3K79, a gene expression- and splicing-associated histone modification. SMN relocation to damaged centromeres requires its functional Tudor domain and activity of the H3K79 methyltransferase DOT1-L. In vitro pull-down assays showed that SMN interacts with H3K79me1,2 via its functional Tudor domain. Chromatin immunoprecipitation confirmed that SMN binds to H3K79me1,2-containing chromatin in iCDR-induced cells. These data reveal a novel SMN property in the detection of specific chromatin modifications, and shed new light on the involvement of a putative epigenetic dimension to the occurrence of SMA.

Chromosome dynamics visualized with an anti-centromeric histone H3 antibody in Allium

Due to the ease with which chromosomes can be observed, the Allium species, and onion in particular, have been familiar materials employed in cytogenetic experiments in biology. In this study, centromeric histone H3 (CENH3)-coding cDNAs were identified in four Allium species (onion, welsh onion, garlic and garlic chives) and cloned. Anti-CENH3 antibody was then raised against a deduced amino acid sequence of CENH3 of welsh onion. The antibody recognized all CENH3 orthologs of the Allium species tested. Immunostaining with the antibody enabled clear visualization of chromosome behavior during mitosis in the species. Furthermore, three-dimensional (3D) observation of mitotic cell division was achieved by subjecting root sections to immunohistochemical techniques. The 3D dynamics of the cells and position of cell-cycle marker proteins (CENH3 and α-tubulin) were clearly revealed by immunohistochemical staining with the antibodies. The immunohistochemical analysis made it possible to establish an overview of the location of dividing cells in the root tissues. This breakthrough in technique, in addition to the two centromeric DNA sequences isolated from welsh onion by chromatin immuno-precipitation using the antibody, should lead to a better understanding of plant cell division. A phylogenetic analysis of Allium CENH3s together with the previously reported plant CENH3s showed two separate clades for monocot species tested. One clade was made from CENH3s of the Allium species with those of Poaceae species, and the other from CENH3s of a holocentric species (Luzula nivea). These data may imply functional differences of CENH3s between holocentric and monocentric species. Centromeric localization of DNA sequences isolated from welsh onion by chromatin immuno-precipitation (ChIP) using the antibody was confirmed by fluorescence in situ hybridization and ChIP-quantitative PCR.

An Arabidopsis tissue-specific RNAi method for studying genes essential to mitosis

A large fraction of the genes in plants can be considered essential in the sense that when absent the plant fails to develop past the first few cell divisions. The fact that angiosperms pass through a haploid gametophyte stage can make it challenging to propagate such mutants even in the heterozygous condition. Here we describe a tissue-specific RNAi method that allows us to visualize cell division phenotypes in petals, which are large dispensable organs. Portions of the APETALA (AP3) and PISTILLATA (PI) promoters confer early petal-specific expression. We show that when either promoter is used to drive the expression of a beta-glucuronidase (GUS) RNAi transgene in plants uniformly expressing GUS, GUS expression is knocked down specifically in petals. We further tested the system by targeting the essential kinetochore protein CENPC and two different components of the Spindle Assembly Checkpoint (MAD2 and BUBR1). Plant lines expressing petal-specific RNAi hairpins targeting these genes exhibited an array of petal phenotypes. Cytological analyses of the affected flower buds confirmed that CENPC knockdown causes cell cycle arrest but provided no evidence that either MAD2 or BUBR1 are required for mitosis (although both genes are required for petal growth by this assay). A key benefit of the petal-specific RNAi method is that the phenotypes are not expressed in the lineages leading to germ cells, and the phenotypes are faithfully transmitted for at least four generations despite their pronounced effects on growth.

Transcriptional activation of mouse major satellite regions during neuronal differentiation

Recent studies have revealed various biological functions for repetitive sequences, which make up about half of the human genome. One such sequence, major satellites, which are tandem repetitive sequences adjacent to the centromere, have been shown to be a kinetochore component that plays a role in the formation and function of the pericentric heterochromatin necessary for mitosis. However, it is unknown whether these regions also play a role in post-mitotic cells. Here, we show that, during neuronal differentiation, the heterochromatin domains that include major satellite regions become both enriched with the active histone modification lysine-4 trimethylation of histone H3, and more sensitive to nuclease, both of which suggest increased activation of this area. Further supporting this notion, we also found that transcription from major satellite regions is significantly increased during neuronal differentiation both in vitro and in vivo. These results together suggest that the structural and transcriptional state of major satellite regions changes dramatically during neuronal differentiation, implying that this region might play a role in differentiating neurons.

Centromere architecture breakdown induced by the viral E3 ubiquitin ligase ICP0 protein of herpes simplex virus type 1

The viral E3 ubiquitin ligase ICP0 protein has the unique property to temporarily localize at interphase and mitotic centromeres early after infection of cells by the herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1). As a consequence ICP0 induces the proteasomal degradation of several centromeric proteins (CENPs), namely CENP-A, the centromeric histone H3 variant, CENP-B and CENP-C. Following ICP0-induced centromere modification cells trigger a specific response to centromeres called interphase Centromere Damage Response (iCDR). The biological significance of the iCDR is unknown; so is the degree of centromere structural damage induced by ICP0. Interphase centromeres are complex structures made of proximal and distal protein layers closely associated to CENP-A-containing centromeric chromatin. Using several cell lines constitutively expressing GFP-tagged CENPs, we investigated the extent of the centromere destabilization induced by ICP0. We show that ICP0 provokes the disappearance from centromeres, and the proteasomal degradation of several CENPs from the NAC (CENP-A nucleosome associated) and CAD (CENP-A Distal) complexes. We then investigated the nucleosomal occupancy of the centromeric chromatin in ICP0-expressing cells by micrococcal nuclease (MNase) digestion analysis. ICP0 expression either following infection or in cell lines constitutively expressing ICP0 provokes significant modifications of the centromeric chromatin structure resulting in higher MNase accessibility. Finally, using human artificial chromosomes (HACs), we established that ICP0-induced iCDR could also target exogenous centromeres. These results demonstrate that, in addition to the protein complexes, ICP0 also destabilizes the centromeric chromatin resulting in the complete breakdown of the centromere architecture, which consequently induces iCDR.

Identification of novel mitosis regulators through data mining with human centromere/kinetochore proteins as group queries

Background

Proteins functioning in the same biological pathway tend to be transcriptionally co-regulated or form protein-protein interactions (PPI). Multiple spatially and temporally regulated events are coordinated during mitosis to achieve faithful chromosome segregation. The molecular players participating in mitosis regulation are still being unravelled experimentally or using in silico methods.

Results

An extensive literature review has led to a compilation of 196 human centromere/kinetochore proteins, all with experimental evidence supporting the subcellular localization. Sixty-four were designated as “core” centromere/kinetochore components based on peak expression and/or well-characterized functions during mitosis. By interrogating and integrating online resources, we have mined for genes/proteins that display transcriptional co-expression or PPI with the core centromere/kinetochore components. Top-ranked hubs in either co-expression or PPI network are not only enriched with known mitosis regulators, but also contain candidates whose mitotic functions are not yet established. Experimental validation found that KIAA1377 is a novel centrosomal protein that also associates with microtubules and midbody; while TRIP13 is a novel kinetochore protein and directly interacts with mitotic checkpoint silencing protein p31^comet.

Conclusions

Transcriptional co-expression and PPI network analyses with known human centromere/kinetochore proteins as a query group help identify novel potential mitosis regulators.

Neocentric X-chromosome in a girl with Turner-like syndrome

BACKGROUND

Neocentromeres are rare human chromosomal aberrations in which a new centromere has formed in a previously non-centromeric location. We report the finding of a structurally abnormal X chromosome with a neocentromere in a 15-year-old girl with clinical features suggestive of Turner syndrome, including short stature and primary amenorrhea.

RESULT

G-banded chromosome analysis revealed a mosaic female karyotype involving two abnormal cell lines. One cell line (84% of analyzed metaphases) had a structurally abnormal X chromosome (duplication of the long arm and deletion of the short arm) and a normal X chromosome. The other cell line (16% of cells) exhibited monosomy X. C-banding studies were negative for the abnormal X chromosome. FISH analysis revealed lack of hybridization of the abnormal X chromosome with both the X centromere-specific probe and the "all human centromeres" probe, a pattern consistent with lack of the X chromosome endogenous centromere. A FISH study using an XIST gene probe revealed the presence of two XIST genes, one on each long arm of the iso(Xq), required for inactivation of the abnormal X chromosome. R-banding also demonstrated inactivation of the abnormal X chromosome. An assay for centromeric protein C (CENP-C) was positive on both the normal and the abnormal X chromosomes. The position of CENP-C in the abnormal X chromosome defined a neocentromere, which explains its mitotic stability. The karyotype is thus designated as 46,X,neo(X)(qter- > q12::q12- > q21.2- > neo- > q21.2- > qter)[42]/45,X[8], which is consistent with stigmata of Turner syndrome. The mother of this patient has a normal karyotype; however, the father was not available for study.

CONCLUSION

To our knowledge, this is the first case of mosaic Turner syndrome involving an analphoid iso(Xq) chromosome with a proven neocentromere among 90 previously described cases with a proven neocentromere.

Centromere protein-A, an essential centromere protein, is a prognostic marker for relapse in estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer

INTRODUCTION

Centromere protein A (CENP-A), an essential centromere protein, has been associated with high grade cancers. This study was undertaken to determine if CENP-A is a prognostic factor for breast cancer patients not receiving systemic therapy or predictive of response to tamoxifen or neoadjuvant chemotherapy.

METHODS

mRNA levels of CENP-A and CENP-B, a centromere protein that binds independently of CENP-A, were measured in breast cancer specimens from 484 patients receiving no systemic therapy, 276 patients receiving tamoxifen, and 233 patients treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Associations between CENP-A, CENP-B, Ki-67, relapse, and chemotherapy response were determined.

RESULTS

CENP-A but not CENP-B was higher in estrogen receptor (ER)-negative tumors than ER-positive tumors and positively correlated with Ki-67 expression. Among patients with ER-positive disease who received no systemic therapy or tamoxifen, higher levels of CENP-A were associated with lower rates of 5-year distant relapse free survival (DRFS). On multivariate analyses including Ki-67, high CENP-A expression had a hazard ratio of 10.9 for relapse in patients with ER-positive disease not receiving systemic therapy (95% CI, 2.86 to 41.78; P = 0.00047) and 1.64 for patients with ER-positive disease receiving tamoxifen (95% CI, 0.99 to 2.71; P = 0.054). CENP-A was not an independent prognostic marker in ER-negative tumors. For both ER-positive and ER-negative tumors, CENP-A was not a significant independent predictor of chemotherapy response.

CONCLUSIONS

CENP-A was a significant independent prognostic marker for patients with ER-positive breast cancer not treated with systemic therapy but had limited predictive value in tamoxifen treated patients and was not predictive of response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy.

The evolutionary life cycle of the resilient centromere

The centromere is a chromosomal structure that is essential for the accurate segregation of replicated eukaryotic chromosomes to daughter cells. In most centromeres, the underlying DNA is principally made up of repetitive DNA elements, such as tandemly repeated satellite DNA and retrotransposable elements. Paradoxically, for such an essential genomic region, the DNA is rapidly evolving both within and between species. In this review, we show that the centromere locus is a resilient structure that can undergo evolutionary cycles of birth, growth, maturity, death and resurrection. The birth phase is highlighted by examples in humans and other organisms where centromere DNA deletions or chromosome rearrangements can trigger the epigenetic assembly of neocentromeres onto genomic sites without typical features of centromere DNA. In addition, functional centromeres can be generated in the laboratory using various methodologies. Recent mapping of the foundation centromere mark, the histone H3 variant CENP-A, onto near-complete genomes has uncovered examples of new centromeres which have not accumulated centromere repeat DNA. During the growth period of the centromere, repeat DNA begins to appear at some, but not all, loci. The maturity stage is characterised by centromere repeat accumulation, expansions and contractions and the rapid evolution of the centromere DNA between chromosomes of the same species and between species. This stage provides inherent centromere stability, facilitated by repression of gene activity and meiotic recombination at and around the centromeres. Death to a centromere can result from genomic instability precipitating rearrangements, deletions, accumulation of mutations and the loss of essential centromere binding proteins. Surprisingly, ancestral centromeres can undergo resurrection either in the field or in the laboratory, via as yet poorly understood mechanisms. The underlying principle for the preservation of a centromeric evolutionary life cycle is to provide resilience and perpetuity for the all-important structure and function of the centromere.

Identification of a predominant co-regulation among kinetochore genes, prospective regulatory elements, and association with genomic instability

The NCI-60 cell line panel is the most extensively characterized set of cells in existence, and has been used extensively as a screening tool for drug discovery. Previously, the potential of this panel has not been applied to the fundamental cellular processes of chromosome segregation. In the current study, we used data from multiple microarray platforms accumulated for the NCI-60 to characterize an expression pattern of genes involved in kinetochore assembly. This analysis revealed that 17 genes encoding the constitutive centromere associated network of the kinetochore core (the CCAN complex) plus four additional genes with established importance in kinetochore maintenance (CENPE, CENPF, INCENP, and MIS12) exhibit similar patterns of expression in the NCI-60, suggesting a mechanism for co-regulated transcription of these genes which is maintained despite the multiple genetic and epigenetic rearrangements accumulated in these cells (such as variations in DNA copy number and karyotypic complexity). A complex group of potential regulatory influences are identified for these genes, including the transcription factors CREB1, E2F1, FOXE1, and FOXM1, DNA copy number variation, and microRNAs has-miR-200a, 23a, 23b, 30a, 30c, 27b, 374b, 365. Thus, our results provide a template for experimental studies on the regulation of genes encoding kinetochore proteins, the process that, when aberrant, leads to the aneuploidy that is a hallmark of many cancers. We propose that the comparison of expression profiles in the NCI-60 cell line panel could be a tool for the identification of other gene groups whose products are involved in the assembly of organelle protein complexes.

Knockdown of CENH3 in Arabidopsis reduces mitotic divisions and causes sterility by disturbed meiotic chromosome segregation

The histone H3 variant (CENH3) of centromeric nucleosomes is essential for kinetochore assembly and thus for chromosome segregation in eukaryotes. The mechanism(s) that determine centromere identity, assembly and maintenance of kinetochores are still poorly understood. Although the role of CENH3 during mitosis has been studied in several organisms, little is known about its meiotic function. We show that RNAi-mediated CENH3 knockdown in Arabidopsis thaliana caused dwarfism as the result of a reduced number of mitotic divisions. The remaining mitotic divisions appeared to be error-free. CENH3 RNAi transformants had reduced fertility because of frequently disturbed meiotic chromosome segregation. N-terminally truncated EYFP-CENH3(C) is deposited to and functional within Arabidopsis centromeres of mitotic chromosomes, but cannot be loaded onto centromeres of meiotic nuclei. Thus the N-terminal part is apparently required for CENH3 loading during meiosis. EYFP-CENH3(C) expression reduces the amount of endogenous CENH3, thus mimicking the effect of RNAi. The consequences of reduced endogenous CENH3 and lack of meiotic incorporation of EYFP-CENH3(C) are reduced fertility caused by insufficient CENH3 loading to the centromeres of meiotic chromosomes, subsequent lagging of chromosomes and formation of micronuclei.

The role of dicentric chromosome formation and secondary centromere deletion in the evolution of myeloid malignancy

Dicentric chromosomes have been identified as instigators of the genome instability associated with cancer, but this instability is often resolved by one of a number of different secondary events. These include centromere inactivation, inversion, and intercentromeric deletion. Deletion or excision of one of the centromeres may be a significant occurrence in myeloid malignancy and other malignancies but has not previously been widely recognized, and our reports are the first describing centromere deletion in cancer cells. We review what is known about dicentric chromosomes and the mechanisms by which they can undergo stabilization in both constitutional and cancer genomes. The failure to identify centromere deletion in cancer cells until recently can be partly explained by the standard approaches to routine diagnostic cancer genome analysis, which do not identify centromeres in the context of chromosome organization. This hitherto hidden group of primary dicentric, secondary monocentric chromosomes, together with other unrecognized dicentric chromosomes, points to a greater role for dicentric chromosomes in cancer initiation and progression than is generally acknowledged. We present a model that predicts and explains a significant role for dicentric chromosomes in the formation of unbalanced translocations in malignancy.

Deposition, turnover, and release of CENH3 at Arabidopsis centromeres

The kinetochore is a complex multiprotein structure located at centromeres and required for the proper segregation of chromosomes during mitosis and meiosis. An important role in kinetochore assembly and function plays the centromeric histone H3 variant (CENH3). Cell cycle stage of CENH3 deposition to centromeres varies between different organisms. We confirmed by in vivo studies that deposition of Arabidopsis CENH3 takes place at centromeres during G2 and demonstrated that additionally a low turnover of CENH3 occurs along the cell cycle, apparently for replacement of damaged protein. Furthermore, enhanced yellow fluorescent protein (EYFP)-CENH3 of photobleached chromocenters is not replaced by EYFP-CENH3 molecules from unbleached centromeres of the same nucleus, indicating a stable incorporation of CENH3 into centromeric nucleosomes. In differentiated endopolyploid nuclei however, the amount of CENH3 at centromeres declines with age.

CENPA a genomic marker for centromere activity and human diseases

Inheritance of genetic material requires that chromosomes segregate faithfully during cell division. Failure in this process can drive to aneuploidy phenomenon. Kinetochores are unique centromere macromolecular protein structures that attach chromosomes to the spindle for a proper movement and segregation. A unique type of nucleosomes of centromeric chromatin provides the base for kinetochore formation. A specific histone H3 variant, CENPA, replaces conventional histone H3 and together with centromere-specific-DNA-binding factors directs the assembly of active kinetochores. Recent studies on CENPA nucleosomal structure, epigenetic inheritance of centromeric chromatin and transcription of pericentric heterochromatin provide new clues to our understanding of centromere structure and function. This review highlights the role and dynamics of CENPA assembly into centromeres and the potential contribution of this kinetochore protein to autoimmune and cancer diseases in humans.

Epigenetic memory in mammals

Epigenetic information can be passed on from one generation to another via DNA methylation, histone modifications, and changes in small RNAs, a process called epigenetic memory. During a mammal’s lifecycle epigenetic reprogramming, or the resetting of most epigenetic marks, occurs twice. The first instance of reprogramming occurs in primordial germ cells and the second occurs following fertilization. These processes may be both passive and active. In order for epigenetic inheritance to occur the epigenetic modifications must be able to escape reprogramming. There are several examples supporting this non-Mendelian mechanism of inheritance including the prepacking of early developmental genes in histones instead of protamines in sperm, genomic imprinting via methylation marks, the retention of CenH3 in mammalian sperm and the inheritance of piwi-associated interfering RNAs. The ability of mammals to pass on epigenetic information to their progeny provides clear evidence that inheritance is not restricted to DNA sequence and epigenetics plays a key role in producing viable offspring.

WDHD1 modulates the post-transcriptional step of the centromeric silencing pathway

The centromere is a highly specialized chromosomal element that is essential for chromosome segregation during mitosis. Centromere integrity must therefore be properly preserved and is strictly dependent upon the establishment and maintenance of surrounding chromatin structure. Here we identify WDHD1, a WD40-domain and HMG-domain containing protein, as a key regulator of centromere function. We show that WDHD1 associates with centromeres in a cell cycle-dependent manner, coinciding with mid-to-late S phase. WDHD1 down-regulation compromises HP1α localization to pericentric heterochromatin and leads to altered expression of epigenetic markers associated with this chromatin region. As a consequence, such reduced epigenetic silencing is manifested in disrupted heterochromatic state of the centromere and a defective mitosis. Moreover, we demonstrate that a possible underlying mechanism of WDHD1's involvement lies in the proper generation of the small non-coding RNAs encoded by the centromeric satellite repeats. This role is mediated at the post-transcriptional level and likely through stabilizing Dicer association with centromeric RNA. Collectively, these findings suggest that WDHD1 may be a critical component of the RNA-dependent epigenetic control mechanism that sustains centromere integrity and genomic stability.

Cell cycle-dependent accumulation of histone H3.3 and euchromatic histone modifications in pericentromeric heterochromatin in response to a decrease in DNA methylation levels

In mammals, DNA methylation is an important epigenetic mark that is associated with gene silencing, particularly in constitutive heterochromatin. However, the effect of DNA methylation on other epigenetic properties of chromatin is controversial. In this study, we show that inhibition of DNA methylation in mouse fibroblast cells affects histone modification and the subnuclear localization of histone H3.3 in a cell cycle-dependent manner. Using a DNA methyltransferase (Dnmt) inhibitor 5-aza-2'-deoxycytidine (5-aza-dC), we found that reduced levels of DNA methylation were associated with the activation of transcription from centromeric and pericentromeric satellite repeats. The de-repressed pericentromeric chromatin was enriched in euchromatic histone modifications such as acetylation of histone H4, and di- and tri-methylation of lysine 4 on histone H3. Spatio-temporal analysis showed that the accumulation of these euchromatic histone modifications occurred during the second S phase following 5-aza-dC treatment, corresponding precisely with a shift in replication timing of the pericentromeric satellite repeats from middle/late S phase to early S phase. Moreover, we found that histone H3.3 was deposited on the pericentromeric heterochromatin prior to the accumulation of the euchromatic histone modifications. These results suggest that DNA CpG methylation is essential for the proper organization of pericentromeric heterochromatin in differentiated mouse cells.

Down the rabbit hole of centromere assembly and dynamics

The centromere is perhaps the most iconic feature on a eukaryotic chromosome. An amateur enthusiast equipped with a light microscope can easily identify the center of each metacentric chromosome, marking the spot responsible for accurate genome segregation. This review will highlight findings that provide novel insights into how centromeres are assembled and disassembled, the role centromeric proteins play in repair, epigenetic features uniquely found at the centromere, and the three dimensional organization of centromeres caught in the act of mitosis. These advances have unveiled a veritable wonderland of non-canonical features that drive centromere function.

Inner centromere formation requires hMis14, a trident kinetochore protein that specifically recruits HP1 to human chromosomes

hMis14 and HP1 depend on each other to localize to the kinetochore and inner centromere, respectively.

Centromeric DNA forms two structures on the mitotic chromosome: the kinetochore, which interacts with kinetochore microtubules, and the inner centromere, which connects sister kinetochores. The assembly of the inner centromere is poorly understood. In this study, we show that the human Mis14 (hMis14; also called hNsl1 and DC8) subunit of the heterotetrameric hMis12 complex is involved in inner centromere architecture through a direct interaction with HP1 (heterochromatin protein 1), mediated via a PXVXL motif and a chromoshadow domain. We present evidence that the mitotic function of hMis14 and HP1 requires their functional association at interphase. Alterations in the hMis14 interaction with HP1 disrupt the inner centromere, characterized by the absence of hSgo1 (Shugoshin-like 1) and aurora B. The assembly of HP1 in the inner centromere and the localization of hMis14 at the kinetochore are mutually dependent in human chromosomes. hMis14, which contains a tripartite-binding domain for HP1 and two other kinetochore proteins, hMis13 and blinkin, is a cornerstone for the assembly of the inner centromere and kinetochore.

Adaptive evolution of foundation kinetochore proteins in primates

Rapid evolution is a hallmark of centromeric DNA in eukaryotic genomes. Yet, the centromere itself has a conserved functional role that is mediated by the kinetochore protein complex. To broaden our understanding about both the DNA and proteins that interact at the functional centromere, we sought to gain a detailed view of the evolutionary events that have shaped the primate kinetochore. Specifically, we performed comparative mapping and sequencing of the genomic regions encompassing the genes encoding three foundation kinetochore proteins: Centromere Proteins A, B, and C (CENP-A, CENP-B, and CENP-C). A histone H3 variant, CENP-A provides the foundation of the centromere-specific nucleosome. Comparative sequence analyses of the CENP-A gene in 14 primate species revealed encoded amino-acid residues within both the histone-fold domain and the N-terminal tail that are under strong positive selection. Similar comparative analyses of CENP-C, another foundation protein essential for centromere function, identified amino-acid residues throughout the protein under positive selection in the primate lineage, including several in the centromere localization and DNA-binding regions. Perhaps surprisingly, the gene encoding CENP-B, a kinetochore protein that binds specifically to alpha-satellite DNA, was not found to be associated with signatures of positive selection. These findings point to important and distinct evolutionary forces operating on the DNA and proteins of the primate centromere.

Centromere targeting of alien CENH3s in Arabidopsis and tobacco cells

The centromere is a region utilized for spindle attachment on a eukaryotic chromosome and essential for accurate chromatid segregation. In most eukaryotes, centromeres have specific DNA sequences and are capable of assembling specific proteins to form a complex called the kinetochore. Among these proteins, centromeric histone H3 (CENH3) is one of the most fundamental, since CENH3s have been found in all investigated functional centromeres and recruits other centromeric proteins. In this study, the localization of alien CENH3s were analyzed in Arabidopsis and tobacco-cultured cells to determine the interaction between species-specific centromeric DNA and CENH3. Results showed that CENH3 of Arabidopsis and tobacco were localized on centromeres in the tobacco-cultured cells, unlike the case with CENH3 of rice and Luzula. In addition to these CENH3s, CENH3 of Luzula was partially localized in the Arabidopsis cultured cells. These data suggest that only evolutionally close CENH3s are able to target centromeres in alien species. Furthermore, the ability to target alien centromeres of histone fold domains was investigated using amino-terminal deleted CENH3s.

Multiple roles for heterochromatin protein 1 genes in Drosophila

Heterochromatin is the gene-poor, transposon-rich, late-replicating chromatin compartment that was first cytologically defined more than 70 years ago. The identification of heterochromatin protein 1 (HP1) paved the way for a molecular dissection of this important component of complex eukaryotic genomes. Although initial studies revealed HP1's key role in heterochromatin maintenance and function, more recent studies have discovered a role for HP1 in numerous processes including, surprisingly, euchromatic gene expression. Drosophila genomes possess at least five HP1 paralogs that have significantly different roles, ranging from canonical heterochromatic function at pericentric and telomeric regions to exclusive localization and regulation of euchromatic genes. They also possess paralogs exclusively involved in defending the germline against mobile elements. Pursuing a survey of recent genetic and evolutionary findings, we highlight how Drosophila genomes represent the best opportunity to dissect the diversity and incredible versatility of HP1 proteins in organizing and protecting eukaryotic genomes.

Major evolutionary transitions in centromere complexity

Centromeres are chromosomal elements that are both necessary and sufficient for chromosome segregation. However, the puzzlingly broad range in centromere complexity, from simple "point" centromeres to multi-megabase arrays of DNA satellites, has defied explanation. We posit that ancestral centromeres were epigenetically defined and that point centromeres, such as those of budding yeast, have derived from the partitioning elements of selfish plasmids. We further propose that the larger centromere sizes in plants and animals and the rapid evolution of their centromeric proteins is the result of an intense battle for evolutionary dominance due to the asymmetric retention of only one product of female meiosis.