1
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Salinas-Luypaert C, Fachinetti D. Canonical and noncanonical regulators of centromere assembly and maintenance. Curr Opin Cell Biol 2024; 89:102396. [PMID: 38981198 DOI: 10.1016/j.ceb.2024.102396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2024] [Revised: 06/10/2024] [Accepted: 06/15/2024] [Indexed: 07/11/2024]
Abstract
Centromeres are specialized chromosomal domains where the kinetochores assemble during cell division to ensure accurate transmission of the genetic information to the two daughter cells. The centromeric function is evolutionary conserved and, in most organisms, centromeres are epigenetically defined by a unique chromatin containing the histone H3 variant CENP-A. The canonical regulators of CENP-A assembly and maintenance are well-known, yet some of the molecular mechanisms regulating this complex process have only recently been unveiled. We review the most recent advances on the topic, including the emergence of new and unexpected factors that favor and regulate CENP-A assembly and/or maintenance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catalina Salinas-Luypaert
- Institut Curie, PSL Research University, Sorbonne Université, CNRS, UMR 144 & UMR3664, 26 rue d'Ulm, 75005, Paris, France.
| | - Daniele Fachinetti
- Institut Curie, PSL Research University, Sorbonne Université, CNRS, UMR 144 & UMR3664, 26 rue d'Ulm, 75005, Paris, France.
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2
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Chen YL, Jones AN, Crawford A, Sattler M, Ettinger A, Torres-Padilla ME. Determinants of minor satellite RNA function in chromosome segregation in mouse embryonic stem cells. J Cell Biol 2024; 223:e202309027. [PMID: 38625077 PMCID: PMC11022885 DOI: 10.1083/jcb.202309027] [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: 09/05/2023] [Revised: 03/06/2024] [Accepted: 03/29/2024] [Indexed: 04/17/2024] Open
Abstract
The centromere is a fundamental higher-order structure in chromosomes ensuring their faithful segregation upon cell division. Centromeric transcripts have been described in several species and suggested to participate in centromere function. However, low sequence conservation of centromeric repeats appears inconsistent with a role in recruiting highly conserved centromeric proteins. Here, we hypothesized that centromeric transcripts may function through a secondary structure rather than sequence conservation. Using mouse embryonic stem cells (ESCs), we show that an imbalance in the levels of forward or reverse minor satellite (MinSat) transcripts leads to severe chromosome segregation defects. We further show that MinSat RNA adopts a stem-loop secondary structure, which is conserved in human α-satellite transcripts. We identify an RNA binding region in CENPC and demonstrate that MinSat transcripts function through the structured region of the RNA. Importantly, mutants that disrupt MinSat secondary structure do not cause segregation defects. We propose that the conserved role of centromeric transcripts relies on their secondary RNA structure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yung-Li Chen
- Institute of Epigenetics and Stem Cells (IES), Helmholtz Munich, München, Germany
| | - Alisha N. Jones
- Institute of Structural Biology, Molecular Targets and Therapeutics Center, Helmholtz Munich, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Amy Crawford
- Department of Chemistry, New York University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Michael Sattler
- Institute of Structural Biology, Molecular Targets and Therapeutics Center, Helmholtz Munich, Neuherberg, Germany
- Department of Bioscience, Bavarian NMR Center, School of Natural Sciences, Technical University of Munich, Garching, Germany
| | - Andreas Ettinger
- Institute of Epigenetics and Stem Cells (IES), Helmholtz Munich, München, Germany
| | - Maria-Elena Torres-Padilla
- Institute of Epigenetics and Stem Cells (IES), Helmholtz Munich, München, Germany
- Faculty of Biology, Ludwig-Maximilians Universität, München, Germany
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3
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Marcon F, Giunta S, Bignami M. Emerging roles of DNA repair factors in the stability of centromeres. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2024; 156:121-129. [PMID: 37852903 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2023.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2023] [Revised: 10/07/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 10/20/2023]
Abstract
Satellite DNA sequences are an integral part of centromeres, regions critical for faithful segregation of chromosomes during cell division. Because of their complex repetitive structure, satellite DNA may act as a barrier to DNA replication and other DNA based transactions ultimately resulting in chromosome breakage. Over the past two decades, several DNA repair proteins have been shown to bind and function at centromeres. While the importance of these repair factors is highlighted by various structural and numerical chromosome aberrations resulting from their inactivation, their roles in helping to maintain genome stability by solving the intrinsic difficulties of satellite DNA replication or promoting their repair are just starting to emerge. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge on the role of DNA repair and DNA damage response proteins in maintaining the structure and function of centromeres in different contexts. We also report the recent connection between the roles of specific DNA repair factors at these genomic loci with age-related increase of chromosomal instability under physiological and pathological conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Marcon
- Department of Environment and Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy.
| | - Simona Giunta
- Laboratory of Genome Evolution, Department of Biology and Biotechnologies Charles Darwin, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185, Italy
| | - Margherita Bignami
- Department of Environment and Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy
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4
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Volpe E, Corda L, Tommaso ED, Pelliccia F, Ottalevi R, Licastro D, Guarracino A, Capulli M, Formenti G, Tassone E, Giunta S. The complete diploid reference genome of RPE-1 identifies human phased epigenetic landscapes. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.11.01.565049. [PMID: 38168337 PMCID: PMC10760208 DOI: 10.1101/2023.11.01.565049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
Comparative analysis of recent human genome assemblies highlights profound sequence divergence that peaks within polymorphic loci such as centromeres. This raises the question about the adequacy of relying on human reference genomes to accurately analyze sequencing data derived from experimental cell lines. Here, we generated the complete diploid genome assembly for the human retinal epithelial cells (RPE-1), a widely used non-cancer laboratory cell line with a stable karyotype, to use as matched reference for multi-omics sequencing data analysis. Our RPE1v1.0 assembly presents completely phased haplotypes and chromosome-level scaffolds that span centromeres with ultra-high base accuracy (>QV60). We mapped the haplotype-specific genomic variation specific to this cell line including t(Xq;10q), a stable 73.18 Mb duplication of chromosome 10 translocated onto the microdeleted chromosome X telomere t(Xq;10q). Polymorphisms between haplotypes of the same genome reveals genetic and epigenetic variation for all chromosomes, especially at centromeres. The RPE-1 assembly as matched reference genome improves mapping quality of multi-omics reads originating from RPE-1 cells with drastic reduction in alignments mismatches compared to using the most complete human reference to date (CHM13). Leveraging the accuracy achieved using a matched reference, we were able to identify the kinetochore sites at base pair resolution and show unprecedented variation between haplotypes. This work showcases the use of matched reference genomes for multiomics analyses and serves as the foundation for a call to comprehensively assemble experimentally relevant cell lines for widespread application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emilia Volpe
- Giunta Laboratory of Genome Evolution, Department of Biology and Biotechnologies Charles Darwin, University of Rome “Sapienza”, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Luca Corda
- Giunta Laboratory of Genome Evolution, Department of Biology and Biotechnologies Charles Darwin, University of Rome “Sapienza”, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Elena Di Tommaso
- Giunta Laboratory of Genome Evolution, Department of Biology and Biotechnologies Charles Darwin, University of Rome “Sapienza”, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Franca Pelliccia
- Giunta Laboratory of Genome Evolution, Department of Biology and Biotechnologies Charles Darwin, University of Rome “Sapienza”, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Riccardo Ottalevi
- Department of Bioinformatic, Dante Genomics Corp Inc., 667 Madison Avenue, New York, NY 10065 USA and S.s.17, 67100, L’Aquila, Italy
| | | | - Andrea Guarracino
- Department of Genetics, Genomics and Informatics, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38163, USA
| | - Mattia Capulli
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L’Aquila, L’Aquila, Italy
| | - Giulio Formenti
- The Rockefeller University, 1230 York Avenue, 10065 New York, USA
| | - Evelyne Tassone
- Giunta Laboratory of Genome Evolution, Department of Biology and Biotechnologies Charles Darwin, University of Rome “Sapienza”, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Simona Giunta
- Giunta Laboratory of Genome Evolution, Department of Biology and Biotechnologies Charles Darwin, University of Rome “Sapienza”, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
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5
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Nagpal H, Ali-Ahmad A, Hirano Y, Cai W, Halic M, Fukagawa T, Sekulić N, Fierz B. CENP-A and CENP-B collaborate to create an open centromeric chromatin state. Nat Commun 2023; 14:8227. [PMID: 38086807 PMCID: PMC10716449 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-43739-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2022] [Accepted: 11/17/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Centromeres are epigenetically defined via the presence of the histone H3 variant CENP-A. Contacting CENP-A nucleosomes, the constitutive centromere associated network (CCAN) and the kinetochore assemble, connecting the centromere to spindle microtubules during cell division. The DNA-binding centromeric protein CENP-B is involved in maintaining centromere stability and, together with CENP-A, shapes the centromeric chromatin state. The nanoscale organization of centromeric chromatin is not well understood. Here, we use single-molecule fluorescence and cryoelectron microscopy (cryoEM) to show that CENP-A incorporation establishes a dynamic and open chromatin state. The increased dynamics of CENP-A chromatin create an opening for CENP-B DNA access. In turn, bound CENP-B further opens the chromatin fiber structure and induces nucleosomal DNA unwrapping. Finally, removal of CENP-A increases CENP-B mobility in cells. Together, our studies show that the two centromere-specific proteins collaborate to reshape chromatin structure, enabling the binding of centromeric factors and establishing a centromeric chromatin state.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harsh Nagpal
- École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), SB ISIC LCBM, Station 6, CH-1015, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Ahmad Ali-Ahmad
- Centre for Molecular Medicine Norway (NCMM), Nordic EMBL Partnership, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, 0318, Norway
| | - Yasuhiro Hirano
- Graduate School of Frontier Biosciences, Osaka University, Suita, 565-0871, Japan
| | - Wei Cai
- École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), SB ISIC LCBM, Station 6, CH-1015, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Mario Halic
- Structural Biology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, 38105-3678, USA
| | - Tatsuo Fukagawa
- Graduate School of Frontier Biosciences, Osaka University, Suita, 565-0871, Japan
| | - Nikolina Sekulić
- Centre for Molecular Medicine Norway (NCMM), Nordic EMBL Partnership, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, 0318, Norway.
- Department of Chemistry, University of Oslo, P.O. Box 1033, Blindern, 0315, Norway.
| | - Beat Fierz
- École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), SB ISIC LCBM, Station 6, CH-1015, Lausanne, Switzerland.
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6
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Das A, Boese KG, Tachibana K, Baek SH, Lampson MA, Black BE. Centromere-specifying nucleosomes persist in aging mouse oocytes in the absence of nascent assembly. Curr Biol 2023; 33:3759-3765.e3. [PMID: 37582374 PMCID: PMC10528140 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2023.07.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2023] [Revised: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 08/17/2023]
Abstract
Centromeres direct genetic inheritance but are not themselves genetically encoded. Instead, centromeres are defined epigenetically by the presence of a histone H3 variant, CENP-A.1 In cultured somatic cells, an established paradigm of cell-cycle-coupled propagation maintains centromere identity: CENP-A is partitioned between sisters during replication and replenished by new assembly, which is restricted to G1. The mammalian female germ line challenges this model because of the cell-cycle arrest between pre-meiotic S phase and the subsequent G1, which can last for the entire reproductive lifespan (months to decades). New CENP-A chromatin assembly maintains centromeres during prophase I in worm and starfish oocytes,2,3 suggesting that a similar process may be required for centromere inheritance in mammals. To test this hypothesis, we developed an oocyte-specific conditional knockout (cKO) mouse for Mis18α, an essential component of the assembly machinery. We find that embryos derived from Mis18α knockout oocytes fail to assemble CENP-A nucleosomes prior to zygotic genome activation (ZGA), validating the knockout model. We show that deletion of Mis18α in the female germ line at the time of birth has no impact on centromeric CENP-A nucleosome abundance, even after 6-8 months of aging. In addition, there is no detectable detriment to fertility. Thus, centromere chromatin is maintained long-term, independent of new assembly during the extended prophase I arrest in mouse oocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arunika Das
- Department of Biology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Katelyn G Boese
- Department of Biology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Kikue Tachibana
- Department of Totipotency, Max Planck Institute of Biochemistry, Martinsried 82152, Germany
| | - Sung Hee Baek
- Creative Research Initiatives Center for Epigenetic Code and Diseases, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Michael A Lampson
- Department of Biology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Penn Center for Genome Integrity, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
| | - Ben E Black
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Epigenetics Institute, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Penn Center for Genome Integrity, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
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7
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Kitagawa R, Niikura Y, Becker A, Houghton PJ, Kitagawa K. EWSR1 maintains centromere identity. Cell Rep 2023; 42:112568. [PMID: 37243594 PMCID: PMC10758295 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2023.112568] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2022] [Revised: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 05/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The centromere is essential for ensuring high-fidelity transmission of chromosomes. CENP-A, the centromeric histone H3 variant, is thought to be the epigenetic mark of centromere identity. CENP-A deposition at the centromere is crucial for proper centromere function and inheritance. Despite its importance, the precise mechanism responsible for maintenance of centromere position remains obscure. Here, we report a mechanism to maintain centromere identity. We demonstrate that CENP-A interacts with EWSR1 (Ewing sarcoma breakpoint region 1) and EWSR1-FLI1 (the oncogenic fusion protein in Ewing sarcoma). EWSR1 is required for maintaining CENP-A at the centromere in interphase cells. EWSR1 and EWSR1-FLI1 bind CENP-A through the SYGQ2 region within the prion-like domain, important for phase separation. EWSR1 binds to R-loops through its RNA-recognition motif in vitro. Both the domain and motif are required for maintaining CENP-A at the centromere. Therefore, we conclude that EWSR1 guards CENP-A in centromeric chromatins by binding to centromeric RNA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Risa Kitagawa
- Greehey Children's Cancer Research Institute, Mays Cancer Center, Department of Molecular Medicine, UT Health Science Center San Antonio, 8403 Floyd Curl Drive, San Antonio, TX 78229-3000, USA
| | - Yohei Niikura
- Greehey Children's Cancer Research Institute, Mays Cancer Center, Department of Molecular Medicine, UT Health Science Center San Antonio, 8403 Floyd Curl Drive, San Antonio, TX 78229-3000, USA
| | - Argentina Becker
- Greehey Children's Cancer Research Institute, Mays Cancer Center, Department of Molecular Medicine, UT Health Science Center San Antonio, 8403 Floyd Curl Drive, San Antonio, TX 78229-3000, USA
| | - Peter J Houghton
- Greehey Children's Cancer Research Institute, Mays Cancer Center, Department of Molecular Medicine, UT Health Science Center San Antonio, 8403 Floyd Curl Drive, San Antonio, TX 78229-3000, USA
| | - Katsumi Kitagawa
- Greehey Children's Cancer Research Institute, Mays Cancer Center, Department of Molecular Medicine, UT Health Science Center San Antonio, 8403 Floyd Curl Drive, San Antonio, TX 78229-3000, USA.
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8
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Malik KK, Sridhara SC, Lone KA, Katariya PD, Pulimamidi D, Tyagi S. MLL methyltransferases regulate H3K4 methylation to ensure CENP-A assembly at human centromeres. PLoS Biol 2023; 21:e3002161. [PMID: 37379335 PMCID: PMC10335677 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.3002161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2022] [Revised: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 05/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The active state of centromeres is epigenetically defined by the presence of CENP-A interspersed with histone H3 nucleosomes. While the importance of dimethylation of H3K4 for centromeric transcription has been highlighted in various studies, the identity of the enzyme(s) depositing these marks on the centromere is still unknown. The MLL (KMT2) family plays a crucial role in RNA polymerase II (Pol II)-mediated gene regulation by methylating H3K4. Here, we report that MLL methyltransferases regulate transcription of human centromeres. CRISPR-mediated down-regulation of MLL causes loss of H3K4me2, resulting in an altered epigenetic chromatin state of the centromeres. Intriguingly, our results reveal that loss of MLL, but not SETD1A, increases co-transcriptional R-loop formation, and Pol II accumulation at the centromeres. Finally, we report that the presence of MLL and SETD1A is crucial for kinetochore maintenance. Altogether, our data reveal a novel molecular framework where both the H3K4 methylation mark and the methyltransferases regulate stability and identity of the centromere.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kausika Kumar Malik
- Laboratory of Cell Cycle Regulation, Centre for DNA Fingerprinting and Diagnostics (CDFD), Uppal, Hyderabad, India
- Graduate Studies, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, India
| | - Sreerama Chaitanya Sridhara
- Laboratory of Cell Cycle Regulation, Centre for DNA Fingerprinting and Diagnostics (CDFD), Uppal, Hyderabad, India
| | - Kaisar Ahmad Lone
- Laboratory of Cell Cycle Regulation, Centre for DNA Fingerprinting and Diagnostics (CDFD), Uppal, Hyderabad, India
- Graduate Studies, Regional Centre for Biotechnology, Faridabad, India
| | - Payal Deepakbhai Katariya
- Laboratory of Cell Cycle Regulation, Centre for DNA Fingerprinting and Diagnostics (CDFD), Uppal, Hyderabad, India
- Graduate Studies, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, India
| | - Deepshika Pulimamidi
- Laboratory of Cell Cycle Regulation, Centre for DNA Fingerprinting and Diagnostics (CDFD), Uppal, Hyderabad, India
| | - Shweta Tyagi
- Laboratory of Cell Cycle Regulation, Centre for DNA Fingerprinting and Diagnostics (CDFD), Uppal, Hyderabad, India
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9
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Das A, Boese KG, Tachibana K, Baek SH, Lampson MA, Black BE. Centromere-specifying nucleosomes persist in aging mouse oocytes in the absence of nascent assembly. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.05.18.541332. [PMID: 37292821 PMCID: PMC10245701 DOI: 10.1101/2023.05.18.541332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Centromeres direct genetic inheritance but are not themselves genetically encoded. Instead, centromeres are defined epigenetically by the presence of a histone H3 variant, CENP-A 1 . In cultured somatic cells, an established paradigm of cell cycle-coupled propagation maintains centromere identity: CENP-A is partitioned between sisters during replication and replenished by new assembly, which is restricted to G1. The mammalian female germline challenges this model because of the cell cycle arrest between pre-meiotic S-phase and the subsequent G1, which can last for the entire reproductive lifespan (months to decades). New CENP-A chromatin assembly maintains centromeres during prophase I in worm and starfish oocyte 2,3 , suggesting that a similar process may be required for centromere inheritance in mammals. However, we show that centromere chromatin is maintained long-term independent of new assembly during the extended prophase I arrest in mouse oocytes. Conditional knockout of Mis18α, an essential component of the assembly machinery, in the female germline at the time of birth has almost no impact on centromeric CENP-A nucleosome abundance nor any detectable detriment to fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arunika Das
- Department of Biology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Katelyn G. Boese
- Department of Biology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Kikue Tachibana
- Department of Totipotency, Max Planck Institute of Biochemistry, Martinsried 82152, Germany
| | - Sung Hee Baek
- Creative Research Initiatives Center for Epigenetic Code and Diseases, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826
| | - Michael A. Lampson
- Department of Biology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- Penn Center for Genome Integrity, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Ben E. Black
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- Epigenetics Institute; University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia PA 19104, USA
- Penn Center for Genome Integrity, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- Lead Contact
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10
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Mahlke MA, Lumerman L, Ly P, Nechemia-Arbely Y. Epigenetic centromere identity is precisely maintained through DNA replication but is uniquely specified among human cells. Life Sci Alliance 2023; 6:e202201807. [PMID: 36596606 PMCID: PMC9811134 DOI: 10.26508/lsa.202201807] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2022] [Revised: 12/21/2022] [Accepted: 12/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Centromere identity is defined and maintained epigenetically by the presence of the histone variant CENP-A. How centromeric CENP-A position is specified and precisely maintained through DNA replication is not fully understood. The recently released Telomere-to-Telomere (T2T) genome assembly containing the first complete human centromere sequences provides a new resource for examining CENP-A position. Mapping CENP-A position in clones of the same cell line to the T2T assembly identified highly similar CENP-A position after multiple cell divisions. In contrast, centromeric CENP-A epialleles were evident at several centromeres of different human cell lines, demonstrating the location of CENP-A enrichment and the site of kinetochore recruitment vary among human cells. Across the cell cycle, CENP-A molecules deposited in G1 phase are maintained in their precise position through DNA replication. Thus, despite CENP-A dilution during DNA replication, CENP-A is precisely reloaded onto the same sequences within the daughter centromeres, maintaining unique centromere identity among human cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan A Mahlke
- UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Lior Lumerman
- UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Peter Ly
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Yael Nechemia-Arbely
- UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
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11
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Mohapatra S, Winkle M, Ton AN, Nguyen D, Calin GA. The Role of Non-Coding RNAs in Chromosomal Instability in Cancer. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 2023; 384:10-19. [PMID: 36167417 PMCID: PMC9827503 DOI: 10.1124/jpet.122.001357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2022] [Revised: 07/22/2022] [Accepted: 08/17/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Chromosomal instability (CIN) is characterized by an increased frequency of changes in chromosome structure or number and is regarded as a hallmark of cancer. CIN plays a prevalent role in tumorigenesis and cancer progression by assisting the cancer cells' phenotypic adaptation to stress, which have been tightly linked to therapy resistance and metastasis. Both CIN-inducing and CIN-repressing agents are being clinically tested for the treatment of cancer to increase CIN levels to unsustainable levels leading to cell death or to decrease CIN levels to limit the development of drug resistance, respectively. Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) including microRNAs and long ncRNAs (lncRNAs) have been fundamentally implicated in CIN. The miR-22, miR-26a, miR-28, and miR-186 target important checkpoint proteins involved in mediating chromosomal stability and their expression modulation has been directly related to CIN occurrence. lncRNAs derived from telomeric, centrosomal, and enhancer regions play an important role in mediating genome stability, while specific lncRNA transcripts including genomic instability inducing RNA called Ginir, P53-responsive lncRNA termed as GUARDIN, colon cancer-associated transcript 2, PCAT2, and ncRNA activated by DNA damage called NORAD have been shown to act within CIN-associated pathways. In this review, we discuss how these ncRNAs either maintain or disrupt the stability of chromosomes and how these mechanisms could be exploited for novel therapeutic approaches targeting CIN in cancer patients. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: Chromosomal instability increases tumor heterogeneity and thereby assists the phenotypic adaptation of cancer cells, causing therapy resistance and metastasis. Several microRNAs and long non-coding RNAs that have been causally linked to chromosomal instability could represent novel therapeutic targets. Understanding the role of non-coding RNAs in regulating different genes involved in driving chromosomal instability will give insights into how non-coding RNAs can be utilized toward modifying chemotherapeutic regimens in different cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Swati Mohapatra
- Department of Translational Molecular Pathology (S.M., M.W., A.N.T., G.A.C.), UT Health Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences (S.M.), Program in Molecular Genetic Technology, School of Health Professions (A.N.T.), and Center for RNA Interference and Non-Coding RNAs (G.A.C.), The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas; and Department of Chemical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts (D.N.)
| | - Melanie Winkle
- Department of Translational Molecular Pathology (S.M., M.W., A.N.T., G.A.C.), UT Health Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences (S.M.), Program in Molecular Genetic Technology, School of Health Professions (A.N.T.), and Center for RNA Interference and Non-Coding RNAs (G.A.C.), The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas; and Department of Chemical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts (D.N.)
| | - Anh N Ton
- Department of Translational Molecular Pathology (S.M., M.W., A.N.T., G.A.C.), UT Health Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences (S.M.), Program in Molecular Genetic Technology, School of Health Professions (A.N.T.), and Center for RNA Interference and Non-Coding RNAs (G.A.C.), The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas; and Department of Chemical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts (D.N.)
| | - Dien Nguyen
- Department of Translational Molecular Pathology (S.M., M.W., A.N.T., G.A.C.), UT Health Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences (S.M.), Program in Molecular Genetic Technology, School of Health Professions (A.N.T.), and Center for RNA Interference and Non-Coding RNAs (G.A.C.), The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas; and Department of Chemical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts (D.N.)
| | - George A Calin
- Department of Translational Molecular Pathology (S.M., M.W., A.N.T., G.A.C.), UT Health Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences (S.M.), Program in Molecular Genetic Technology, School of Health Professions (A.N.T.), and Center for RNA Interference and Non-Coding RNAs (G.A.C.), The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas; and Department of Chemical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts (D.N.)
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12
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Dong Q, Li F. Cell cycle control of kinetochore assembly. Nucleus 2022; 13:208-220. [PMID: 36037227 PMCID: PMC9427032 DOI: 10.1080/19491034.2022.2115246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The kinetochore is a large proteinaceous structure assembled on the centromeres of chromosomes. The complex machinery links chromosomes to the mitotic spindle and is essential for accurate chromosome segregation during cell division. The kinetochore is composed of two submodules: the inner and outer kinetochore. The inner kinetochore is assembled on centromeric chromatin and persists with centromeres throughout the cell cycle. The outer kinetochore attaches microtubules to the inner kinetochore, and assembles only during mitosis. The review focuses on recent advances in our understanding of the mechanisms governing the proper assembly of the outer kinetochore during mitosis and highlights open questions for future investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qianhua Dong
- Department of Biology, New York University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Fei Li
- Department of Biology, New York University, New York, NY, USA
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13
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Lin YF, Hu Q, Guyer A, Fachinetti D, Ly P. Induction of chromosome-specific micronuclei and chromothripsis by centromere inactivation. Methods Cell Biol 2022; 182:1-20. [PMID: 38359973 PMCID: PMC11008423 DOI: 10.1016/bs.mcb.2022.10.009] [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] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Chromothripsis describes the catastrophic fragmentation of individual chromosomes followed by its haphazard reassembly into a derivative chromosome harboring complex rearrangements. This process can be initiated by mitotic cell division errors when one or more chromosomes aberrantly mis-segregate into micronuclei and acquire extensive DNA damage. Approaches to induce the formation of micronuclei encapsulating random chromosomes have been used; however, the eventual reincorporation of the micronucleated chromosome into daughter cell nuclei poses a challenge in tracking the chromosome for multiple cell cycles. Here we outline an approach to genetically engineer stable human cell lines capable of efficient chromosome-specific micronuclei induction. This strategy, which targets the CENP-B-deficient Y chromosome centromere for inactivation, allows the stepwise process of chromothripsis to be experimentally recapitulated, including the mechanisms and timing of chromosome fragmentation. Lastly, we describe the integration of a selection marker onto the micronucleated Y chromosome that enables the diverse genomic rearrangement landscape arising from micronuclei formation to be interrogated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Fen Lin
- Department of Pathology, Department of Cell Biology, Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, United States
| | - Qing Hu
- Department of Pathology, Department of Cell Biology, Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, United States
| | - Alison Guyer
- Department of Pathology, Department of Cell Biology, Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, United States
| | | | - Peter Ly
- Department of Pathology, Department of Cell Biology, Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, United States.
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14
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Zhang C, Wang D, Hao Y, Wu S, Luo J, Xue Y, Wang D, Li G, Liu L, Shao C, Li H, Yuan J, Zhu M, Fu XD, Yang X, Chen R, Teng Y. LncRNA CCTT-mediated RNA-DNA and RNA-protein interactions facilitate the recruitment of CENP-C to centromeric DNA during kinetochore assembly. Mol Cell 2022; 82:4018-4032.e9. [PMID: 36332605 PMCID: PMC9648614 DOI: 10.1016/j.molcel.2022.09.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2021] [Revised: 04/10/2022] [Accepted: 09/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Kinetochore assembly on centromeres is central for chromosome segregation, and defects in this process cause mitotic errors and aneuploidy. Besides the well-established protein network, emerging evidence suggests the involvement of regulatory RNA in kinetochore assembly; however, it has remained elusive about the identity of such RNA, let alone its mechanism of action in this critical process. Here, we report CCTT, a previously uncharacterized long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) transcribed from the arm of human chromosome 17, which plays a vital role in kinetochore assembly. We show that CCTT highly localizes to all centromeres via the formation of RNA-DNA triplex and specifically interacts with CENP-C to help engage this blueprint protein in centromeres, and consequently, CCTT loss triggers extensive mitotic errors and aneuploidy. These findings uncover a non-centromere-derived lncRNA that recruits CENP-C to centromeres and shed critical lights on the function of centromeric DNA sequences as anchor points for kinetochore assembly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chong Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Proteomics, Beijing Proteome Research Center, National Center for Protein Sciences, Beijing Institute of Lifeomics, Beijing 102206, China
| | - Dongpeng Wang
- CAS Key Laboratory of RNA Biology, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Yajing Hao
- CAS Key Laboratory of RNA Biology, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Institute of Genomic Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Shuheng Wu
- CAS Key Laboratory of RNA Biology, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Jianjun Luo
- CAS Key Laboratory of RNA Biology, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Yuanchao Xue
- CAS Key Laboratory of RNA Biology, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Di Wang
- CAS Key Laboratory of RNA Biology, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Guohong Li
- National Laboratory of Biomacromolecules, CAS Center for Excellence in Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Lihui Liu
- CAS Key Laboratory of RNA Biology, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Changwei Shao
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Institute of Genomic Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Huiyan Li
- State Key Laboratory of Proteomics, National Center of Biomedical Analysis, Beijing 100039, China
| | - Jinfeng Yuan
- State Key Laboratory of Proteomics, National Center of Biomedical Analysis, Beijing 100039, China
| | - Maoxiang Zhu
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Radiobiology, Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing 100850, China
| | - Xiang-Dong Fu
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Institute of Genomic Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA.
| | - Xiao Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Proteomics, Beijing Proteome Research Center, National Center for Protein Sciences, Beijing Institute of Lifeomics, Beijing 102206, China.
| | - Runsheng Chen
- CAS Key Laboratory of RNA Biology, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China.
| | - Yan Teng
- State Key Laboratory of Proteomics, Beijing Proteome Research Center, National Center for Protein Sciences, Beijing Institute of Lifeomics, Beijing 102206, China.
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15
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Liu Y, Wang K, Huang L, Zhao J, Chen X, Wu Q, Yu Z, Li G. Ser68 phosphoregulation is essential for CENP-A deposition, centromere function and viability in mice. SCIENCE CHINA. LIFE SCIENCES 2022; 65:1881-1889. [PMID: 35391626 DOI: 10.1007/s11427-021-2077-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2022] [Accepted: 02/12/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Centromere identity is defined by nucleosomes containing CENP-A, a histone H3 variant. The deposition of CENP-A at centromeres is tightly regulated in a cell-cycle-dependent manner. We previously reported that the spatiotemporal control of centromeric CENP-A incorporation is mediated by the phosphorylation of CENP-A Ser68. However, a recent report argued that Ser68 phosphoregulation is dispensable for accurate CENP-A loading. Here, we report that the substitution of Ser68 of endogenous CENP-A with either Gln68 or Glu68 severely impairs CENP-A deposition and cell viability. We also find that mice harboring the corresponding mutations are lethal. Together, these results indicate that the dynamic phosphorylation of Ser68 ensures cell-cycle-dependent CENP-A deposition and cell viability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuting Liu
- National Laboratory of Bio-macromolecules, CAS Center for Excellence in Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Kehui Wang
- National Laboratory of Bio-macromolecules, CAS Center for Excellence in Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China.,Center for Disease Control and Prevention of PLA, Beijing, 100071, China
| | - Li Huang
- National Laboratory of Bio-macromolecules, CAS Center for Excellence in Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Jicheng Zhao
- National Laboratory of Bio-macromolecules, CAS Center for Excellence in Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Xinpeng Chen
- College of Life Sciences, Hubei Normal University, Huangshi, 435002, China
| | - Qiang Wu
- Center for Comparative Biomedicine, Key Laboratory of Systems Biomedicine (Ministry of Education), Institute of Systems Biomedicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China
| | - Zhouliang Yu
- National Laboratory of Bio-macromolecules, CAS Center for Excellence in Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China.
| | - Guohong Li
- National Laboratory of Bio-macromolecules, CAS Center for Excellence in Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China. .,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China.
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16
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Senaratne AP, Cortes-Silva N, Drinnenberg IA. Evolution of holocentric chromosomes: Drivers, diversity, and deterrents. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2022; 127:90-99. [PMID: 35031207 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2022.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2021] [Revised: 12/14/2021] [Accepted: 01/05/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Centromeres are specialized chromosomal regions that recruit kinetochore proteins and mediate spindle microtubule attachment to ensure faithful chromosome segregation during mitosis and meiosis. Centromeres can be restricted to one region of the chromosome. Named "monocentromere", this type represents the most commonly found centromere organization across eukaryotes. Alternatively, centromeres can also be assembled at sites chromosome-wide. This second type is called "holocentromere". Despite their early description over 100 years ago, research on holocentromeres has lagged behind that of monocentromeres. Nevertheless, the application of next generation sequencing approaches and advanced microscopic technologies enabled recent advances understanding the molecular organization and regulation of holocentromeres in different organisms. Here we review the current state of research on holocentromeres focusing on evolutionary considerations. First, we provide a brief historical perspective on the discovery of holocentric chromosomes. We then discuss models/drivers that have been proposed over the years to explain the evolutionary transition from mono- to holocentric chromosomes. We continue to review the description of holocentric chromosomes in diverse eukaryotic groups and then focus our discussion on a specific and recently characterized type of holocentromere organization in insects that functions independently of the otherwise essential centromeric marker protein CenH3, thus providing novel insights into holocentromere evolution in insects. Finally, we propose reasons to explain why the holocentric trait is not more frequent across eukaryotes despite putative selective advantages.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Nuria Cortes-Silva
- Wellcome Trust/Cancer Research UK Gurdon Institute, Tennis Court Road, Cambridge CB2 1QN, UK; Department of Genetics, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge CB2 3EH, UK
| | - Ines A Drinnenberg
- Institut Curie, PSL Research University, CNRS, UMR3664, F-75005 Paris, France; Sorbonne Université, Institut Curie, CNRS, UMR3664, F-75005 Paris, France.
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17
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Zuo S, Yadala R, Yang F, Talbert P, Fuchs J, Schubert V, Ahmadli U, Rutten T, Pecinka A, Lysak MA, Lermontova I. Recurrent Plant-Specific Duplications of KNL2 and Its Conserved Function as a Kinetochore Assembly Factor. Mol Biol Evol 2022; 39:msac123. [PMID: 35671323 PMCID: PMC9210943 DOI: 10.1093/molbev/msac123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2022] [Revised: 05/06/2022] [Accepted: 05/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
KINETOCHORE NULL2 (KNL2) plays key role in the recognition of centromeres and new CENH3 deposition. To gain insight into the origin and diversification of the KNL2 gene, we reconstructed its evolutionary history in the plant kingdom. Our results indicate that the KNL2 gene in plants underwent three independent ancient duplications in ferns, grasses and eudicots. Additionally, we demonstrated that previously unclassified KNL2 genes could be divided into two clades αKNL2 and βKNL2 in eudicots and γKNL2 and δKNL2 in grasses, respectively. KNL2s of all clades encode the conserved SANTA domain, but only the αKNL2 and γKNL2 groups additionally encode the CENPC-k motif. In the more numerous eudicot sequences, signatures of positive selection were found in both αKNL2 and βKNL2 clades, suggesting recent or ongoing adaptation. The confirmed centromeric localization of βKNL2 and mutant analysis suggests that it participates in loading of new CENH3, similarly to αKNL2. A high rate of seed abortion was found in heterozygous βKNL2 plants and the germinated homozygous mutants did not develop beyond the seedling stage. Taken together, our study provides a new understanding of the evolutionary diversification of the plant kinetochore assembly gene KNL2, and suggests that the plant-specific duplicated KNL2 genes are involved in centromere and/or kinetochore assembly for preserving genome stability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheng Zuo
- Central European Institute of Technology (CEITEC), Masaryk University, Kamenice 5, CZ-625 00 Brno, Czech Republic
- National Centre for Biomolecular Research, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Kamenice 5, CZ-625 00 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Ramakrishna Yadala
- Leibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research (IPK) Gatersleben, Corrensstrasse 3, D-06466 Seeland, Germany
| | - Fen Yang
- Institute of Experimental Botany, Czech Acad Sci, Centre of the Region Haná for Biotechnological and Agricultural Research, Šlechtitelů 31, 779 00 Olomouc, Czech Republic
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Science, Palacký University, Šlechtitelů 27, 779 00 Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Paul Talbert
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Basic Sciences Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Joerg Fuchs
- Leibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research (IPK) Gatersleben, Corrensstrasse 3, D-06466 Seeland, Germany
| | - Veit Schubert
- Leibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research (IPK) Gatersleben, Corrensstrasse 3, D-06466 Seeland, Germany
| | - Ulkar Ahmadli
- Leibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research (IPK) Gatersleben, Corrensstrasse 3, D-06466 Seeland, Germany
| | - Twan Rutten
- Leibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research (IPK) Gatersleben, Corrensstrasse 3, D-06466 Seeland, Germany
| | - Ales Pecinka
- Institute of Experimental Botany, Czech Acad Sci, Centre of the Region Haná for Biotechnological and Agricultural Research, Šlechtitelů 31, 779 00 Olomouc, Czech Republic
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Science, Palacký University, Šlechtitelů 27, 779 00 Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Martin A Lysak
- Central European Institute of Technology (CEITEC), Masaryk University, Kamenice 5, CZ-625 00 Brno, Czech Republic
- National Centre for Biomolecular Research, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Kamenice 5, CZ-625 00 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Inna Lermontova
- Central European Institute of Technology (CEITEC), Masaryk University, Kamenice 5, CZ-625 00 Brno, Czech Republic
- Leibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research (IPK) Gatersleben, Corrensstrasse 3, D-06466 Seeland, Germany
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18
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Renaud-Pageot C, Quivy JP, Lochhead M, Almouzni G. CENP-A Regulation and Cancer. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:907120. [PMID: 35721491 PMCID: PMC9201071 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.907120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2022] [Accepted: 05/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
In mammals, CENP-A, a histone H3 variant found in the centromeric chromatin, is critical for faithful chromosome segregation and genome integrity maintenance through cell divisions. Specifically, it has dual functions, enabling to define epigenetically the centromere position and providing the foundation for building up the kinetochore. Regulation of its dynamics of synthesis and deposition ensures to propagate proper centromeres on each chromosome across mitosis and meiosis. However, CENP-A overexpression is a feature identified in many cancers. Importantly, high levels of CENP-A lead to its mislocalization outside the centromere. Recent studies in mammals have begun to uncover how CENP-A overexpression can affect genome integrity, reprogram cell fate and impact 3D nuclear organization in cancer. Here, we summarize the mechanisms that orchestrate CENP-A regulation. Then we review how, beyond its centromeric function, CENP-A overexpression is linked to cancer state in mammalian cells, with a focus on the perturbations that ensue at the level of chromatin organization. Finally, we review the clinical interest for CENP-A in cancer treatment.
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19
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Yatskevich S, Muir KW, Bellini D, Zhang Z, Yang J, Tischer T, Predin M, Dendooven T, McLaughlin SH, Barford D. Structure of the human inner kinetochore bound to a centromeric CENP-A nucleosome. Science 2022; 376:844-852. [PMID: 35420891 PMCID: PMC7612757 DOI: 10.1126/science.abn3810] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Kinetochores assemble onto specialized centromeric CENP-A (centromere protein A) nucleosomes (CENP-ANuc) to mediate attachments between chromosomes and the mitotic spindle. We describe cryo-electron microscopy structures of the human inner kinetochore constitutive centromere associated network (CCAN) complex bound to CENP-ANuc reconstituted onto α-satellite DNA. CCAN forms edge-on contacts with CENP-ANuc, and a linker DNA segment of the α-satellite repeat emerges from the fully wrapped end of the nucleosome to thread through the central CENP-LN channel that tightly grips the DNA. The CENP-TWSX histone-fold module further augments DNA binding and partially wraps the linker DNA in a manner reminiscent of canonical nucleosomes. Our study suggests that the topological entrapment of the linker DNA by CCAN provides a robust mechanism by which kinetochores withstand both pushing and pulling forces exerted by the mitotic spindle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stanislau Yatskevich
- MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology; Francis Crick Avenue, Cambridge, CB2 0QH, UK
| | - Kyle W. Muir
- MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology; Francis Crick Avenue, Cambridge, CB2 0QH, UK
| | - Dom Bellini
- MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology; Francis Crick Avenue, Cambridge, CB2 0QH, UK
| | - Ziguo Zhang
- MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology; Francis Crick Avenue, Cambridge, CB2 0QH, UK
| | - Jing Yang
- MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology; Francis Crick Avenue, Cambridge, CB2 0QH, UK
| | - Thomas Tischer
- MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology; Francis Crick Avenue, Cambridge, CB2 0QH, UK
| | - Masa Predin
- MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology; Francis Crick Avenue, Cambridge, CB2 0QH, UK
| | - Tom Dendooven
- MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology; Francis Crick Avenue, Cambridge, CB2 0QH, UK
| | | | - David Barford
- MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology; Francis Crick Avenue, Cambridge, CB2 0QH, UK
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20
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Chardon F, Japaridze A, Witt H, Velikovsky L, Chakraborty C, Wilhelm T, Dumont M, Yang W, Kikuti C, Gangnard S, Mace AS, Wuite G, Dekker C, Fachinetti D. CENP-B-mediated DNA loops regulate activity and stability of human centromeres. Mol Cell 2022; 82:1751-1767.e8. [PMID: 35320753 DOI: 10.1016/j.molcel.2022.02.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2021] [Revised: 02/22/2022] [Accepted: 02/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Chromosome inheritance depends on centromeres, epigenetically specified regions of chromosomes. While conventional human centromeres are known to be built of long tandem DNA repeats, much of their architecture remains unknown. Using single-molecule techniques such as AFM, nanopores, and optical tweezers, we find that human centromeric DNA exhibits complex DNA folds such as local hairpins. Upon binding to a specific sequence within centromeric regions, the DNA-binding protein CENP-B compacts centromeres by forming pronounced DNA loops between the repeats, which favor inter-chromosomal centromere compaction and clustering. This DNA-loop-mediated organization of centromeric chromatin participates in maintaining centromere position and integrity upon microtubule pulling during mitosis. Our findings emphasize the importance of DNA topology in centromeric regulation and stability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florian Chardon
- Institut Curie, PSL Research University, CNRS, UMR 144, 26 rue d'Ulm, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Aleksandre Japaridze
- Department of Bionanoscience, Kavli Institute of Nanoscience Delft, Delft University of Technology, Van der Maasweg 9, 2629 HZ Delft, the Netherlands
| | - Hannes Witt
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, LaserLaB Amsterdam, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1081, 1081 HV Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Leonid Velikovsky
- Institut Curie, PSL Research University, CNRS, UMR 144, 26 rue d'Ulm, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Camellia Chakraborty
- Institut Curie, PSL Research University, CNRS, UMR 144, 26 rue d'Ulm, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Therese Wilhelm
- Institut Curie, PSL Research University, CNRS, UMR 144, 26 rue d'Ulm, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Marie Dumont
- Institut Curie, PSL Research University, CNRS, UMR 144, 26 rue d'Ulm, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Wayne Yang
- Department of Bionanoscience, Kavli Institute of Nanoscience Delft, Delft University of Technology, Van der Maasweg 9, 2629 HZ Delft, the Netherlands
| | - Carlos Kikuti
- Institut Curie, PSL Research University, CNRS, UMR 144, 26 rue d'Ulm, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Stephane Gangnard
- Institut Curie, PSL Research University, CNRS, UMR 144, 26 rue d'Ulm, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Anne-Sophie Mace
- Institut Curie, PSL Research University, CNRS, UMR 144, 26 rue d'Ulm, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Gijs Wuite
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, LaserLaB Amsterdam, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1081, 1081 HV Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Cees Dekker
- Department of Bionanoscience, Kavli Institute of Nanoscience Delft, Delft University of Technology, Van der Maasweg 9, 2629 HZ Delft, the Netherlands
| | - Daniele Fachinetti
- Institut Curie, PSL Research University, CNRS, UMR 144, 26 rue d'Ulm, 75005 Paris, France.
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21
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Constitutive Heterochromatin in Eukaryotic Genomes: A Mine of Transposable Elements. Cells 2022; 11:cells11050761. [PMID: 35269383 PMCID: PMC8909793 DOI: 10.3390/cells11050761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2022] [Revised: 02/10/2022] [Accepted: 02/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Transposable elements (TEs) are abundant components of constitutive heterochromatin of the most diverse evolutionarily distant organisms. TEs enrichment in constitutive heterochromatin was originally described in the model organism Drosophila melanogaster, but it is now considered as a general feature of this peculiar portion of the genomes. The phenomenon of TE enrichment in constitutive heterochromatin has been proposed to be the consequence of a progressive accumulation of transposable elements caused by both reduced recombination and lack of functional genes in constitutive heterochromatin. However, this view does not take into account classical genetics studies and most recent evidence derived by genomic analyses of heterochromatin in Drosophila and other species. In particular, the lack of functional genes does not seem to be any more a general feature of heterochromatin. Sequencing and annotation of Drosophila melanogaster constitutive heterochromatin have shown that this peculiar genomic compartment contains hundreds of transcriptionally active genes, generally larger in size than that of euchromatic ones. Together, these genes occupy a significant fraction of the genomic territory of heterochromatin. Moreover, transposable elements have been suggested to drive the formation of heterochromatin by recruiting HP1 and repressive chromatin marks. In addition, there are several pieces of evidence that transposable elements accumulation in the heterochromatin might be important for centromere and telomere structure. Thus, there may be more complexity to the relationship between transposable elements and constitutive heterochromatin, in that different forces could drive the dynamic of this phenomenon. Among those forces, preferential transposition may be an important factor. In this article, we present an overview of experimental findings showing cases of transposon enrichment into the heterochromatin and their positive evolutionary interactions with an impact to host genomes.
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22
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Nardelli SC, Silmon de Monerri NC, Vanagas L, Wang X, Tampaki Z, Sullivan WJ, Angel SO, Kim K. Genome-wide localization of histone variants in Toxoplasma gondii implicates variant exchange in stage-specific gene expression. BMC Genomics 2022; 23:128. [PMID: 35164683 PMCID: PMC8842566 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-022-08338-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2021] [Accepted: 01/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Toxoplasma gondii is a protozoan parasite that differentiates from acute tachyzoite stages to latent bradyzoite forms in response to environmental cues that modify the epigenome. We studied the distribution of the histone variants CenH3, H3.3, H2A.X, H2A.Z and H2B.Z, by genome-wide chromatin immunoprecipitation to understand the role of variant histones in developmental transitions of T. gondii parasites. RESULTS H3.3 and H2A.X were detected in telomere and telomere associated sequences, whereas H3.3, H2A.X and CenH3 were enriched in centromeres. Histones H2A.Z and H2B.Z colocalize with the transcriptional activation mark H3K4me3 in promoter regions surrounding the nucleosome-free region upstream of the transcription start site. The H2B.Z/H2A.Z histone pair also localizes to the gene bodies of genes that are silent but poised for activation, including bradyzoite stage-specific genes. The majority of H2A.X and H2A.Z/H2B.Z loci do not overlap, consistent with variant histones demarcating specific functional regions of chromatin. The extent of enrichment of H2A.Z/H2B.Z (and H3.3 and H2A.X) within the entire gene (5'UTR and gene body) reflects the timing of gene expression during the cell cycle, suggesting that dynamic turnover of H2B.Z/H2A.Z occurs during the tachyzoite cell cycle. Thus, the distribution of the variant histone H2A.Z/H2B.Z dimer defines active and developmentally silenced regions of the T. gondii epigenome including genes that are poised for expression. CONCLUSIONS Histone variants mark functional regions of parasite genomes with the dynamic placement of the H2A.Z/H2B.Z dimer implicated as an evolutionarily conserved regulator of parasite and eukaryotic differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheila C Nardelli
- Department of Pathology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, 10461, USA
- Present address: Instituto Carlos Chagas/Fiocruz-PR, Curitiba, PR, CEP 81.350-010, Brazil
| | - Natalie C Silmon de Monerri
- Department of Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, 10461, USA
- Present address: Pfizer Inc, Pearl River, NY, 10965, USA
| | - Laura Vanagas
- Laboratorio de Parasitología Molecular, Instituto Tecnológico Chascomús (INTECH), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas (CONICET)-Universidad Nacional General San Martin (UNSAM), Chascomús, Argentina
| | - Xiaonan Wang
- Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Present address: School of Public Health, Shanghai JiaoTong University, School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Zoi Tampaki
- Department of Pathology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, 10461, USA
| | - William J Sullivan
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, 46202, USA
| | - Sergio O Angel
- Laboratorio de Parasitología Molecular, Instituto Tecnológico Chascomús (INTECH), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas (CONICET)-Universidad Nacional General San Martin (UNSAM), Chascomús, Argentina
| | - Kami Kim
- Department of Pathology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, 10461, USA.
- Department of Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, 10461, USA.
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, 10461, USA.
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Infectious Disease and International Medicine, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, 33612, USA.
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23
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Ghosh S, Lehner CF. Incorporation of CENP-A/CID into centromeres during early Drosophila embryogenesis does not require RNA polymerase II-mediated transcription. Chromosoma 2022; 131:1-17. [PMID: 35015118 PMCID: PMC9079035 DOI: 10.1007/s00412-022-00767-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2021] [Revised: 12/30/2021] [Accepted: 01/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
In many species, centromere identity is specified epigenetically by special nucleosomes containing a centromere-specific histone H3 variant, designated as CENP-A in humans and CID in Drosophila melanogaster. After partitioning of centromere-specific nucleosomes onto newly replicated sister centromeres, loading of additional CENP-A/CID into centromeric chromatin is required for centromere maintenance in proliferating cells. Analyses with cultured cells have indicated that transcription of centromeric DNA by RNA polymerase II is required for deposition of new CID into centromere chromatin. However, a dependence of centromeric CID loading on transcription is difficult to reconcile with the notion that the initial embryonic stages appear to proceed in the absence of transcription in Drosophila, as also in many other animal species. To address the role of RNA polymerase II–mediated transcription for CID loading in early Drosophila embryos, we have quantified the effects of alpha-amanitin and triptolide on centromeric CID-EGFP levels. Our analyses demonstrate that microinjection of these two potent inhibitors of RNA polymerase II–mediated transcription has at most a marginal effect on centromeric CID deposition during progression through the early embryonic cleavage cycles. Thus, we conclude that at least during early Drosophila embryogenesis, incorporation of CID into centromeres does not depend on RNA polymerase II–mediated transcription.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samadri Ghosh
- Department of Molecular Life Sciences, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Christian F Lehner
- Department of Molecular Life Sciences, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
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24
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Mobility of kinetochore proteins measured by FRAP analysis in living cells. Chromosome Res 2022; 30:43-57. [PMID: 34997387 PMCID: PMC8942963 DOI: 10.1007/s10577-021-09678-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2021] [Revised: 11/22/2021] [Accepted: 11/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
The kinetochore is essential for faithful chromosome segregation during mitosis and is assembled through dynamic processes involving numerous kinetochore proteins. Various experimental strategies have been used to understand kinetochore assembly processes. Fluorescence recovery after photobleaching (FRAP) analysis is also a useful strategy for revealing the dynamics of kinetochore assembly. In this study, we introduced fluorescence protein-tagged kinetochore protein cDNAs into each endogenous locus and performed FRAP analyses in chicken DT40 cells. Centromeric protein (CENP)-C was highly mobile in interphase, but immobile during mitosis. CENP-C mutants lacking the CENP-A-binding domain became mobile during mitosis. In contrast to CENP-C, CENP-T and CENP-H were immobile during both interphase and mitosis. The mobility of Dsn1, which is a component of the Mis12 complex and directly binds to CENP-C, depended on CENP-C mobility during mitosis. Thus, our FRAP assays provide dynamic aspects of how the kinetochore is assembled.
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25
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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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26
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Barbosa AC, Xu Z, Karari K, Williams W, Hauf S, Brown WRA. Mutation and selection explain why many eukaryotic centromeric DNA sequences are often A + T rich. Nucleic Acids Res 2021; 50:579-596. [PMID: 34928384 PMCID: PMC8754631 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkab1219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2021] [Revised: 11/16/2021] [Accepted: 11/30/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
We have used chromosome engineering to replace native centromeric DNA with different test sequences at native centromeres in two different strains of the fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe and have discovered that A + T rich DNA, whether synthetic or of bacterial origin, will function as a centromere in this species. Using genome size as a surrogate for the inverse of effective population size (Ne) we also show that the relative A + T content of centromeric DNA scales with Ne across 43 animal, fungal and yeast (Opisthokonta) species. This suggests that in most of these species the A + T content of the centromeric DNA is determined by a balance between selection and mutation. Combining the experimental results and the evolutionary analyses allows us to conclude that A + T rich DNA of almost any sequence will function as a centromere in most Opisthokonta species. The fact that many G/C to A/T substitutions are unlikely to be selected against may contribute to the rapid evolution of centromeric DNA. We also show that a neo-centromere sequence is not simply a weak version of native centromeric DNA and suggest that neo-centromeres require factors either for their propagation or establishment in addition to those required by native centromeres.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne C Barbosa
- School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Queen's Medical Centre, NG7 2UH, UK
| | - Zhengyao Xu
- School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Queen's Medical Centre, NG7 2UH, UK
| | - Kazhal Karari
- School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Queen's Medical Centre, NG7 2UH, UK
| | - Wendi Williams
- Virginia Tech, Department of Biological Sciences, Fralin Life Sciences Institute, 1015 Life Science Circle, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
| | - Silke Hauf
- Virginia Tech, Department of Biological Sciences, Fralin Life Sciences Institute, 1015 Life Science Circle, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
| | - William R A Brown
- School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Queen's Medical Centre, NG7 2UH, UK
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27
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Ccp1-Ndc80 switch at the N terminus of CENP-T regulates kinetochore assembly. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2021; 118:2104459118. [PMID: 34810257 PMCID: PMC8640933 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2104459118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Precise chromosome segregation relies on kinetochores. How kinetochores are precisely assembled on centromeres through the cell cycle remains poorly understood. Centromeres in most eukaryotes are epigenetically marked by nucleosomes containing the histone H3 variant, CENP-A. Here, we demonstrated that Ccp1, an anti–CENP-A loading factor, interacts with the N terminus of CENP-T to promote the assembly of the outer kinetochore Ndc80 complex. This work further suggests that competitive exclusion between Ccp1 and Ndc80 at the N terminus of CENP-T via phosphorylation ensures precise kinetochore assembly during mitosis. In addition, CENP-T is critical for Ccp1 centromeric localization, which in turn regulates CENP-A distribution. Our results reveal a previously unrecognized mechanism underlying kinetochore assembly through the cell cycle. Kinetochores, a protein complex assembled on centromeres, mediate chromosome segregation. In most eukaryotes, centromeres are epigenetically specified by the histone H3 variant CENP-A. CENP-T, an inner kinetochore protein, serves as a platform for the assembly of the outer kinetochore Ndc80 complex during mitosis. How CENP-T is regulated through the cell cycle remains unclear. Ccp1 (counteracter of CENP-A loading protein 1) associates with centromeres during interphase but delocalizes from centromeres during mitosis. Here, we demonstrated that Ccp1 directly interacts with CENP-T. CENP-T is important for the association of Ccp1 with centromeres, whereas CENP-T centromeric localization depends on Mis16, a homolog of human RbAp48/46. We identified a Ccp1-interaction motif (CIM) at the N terminus of CENP-T, which is adjacent to the Ndc80 receptor motif. The CIM domain is required for Ccp1 centromeric localization, and the CIM domain–deleted mutant phenocopies ccp1Δ. The CIM domain can be phosphorylated by CDK1 (cyclin-dependent kinase 1). Phosphorylation of CIM weakens its interaction with Ccp1. Consistent with this, Ccp1 dissociates from centromeres through all stages of the cell cycle in the phosphomimetic mutant of the CIM domain, whereas in the phospho-null mutant of the domain, Ccp1 associates with centromeres during mitosis. We further show that the phospho-null mutant disrupts the positioning of the Ndc80 complex during mitosis, resulting in chromosome missegregation. This work suggests that competitive exclusion between Ccp1 and Ndc80 at the N terminus of CENP-T via phosphorylation ensures precise kinetochore assembly during mitosis and uncovers a previously unrecognized mechanism underlying kinetochore assembly through the cell cycle.
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28
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Salinas-Luypaert C, Allu PK, Logsdon GA, Dawicki-McKenna JM, Gambogi CW, Fachinetti D, Black BE. Gene replacement strategies validate the use of functional tags on centromeric chromatin and invalidate an essential role for CENP-A K124ub. Cell Rep 2021; 37:109924. [PMID: 34731637 PMCID: PMC8643106 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2021.109924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2021] [Revised: 08/31/2021] [Accepted: 10/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Functional tags are ubiquitous in cell biology, and for studies of one chromosomal locus, the centromere, tags have been remarkably useful. The centromere directs chromosome inheritance at cell division. The location of the centromere is defined by a histone H3 variant, CENP-A. The regulation of the chromatin assembly pathway essential for centromere inheritance and function includes posttranslational modification (PTM) of key components, including CENP-A itself. Others have recently called into question the use of functional tags, with the claim that at least two widely used tags obscured the essentiality of one particular PTM, CENP-AK124 ubiquitination (ub). Here, we employ three independent gene replacement strategies that eliminate large, lysine-containing tags to interrogate these claims. Using these approaches, we find no evidence to support an essential function of CENP-AK124ub. Our general methodology will be useful to validate discoveries permitted by powerful functional tagging schemes at the centromere and other cellular locations. Using three gene replacement strategies, Salinas-Luypaert et al. demonstrate that CENP-AK124ub is not essential for CENP-A function at centromeres. Thus, functional tags do not mask the role of K124 when it is mutated. These strategies can be employed to interrogate posttranslational modifications at the centromere and other cellular locations.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Praveen Kumar Allu
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Penn Center for Genome Integrity, Epigenetics Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Glennis A Logsdon
- Department of Genome Sciences, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Jennine M Dawicki-McKenna
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Penn Center for Genome Integrity, Epigenetics Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Craig W Gambogi
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Penn Center for Genome Integrity, Epigenetics Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Graduate Program in Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Daniele Fachinetti
- Institut Curie, PSL University, CNRS, UMR 144, 26 rue d'Ulm, 75005, Paris, France.
| | - Ben E Black
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Penn Center for Genome Integrity, Epigenetics Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Graduate Program in Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
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29
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Peng S, Petersen JL, Bellone RR, Kalbfleisch T, Kingsley NB, Barber AM, Cappelletti E, Giulotto E, Finno CJ. Decoding the Equine Genome: Lessons from ENCODE. Genes (Basel) 2021; 12:genes12111707. [PMID: 34828313 PMCID: PMC8625040 DOI: 10.3390/genes12111707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Revised: 10/24/2021] [Accepted: 10/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The horse reference genome assemblies, EquCab2.0 and EquCab3.0, have enabled great advancements in the equine genomics field, from tools to novel discoveries. However, significant gaps of knowledge regarding genome function remain, hindering the study of complex traits in horses. In an effort to address these gaps and with inspiration from the Encyclopedia of DNA Elements (ENCODE) project, the equine Functional Annotation of Animal Genome (FAANG) initiative was proposed to bridge the gap between genome and gene expression, providing further insights into functional regulation within the horse genome. Three years after launching the initiative, the equine FAANG group has generated data from more than 400 experiments using over 50 tissues, targeting a variety of regulatory features of the equine genome. In this review, we examine how valuable lessons learned from the ENCODE project informed our decisions in the equine FAANG project. We report the current state of the equine FAANG project and discuss how FAANG can serve as a template for future expansion of functional annotation in the equine genome and be used as a reference for studies of complex traits in horse. A well-annotated reference functional atlas will also help advance equine genetics in the pan-genome and precision medicine era.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sichong Peng
- Department of Population Health and Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California-Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA; (S.P.); (R.R.B.); (N.B.K.)
| | - Jessica L. Petersen
- Department of Animal Science, University of Nebraska, Lincoln, NE 68583-0908, USA; (J.L.P.); (A.M.B.)
| | - Rebecca R. Bellone
- Department of Population Health and Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California-Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA; (S.P.); (R.R.B.); (N.B.K.)
- Veterinary Genetics Laboratory, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Ted Kalbfleisch
- Department of Veterinary Science, Gluck Equine Research Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40503, USA;
| | - N. B. Kingsley
- Department of Population Health and Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California-Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA; (S.P.); (R.R.B.); (N.B.K.)
- Veterinary Genetics Laboratory, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Alexa M. Barber
- Department of Animal Science, University of Nebraska, Lincoln, NE 68583-0908, USA; (J.L.P.); (A.M.B.)
| | - Eleonora Cappelletti
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology “L. Spallanzani”, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (E.C.); (E.G.)
| | - Elena Giulotto
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology “L. Spallanzani”, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (E.C.); (E.G.)
| | - Carrie J. Finno
- Department of Population Health and Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California-Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA; (S.P.); (R.R.B.); (N.B.K.)
- Correspondence:
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30
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Wang Q, Xu J, Xiong Z, Xu T, Liu J, Liu Y, Chen J, Shi J, Shou Y, Yue C, Liu D, Liang H, Yang H, Yang X, Zhang X. CENPA promotes clear cell renal cell carcinoma progression and metastasis via Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. J Transl Med 2021; 19:417. [PMID: 34627268 PMCID: PMC8502268 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-021-03087-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2021] [Accepted: 09/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) is the most common malignant tumor of the kidney. New and reliable biomarkers are in urgent need for ccRCC diagnosis and prognosis. The CENP family is overexpressed in many types of cancers, but its functions in ccRCC have not been fully clarified. In this paper, we found that several CENP family members were highly expressed in ccRCC tissues. Also, CENPA expression level was related to clinicopathological grade and prognosis by weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA). CENPA served as a representative CENP family member as a ccRCC biomarker. Further in vitro experiments verified that overexpression of CENPA promoted ccRCC proliferation and metastasis by accelerating the cell cycle and activating the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. The elevated β-catenin led by CENPA overexpression translocated to nucleus for downstream effect. Functional recovery experiment confirmed that Wnt/β-catenin pathway was essential for ccRCC progression and metastasis. Developing selective drugs targeting CENPA may be a promising direction for cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Wang
- Department of Urology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Jiaju Xu
- Department of Urology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Zhiyong Xiong
- Department of Urology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Tianbo Xu
- Department of Urology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Jingchong Liu
- Department of Urology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Yuenan Liu
- Department of Urology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Jiaping Chen
- Department of Thoracic, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Jian Shi
- Department of Urology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Yi Shou
- Department of Urology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Changjie Yue
- Department of Urology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Di Liu
- Department of Urology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Huageng Liang
- Department of Urology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Hongmei Yang
- Department of Pathogen Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Xiong Yang
- Department of Urology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China.
| | - Xiaoping Zhang
- Department of Urology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China.
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31
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Kumon T, Ma J, Akins RB, Stefanik D, Nordgren CE, Kim J, Levine MT, Lampson MA. Parallel pathways for recruiting effector proteins determine centromere drive and suppression. Cell 2021; 184:4904-4918.e11. [PMID: 34433012 PMCID: PMC8448984 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2021.07.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2020] [Revised: 06/07/2021] [Accepted: 07/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Selfish centromere DNA sequences bias their transmission to the egg in female meiosis. Evolutionary theory suggests that centromere proteins evolve to suppress costs of this "centromere drive." In hybrid mouse models with genetically different maternal and paternal centromeres, selfish centromere DNA exploits a kinetochore pathway to recruit microtubule-destabilizing proteins that act as drive effectors. We show that such functional differences are suppressed by a parallel pathway for effector recruitment by heterochromatin, which is similar between centromeres in this system. Disrupting the kinetochore pathway with a divergent allele of CENP-C reduces functional differences between centromeres, whereas disrupting heterochromatin by CENP-B deletion amplifies the differences. Molecular evolution analyses using Murinae genomes identify adaptive evolution in proteins in both pathways. We propose that centromere proteins have recurrently evolved to minimize the kinetochore pathway, which is exploited by selfish DNA, relative to the heterochromatin pathway that equalizes centromeres, while maintaining essential functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomohiro Kumon
- Department of Biology, School of Arts and Sciences, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Jun Ma
- Department of Biology, School of Arts and Sciences, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - R Brian Akins
- Department of Biology, School of Arts and Sciences, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Derek Stefanik
- Department of Biology, School of Arts and Sciences, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - C Erik Nordgren
- Department of Biology, School of Arts and Sciences, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Junhyong Kim
- Department of Biology, School of Arts and Sciences, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Mia T Levine
- Department of Biology, School of Arts and Sciences, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Epigenetics Institute, 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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32
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Prosée RF, Wenda JM, Özdemir I, Gabus C, Delaney K, Schwager F, Gotta M, Steiner FA. Transgenerational inheritance of centromere identity requires the CENP-A N-terminal tail in the C. elegans maternal germ line. PLoS Biol 2021; 19:e3000968. [PMID: 34228701 PMCID: PMC8259991 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.3000968] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2020] [Accepted: 05/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Centromere protein A (CENP-A) is a histone H3 variant that defines centromeric chromatin and is essential for centromere function. In most eukaryotes, CENP-A-containing chromatin is epigenetically maintained, and centromere identity is inherited from one cell cycle to the next. In the germ line of the holocentric nematode Caenorhabditis elegans, this inheritance cycle is disrupted. CENP-A is removed at the mitosis-to-meiosis transition and is reestablished on chromatin during diplotene of meiosis I. Here, we show that the N-terminal tail of CENP-A is required for the de novo establishment of centromeres, but then its presence becomes dispensable for centromere maintenance during development. Worms homozygous for a CENP-A tail deletion maintain functional centromeres during development but give rise to inviable offspring because they fail to reestablish centromeres in the maternal germ line. We identify the N-terminal tail of CENP-A as a critical domain for the interaction with the conserved kinetochore protein KNL-2 and argue that this interaction plays an important role in setting centromere identity in the germ line. We conclude that centromere establishment and maintenance are functionally distinct in C. elegans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reinier F. Prosée
- Department of Molecular Biology and Institute of Genetics and Genomics in Geneva, Section of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Joanna M. Wenda
- Department of Molecular Biology and Institute of Genetics and Genomics in Geneva, Section of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Isa Özdemir
- Department of Molecular Biology and Institute of Genetics and Genomics in Geneva, Section of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Caroline Gabus
- Department of Molecular Biology and Institute of Genetics and Genomics in Geneva, Section of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Kamila Delaney
- Department of Molecular Biology and Institute of Genetics and Genomics in Geneva, Section of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Francoise Schwager
- Department of Cell Physiology and Metabolism and Institute of Genetics and Genomics in Geneva, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Monica Gotta
- Department of Cell Physiology and Metabolism and Institute of Genetics and Genomics in Geneva, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Florian A. Steiner
- Department of Molecular Biology and Institute of Genetics and Genomics in Geneva, Section of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
- * E-mail:
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33
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Walstein K, Petrovic A, Pan D, Hagemeier B, Vogt D, Vetter IR, Musacchio A. Assembly principles and stoichiometry of a complete human kinetochore module. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2021; 7:7/27/eabg1037. [PMID: 34193424 PMCID: PMC8245036 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abg1037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2020] [Accepted: 05/14/2021] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Centromeres are epigenetically determined chromosomal loci that seed kinetochore assembly to promote chromosome segregation during cell division. CENP-A, a centromere-specific histone H3 variant, establishes the foundations for centromere epigenetic memory and kinetochore assembly. It recruits the constitutive centromere-associated network (CCAN), which in turn assembles the microtubule-binding interface. How the specific organization of centromeric chromatin relates to kinetochore assembly and to centromere identity through cell division remains conjectural. Here, we break new ground by reconstituting a functional full-length version of CENP-C, the largest human CCAN subunit and a blueprint of kinetochore assembly. We show that full-length CENP-C, a dimer, binds stably to two nucleosomes and permits further assembly of all other kinetochore subunits in vitro with relative ratios closely matching those of endogenous human kinetochores. Our results imply that human kinetochores emerge from clustering multiple copies of a fundamental module and may have important implications for transgenerational inheritance of centromeric chromatin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai Walstein
- Department of Mechanistic Cell Biology, Max Planck Institute of Molecular Physiology, Otto-Hahn-Straße 11, 44227 Dortmund, Germany.
- Centre for Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Biology, University Duisburg-Essen, Universitätsstraße 1, 45141 Essen, Germany
| | - Arsen Petrovic
- Department of Mechanistic Cell Biology, Max Planck Institute of Molecular Physiology, Otto-Hahn-Straße 11, 44227 Dortmund, Germany
| | - Dongqing Pan
- Department of Mechanistic Cell Biology, Max Planck Institute of Molecular Physiology, Otto-Hahn-Straße 11, 44227 Dortmund, Germany
| | - Birte Hagemeier
- Department of Mechanistic Cell Biology, Max Planck Institute of Molecular Physiology, Otto-Hahn-Straße 11, 44227 Dortmund, Germany
| | - Dorothee Vogt
- Department of Mechanistic Cell Biology, Max Planck Institute of Molecular Physiology, Otto-Hahn-Straße 11, 44227 Dortmund, Germany
| | - Ingrid R Vetter
- Department of Mechanistic Cell Biology, Max Planck Institute of Molecular Physiology, Otto-Hahn-Straße 11, 44227 Dortmund, Germany
| | - Andrea Musacchio
- Department of Mechanistic Cell Biology, Max Planck Institute of Molecular Physiology, Otto-Hahn-Straße 11, 44227 Dortmund, Germany.
- Centre for Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Biology, University Duisburg-Essen, Universitätsstraße 1, 45141 Essen, Germany
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34
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Li X, Mao W, Chen J, Goding CR, Cui R, Xu ZX, Miao X. The protective role of MC1R in chromosome stability and centromeric integrity in melanocytes. Cell Death Discov 2021; 7:111. [PMID: 34001865 PMCID: PMC8128912 DOI: 10.1038/s41420-021-00499-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2021] [Revised: 04/01/2021] [Accepted: 04/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Variants in the melanocortin-1 receptor (MC1R) gene, encoding a trimeric G-protein-coupled receptor and activated by α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH), are frequently associated with red or blonde hair, fair skin, freckling, and skin sensitivity to ultraviolet (UV) light. Several red hair color variants of MC1R are also associated with increased melanoma risk. MC1R variants affect melanoma risk independent of phenotype. Here, we demonstrated that MC1R is a critical factor in chromosome stability and centromere integrity in melanocytes. α-MSH/MC1R stimulation prevents melanocytes from UV radiation-induced damage of chromosome stability and centromere integrity. Mechanistic studies indicated that α-MSH/MC1R-controlled chromosome stability and centromeric integrity are mediated by microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (Mitf), a transcript factor needed for the α-MSH/MC1R signaling and a regulator in melanocyte development, viability, and pigment production. Mitf directly interacts with centromere proteins A in melanocytes. Given the connection among MC1R variants, red hair/fair skin phenotype, and melanoma development, these studies will help answer a question with clinical relevance “why red-haired individuals are so prone to developing melanoma”, and will lead to the identification of novel preventive and therapeutic strategies for melanomas, especially those with redheads.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Li
- Department of Dermatology, Yueyang Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 200437, Shanghai, China.,Institute of Dermatology, Shanghai Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 201203, Shanghai, China
| | - Weiwei Mao
- Department of Dermatology, Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 200032, Shanghai, China
| | - Jie Chen
- Department of Dermatology, Yueyang Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 200437, Shanghai, China
| | - Colin R Goding
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, University of Oxford, Headington, Oxford, OX3 7DQ, UK
| | - Rutao Cui
- Department of Dermatology, Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 310009, Hangzhou, China
| | - Zhi-Xiang Xu
- School of Life Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng, China.
| | - Xiao Miao
- Department of Dermatology, Yueyang Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 200437, Shanghai, China. .,Innovation Research Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 1200 Cailun Road, 201203, Shanghai, China.
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35
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de Groot C, Houston J, Davis B, Gerson-Gurwitz A, Monen J, Lara-Gonzalez P, Oegema K, Shiau AK, Desai A. The N-terminal tail of C. elegans CENP-A interacts with KNL-2 and is essential for centromeric chromatin assembly. Mol Biol Cell 2021; 32:1193-1201. [PMID: 33852350 PMCID: PMC8351560 DOI: 10.1091/mbc.e20-12-0798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Centromeres are epigenetically defined by the centromere-specific histone H3 variant CENP-A. Specialized loading machinery, including the histone chaperone HJURP/Scm3, participates in CENP-A nucleosome assembly. However, Scm3/HJURP is missing from multiple lineages, including nematodes, with CENP-A-dependent centromeres. Here, we show that the extended N-terminal tail of Caenorhabditis elegans CENP-A contains a predicted structured region that is essential for centromeric chromatin assembly; removal of this region prevents CENP-A loading, resulting in failure of kinetochore assembly and defective chromosome condensation. By contrast, the N-tail mutant CENP-A localizes normally in the presence of endogenous CENP-A. The portion of the N-tail containing the predicted structured region binds to KNL-2, a conserved SANTA domain and Myb domain-containing protein (referred to as M18BP1 in vertebrates) specifically involved in CENP-A chromatin assembly. This direct interaction is conserved in the related nematode Caenorhabditis briggsae, despite divergence of the N-tail and KNL-2 primary sequences. Thus, the extended N-tail of CENP-A is essential for CENP-A chromatin assembly in C. elegans and partially substitutes for the function of Scm3/HJURP, in that it mediates a direct interaction between CENP-A and KNL-2. These results highlight an evolutionary variation on centromeric chromatin assembly in the absence of a dedicated CENP-A–specific chaperone/targeting factor of the Scm3/HJURP family.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian de Groot
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, San Diego Branch, La Jolla, CA 92093.,Small Molecule Discovery Program, Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, La Jolla, CA 92093
| | - Jack Houston
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, San Diego Branch, La Jolla, CA 92093
| | - Bethany Davis
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, San Diego Branch, La Jolla, CA 92093.,Small Molecule Discovery Program, Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, La Jolla, CA 92093.,Department of Biology and Chemistry, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Prescott, AZ 86301
| | - Adina Gerson-Gurwitz
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, San Diego Branch, La Jolla, CA 92093.,Small Molecule Discovery Program, Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, La Jolla, CA 92093
| | - Joost Monen
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, San Diego Branch, La Jolla, CA 92093.,School of Theoretical & Applied Science, Ramapo College of New Jersey, Mahwah, NJ 07430
| | | | - Karen Oegema
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, San Diego Branch, La Jolla, CA 92093.,Section of Cell & Developmental Biology, Division of Biological Sciences and.,Department of Cellular & Molecular Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093
| | - Andrew K Shiau
- Small Molecule Discovery Program, Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, La Jolla, CA 92093.,Section of Cell & Developmental Biology, Division of Biological Sciences and
| | - Arshad Desai
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, San Diego Branch, La Jolla, CA 92093.,Section of Cell & Developmental Biology, Division of Biological Sciences and.,Department of Cellular & Molecular Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093
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36
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Amatori S, Tavolaro S, Gambardella S, Fanelli M. The dark side of histones: genomic organization and role of oncohistones in cancer. Clin Epigenetics 2021; 13:71. [PMID: 33827674 PMCID: PMC8025322 DOI: 10.1186/s13148-021-01057-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2020] [Accepted: 03/22/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The oncogenic role of histone mutations is one of the most relevant discovery in cancer epigenetics. Recurrent mutations targeting histone genes have been described in pediatric brain tumors, chondroblastoma, giant cell tumor of bone and other tumor types. The demonstration that mutant histones can be oncogenic and drive the tumorigenesis in pediatric tumors, led to the coining of the term “oncohistones.” The first identified histone mutations were localized at or near residues normally targeted by post-translational modifications (PTMs) in the histone N-terminal tails and suggested a possible interference with histone PTMs regulation and reading. Main body In this review, we describe the peculiar organization of the multiple genes that encode histone proteins, and the latter advances in both the identification and the biological role of histone mutations in cancer. Recent works show that recurrent somatic mutations target both N-terminal tails and globular histone fold domain in diverse tumor types. Oncohistones are often dominant-negative and occur at higher frequencies in tumors affecting children and adolescents. Notably, in many cases the mutations target selectively only some of the genes coding the same histone protein and are frequently associated with specific tumor types or, as documented for histone variant H3.3 in pediatric glioma, with peculiar tumors arising from specific anatomic locations. Conclusion The overview of the most recent advances suggests that the oncogenic potential of histone mutations can be exerted, together with the alteration of histone PTMs, through the destabilization of nucleosome and DNA–nucleosome interactions, as well as through the disruption of higher-order chromatin structure. However, further studies are necessary to fully elucidate the mechanism of action of oncohistones, as well as to evaluate their possible application to cancer classification, prognosis and to the identification of new therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Amatori
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, Molecular Pathology Laboratory "PaoLa", University of Urbino Carlo Bo, Via Arco d'Augusto 2, 61032, Fano, PU, Italy.
| | - Simona Tavolaro
- Fredis Associazione, Via Edoardo Jenner 30, 00151, Rome, Italy
| | - Stefano Gambardella
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, Molecular Pathology Laboratory "PaoLa", University of Urbino Carlo Bo, Via Arco d'Augusto 2, 61032, Fano, PU, Italy.,IRCCS Neuromed, Via Atinense 18, 86077, Pozzilli, IS, Italy
| | - Mirco Fanelli
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, Molecular Pathology Laboratory "PaoLa", University of Urbino Carlo Bo, Via Arco d'Augusto 2, 61032, Fano, PU, Italy.
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37
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Abstract
Cancer is a complex disease characterized by loss of cellular homeostasis through genetic and epigenetic alterations. Emerging evidence highlights a role for histone variants and their dedicated chaperones in cancer initiation and progression. Histone variants are involved in processes as diverse as maintenance of genome integrity, nuclear architecture and cell identity. On a molecular level, histone variants add a layer of complexity to the dynamic regulation of transcription, DNA replication and repair, and mitotic chromosome segregation. Because these functions are critical to ensure normal proliferation and maintenance of cellular fate, cancer cells are defined by their capacity to subvert them. Hijacking histone variants and their chaperones is emerging as a common means to disrupt homeostasis across a wide range of cancers, particularly solid tumours. Here we discuss histone variants and histone chaperones as tumour-promoting or tumour-suppressive players in the pathogenesis of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Dan Filipescu
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
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38
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Jeffery D, Gatto A, Podsypanina K, Renaud-Pageot C, Ponce Landete R, Bonneville L, Dumont M, Fachinetti D, Almouzni G. CENP-A overexpression promotes distinct fates in human cells, depending on p53 status. Commun Biol 2021; 4:417. [PMID: 33772115 PMCID: PMC7997993 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-021-01941-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2020] [Accepted: 02/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Tumour evolution is driven by both genetic and epigenetic changes. CENP-A, the centromeric histone H3 variant, is an epigenetic mark that directly perturbs genetic stability and chromatin when overexpressed. Although CENP-A overexpression is a common feature of many cancers, how this impacts cell fate and response to therapy remains unclear. Here, we established a tunable system of inducible and reversible CENP-A overexpression combined with a switch in p53 status in human cell lines. Through clonogenic survival assays, single-cell RNA-sequencing and cell trajectory analysis, we uncover the tumour suppressor p53 as a key determinant of how CENP-A impacts cell state, cell identity and therapeutic response. If p53 is functional, CENP-A overexpression promotes senescence and radiosensitivity. Surprisingly, when we inactivate p53, CENP-A overexpression instead promotes epithelial-mesenchymal transition, an essential process in mammalian development but also a precursor for tumour cell invasion and metastasis. Thus, we uncover an unanticipated function of CENP-A overexpression to promote cell fate reprogramming, with important implications for development and tumour evolution.
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Grants
- Ligue Contre le Cancer
- Agence Nationale de la Recherche (French National Research Agency)
- Université de Recherche Paris Sciences et Lettres (PSL Research University)
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (National Center for Scientific Research)
- Institut Curie
- AG, CRP, DJ, KP, LB, RPL and GA were supported by la Ligue Nationale contre le Cancer (Equipe labellisée Ligue), Labex DEEP (ANR-11-LABX-0044_DEEP, ANR-10-IDEX-0001-02), PSL, ERC-2015-ADG-694694 ChromADICT and ANR-16-CE12-0024 CHIFT. Funding for RPL provided by Horizon 2020 Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions Initial Training Network “EpiSyStem” (grant number 765966). Individual funding was also provided to DJ from la Fondation ARC pour la recherche sur le cancer (“Aides individuelles” 3 years, post-doc), and to AG from the Horizon 2020 Framework Programme for Research and Innovation (H2020 Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions grant agreement 798106 “REPLICHROM4D”). DF receives salary support from the Centre Nationale de Recherche Scientifique (CNRS). MD receives salary support from the City of Paris via Emergence(s) 2018 of DF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Jeffery
- Institut Curie, PSL Research University, CNRS, Sorbonne Université, Nuclear Dynamics Unit, Equipe Labellisée Ligue contre le Cancer, Paris, France
| | - Alberto Gatto
- Institut Curie, PSL Research University, CNRS, Sorbonne Université, Nuclear Dynamics Unit, Equipe Labellisée Ligue contre le Cancer, Paris, France
| | - Katrina Podsypanina
- Institut Curie, PSL Research University, CNRS, Sorbonne Université, Nuclear Dynamics Unit, Equipe Labellisée Ligue contre le Cancer, Paris, France
| | - Charlène Renaud-Pageot
- Institut Curie, PSL Research University, CNRS, Sorbonne Université, Nuclear Dynamics Unit, Equipe Labellisée Ligue contre le Cancer, Paris, France
| | - Rebeca Ponce Landete
- Institut Curie, PSL Research University, CNRS, Sorbonne Université, Nuclear Dynamics Unit, Equipe Labellisée Ligue contre le Cancer, Paris, France
| | - Lorraine Bonneville
- Institut Curie, PSL Research University, CNRS, Sorbonne Université, Nuclear Dynamics Unit, Equipe Labellisée Ligue contre le Cancer, Paris, France
| | - Marie Dumont
- Institut Curie, PSL Research University, Centre de Recherche, Sorbonne Université, Cell Biology and Cancer Unit, Paris, France
| | - Daniele Fachinetti
- Institut Curie, PSL Research University, Centre de Recherche, Sorbonne Université, Cell Biology and Cancer Unit, Paris, France
| | - Geneviève Almouzni
- Institut Curie, PSL Research University, CNRS, Sorbonne Université, Nuclear Dynamics Unit, Equipe Labellisée Ligue contre le Cancer, Paris, France.
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39
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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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40
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Structural and dynamic mechanisms of CBF3-guided centromeric nucleosome formation. Nat Commun 2021; 12:1763. [PMID: 33741944 PMCID: PMC7979930 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-21985-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2020] [Accepted: 02/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Accurate chromosome segregation relies on the specific centromeric nucleosome-kinetochore interface. In budding yeast, the centromere CBF3 complex guides the deposition of CENP-A, an H3 variant, to form the centromeric nucleosome in a DNA sequence-dependent manner. Here, we determine the structures of the centromeric nucleosome containing the native CEN3 DNA and the CBF3core bound to the canonical nucleosome containing an engineered CEN3 DNA. The centromeric nucleosome core structure contains 115 base pair DNA including a CCG motif. The CBF3core specifically recognizes the nucleosomal CCG motif through the Gal4 domain while allosterically altering the DNA conformation. Cryo-EM, modeling, and mutational studies reveal that the CBF3core forms dynamic interactions with core histones H2B and CENP-A in the CEN3 nucleosome. Our results provide insights into the structure of the budding yeast centromeric nucleosome and the mechanism of its assembly, which have implications for analogous processes of human centromeric nucleosome formation.
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41
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Nagpal H, Fierz B. The Elusive Structure of Centro-Chromatin: Molecular Order or Dynamic Heterogenetity? J Mol Biol 2021; 433:166676. [PMID: 33065112 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2020.10.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2020] [Revised: 10/07/2020] [Accepted: 10/08/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
The centromere is an essential chromatin domain required for kinetochore recruitment and chromosome segregation in eukaryotes. To perform this role, centro-chromatin adopts a unique structure that provides access to kinetochore proteins and maintains stability under tension during mitosis. This is achieved by the presence of nucleosomes containing the H3 variant CENP-A, which also acts as the epigenetic mark defining the centromere. In this review, we discuss the role of CENP-A on the structure and dynamics of centromeric chromatin. We further discuss the impact of the CENP-A binding proteins CENP-C, CENP-N, and CENP-B on modulating centro-chromatin structure. Based on these findings we provide an overview of the higher order structure of the centromere.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harsh Nagpal
- Laboratory of Biophysical Chemistry of Macromolecules, Institute of Chemical Sciences and Engineering, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland.
| | - Beat Fierz
- Laboratory of Biophysical Chemistry of Macromolecules, Institute of Chemical Sciences and Engineering, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland.
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42
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Giunta S, Hervé S, White RR, Wilhelm T, Dumont M, Scelfo A, Gamba R, Wong CK, Rancati G, Smogorzewska A, Funabiki H, Fachinetti D. CENP-A chromatin prevents replication stress at centromeres to avoid structural aneuploidy. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2021; 118:e2015634118. [PMID: 33653953 PMCID: PMC7958389 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2015634118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Chromosome segregation relies on centromeres, yet their repetitive DNA is often prone to aberrant rearrangements under pathological conditions. Factors that maintain centromere integrity to prevent centromere-associated chromosome translocations are unknown. Here, we demonstrate the importance of the centromere-specific histone H3 variant CENP-A in safeguarding DNA replication of alpha-satellite repeats to prevent structural aneuploidy. Rapid removal of CENP-A in S phase, but not other cell-cycle stages, caused accumulation of R loops with increased centromeric transcripts, and interfered with replication fork progression. Replication without CENP-A causes recombination at alpha-satellites in an R loop-dependent manner, unfinished replication, and anaphase bridges. In turn, chromosome breakage and translocations arise specifically at centromeric regions. Our findings provide insights into how specialized centromeric chromatin maintains the integrity of transcribed noncoding repetitive DNA during S phase.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simona Giunta
- Laboratory of Chromosome and Cell Biology, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY 10065;
| | - Solène Hervé
- Institut Curie, PSL Research University, CNRS, UMR 144, F-75005 Paris, France
| | - Ryan R White
- Laboratory of Genome Maintenance, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY 10065
| | - Therese Wilhelm
- Institut Curie, PSL Research University, CNRS, UMR 144, F-75005 Paris, France
| | - Marie Dumont
- Institut Curie, PSL Research University, CNRS, UMR 144, F-75005 Paris, France
| | - Andrea Scelfo
- Institut Curie, PSL Research University, CNRS, UMR 144, F-75005 Paris, France
| | - Riccardo Gamba
- Institut Curie, PSL Research University, CNRS, UMR 144, F-75005 Paris, France
| | - Cheng Kit Wong
- Institute of Medical Biology, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), 138648 Singapore, Singapore
| | - Giulia Rancati
- Institute of Medical Biology, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), 138648 Singapore, Singapore
| | - Agata Smogorzewska
- Laboratory of Genome Maintenance, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY 10065
| | - Hironori Funabiki
- Laboratory of Chromosome and Cell Biology, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY 10065;
| | - Daniele Fachinetti
- Institut Curie, PSL Research University, CNRS, UMR 144, F-75005 Paris, France;
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43
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Hou H, Kyriacou E, Thadani R, Klutstein M, Chapman JH, Cooper JP. Centromeres are dismantled by foundational meiotic proteins Spo11 and Rec8. Nature 2021; 591:671-676. [PMID: 33658710 PMCID: PMC8843027 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-021-03279-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2019] [Accepted: 01/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Meiotic processes are potentially dangerous to genome stability and could be disastrous if activated in proliferative cells. Here we show that two key meiosis-defining proteins, the topoisomerase Spo11 (which forms double-strand breaks) and the meiotic cohesin Rec8, can dismantle centromeres. This dismantlement is normally observable only in mutant cells that lack the telomere bouquet, which provides a nuclear microdomain conducive to centromere reassembly1; however, overexpression of Spo11 or Rec8 leads to levels of centromere dismantlement that cannot be countered by the bouquet. Specific nucleosome remodelling factors mediate centromere dismantlement by Spo11 and Rec8. Ectopic expression of either protein in proliferating cells leads to the loss of mitotic kinetochores in both fission yeast and human cells. Hence, while centromeric chromatin has been characterized as extraordinarily stable, Spo11 and Rec8 challenge this stability and may jeopardize kinetochores in cancers that express meiotic proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haitong Hou
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, 12801 E. 17th Ave, Aurora, CO 80045, Phone 303-724-3203,Former address: Telomere Biology Laboratory, Laboratory of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Center for Cancer Research, NCI, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892,Co-corresponding authors: ;
| | - Eftychia Kyriacou
- Former address: Telomere Biology Laboratory, Laboratory of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Center for Cancer Research, NCI, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892,Current address: Swiss Institute for Experimental Cancer Research (ISREC), School of Life Sciences, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Rahul Thadani
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, 12801 E. 17th Ave, Aurora, CO 80045, Phone 303-724-3203,Former address: Telomere Biology Laboratory, Laboratory of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Center for Cancer Research, NCI, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892
| | - Michael Klutstein
- Chromatin and Aging Research Laboratory, Institute of Dental Science, Hebrew University of Jerusalem PO 12272, Israel 91120
| | - Joseph H. Chapman
- Former address: Telomere Biology Laboratory, Laboratory of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Center for Cancer Research, NCI, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892,Current address: Single Molecular Biophysics Laboratory, NHLBI, NIH
| | - Julia Promisel Cooper
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, 12801 E. 17th Ave, Aurora, CO 80045, Phone 303-724-3203,Former address: Telomere Biology Laboratory, Laboratory of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Center for Cancer Research, NCI, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892,Co-corresponding authors: ;
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44
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Hori T, Cao J, Nishimura K, Ariyoshi M, Arimura Y, Kurumizaka H, Fukagawa T. Essentiality of CENP-A Depends on Its Binding Mode to HJURP. Cell Rep 2020; 33:108388. [PMID: 33207191 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2020.108388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2020] [Revised: 09/16/2020] [Accepted: 10/23/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
CENP-A incorporation is critical for centromere specification and is mediated by the chaperone HJURP. The CENP-A-targeting domain (CATD) of CENP-A specifically binds to HJURP, and this binding is conserved. However, the binding interface of CENP-A-HJURP is yet to be understood. Here, we identify the critical residues for chicken CENP-A or HJURP. The A59Q mutation in the α1-helix of chicken CENP-A causes CENP-A mis-incorporation and subsequent cell death, whereas the corresponding mutation in human CENP-A does not. We also find that W53 of HJURP, which is a contact site of A59 in CENP-A, is also essential in chicken cells. Our comprehensive analyses reveal that the affinities of HJURP to CATD differ between chickens and humans. However, the introduction of two arginine residues to the chicken HJURP αA-helix suppresses CENP-A mis-incorporation in chicken cells expressing CENP-AA59Q. Our data explain the mechanisms and evolution of CENP-A essentiality by the CENP-A-HJURP interaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tetsuya Hori
- Graduate School of Frontier Biosciences, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan.
| | - JingHui Cao
- Graduate School of Frontier Biosciences, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Kohei Nishimura
- Graduate School of Frontier Biosciences, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Mariko Ariyoshi
- Graduate School of Frontier Biosciences, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Yasuhiro Arimura
- Laboratory of Chromatin Structure and Function, Institute for Quantitative Biosciences, The University of Tokyo, 1-1-1 Yayoi, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0032, Japan
| | - Hitoshi Kurumizaka
- Laboratory of Chromatin Structure and Function, Institute for Quantitative Biosciences, The University of Tokyo, 1-1-1 Yayoi, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0032, Japan
| | - Tatsuo Fukagawa
- Graduate School of Frontier Biosciences, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan.
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45
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Bury L, Moodie B, Ly J, McKay LS, Miga KH, Cheeseman IM. Alpha-satellite RNA transcripts are repressed by centromere-nucleolus associations. eLife 2020; 9:59770. [PMID: 33174837 PMCID: PMC7679138 DOI: 10.7554/elife.59770] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2020] [Accepted: 11/09/2020] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Although originally thought to be silent chromosomal regions, centromeres are instead actively transcribed. However, the behavior and contributions of centromere-derived RNAs have remained unclear. Here, we used single-molecule fluorescence in-situ hybridization (smFISH) to detect alpha-satellite RNA transcripts in intact human cells. We find that alpha-satellite RNA-smFISH foci levels vary across cell lines and over the cell cycle, but do not remain associated with centromeres, displaying localization consistent with other long non-coding RNAs. Alpha-satellite expression occurs through RNA polymerase II-dependent transcription, but does not require established centromere or cell division components. Instead, our work implicates centromere–nucleolar interactions as repressing alpha-satellite expression. The fraction of nucleolar-localized centromeres inversely correlates with alpha-satellite transcripts levels across cell lines and transcript levels increase substantially when the nucleolus is disrupted. The control of alpha-satellite transcripts by centromere-nucleolar contacts provides a mechanism to modulate centromere transcription and chromatin dynamics across diverse cell states and conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leah Bury
- Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research, Cambridge, United States
| | - Brittania Moodie
- Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research, Cambridge, United States
| | - Jimmy Ly
- Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research, Cambridge, United States.,Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, United States
| | - Liliana S McKay
- Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research, Cambridge, United States
| | - Karen Hh Miga
- UC Santa Cruz Genomics Institute, University of California, Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, United States
| | - Iain M Cheeseman
- Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research, Cambridge, United States.,Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, United States
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46
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Senaratne AP, Muller H, Fryer KA, Kawamoto M, Katsuma S, Drinnenberg IA. Formation of the CenH3-Deficient Holocentromere in Lepidoptera Avoids Active Chromatin. Curr Biol 2020; 31:173-181.e7. [PMID: 33125865 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2020.09.078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2020] [Revised: 09/24/2020] [Accepted: 09/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Despite the essentiality for faithful chromosome segregation, centromere architectures are diverse among eukaryotes1,2 and embody two main configurations: mono- and holocentromeres, referring, respectively, to localized or unrestricted distribution of centromeric activity. Of the two, some holocentromeres offer the curious condition of having arisen independently in multiple insects, most of which have lost the otherwise essential centromere-specifying factor CenH33 (first described as CENP-A in humans).4-7 The loss of CenH3 raises intuitive questions about how holocentromeres are organized and regulated in CenH3-lacking insects. Here, we report the first chromatin-level description of CenH3-deficient holocentromeres by leveraging recently identified centromere components6,7 and genomics approaches to map and characterize the holocentromeres of the silk moth Bombyx mori, a representative lepidopteran insect lacking CenH3. This uncovered a robust correlation between the distribution of centromere sites and regions of low chromatin activity along B. mori chromosomes. Transcriptional perturbation experiments recapitulated the exclusion of B. mori centromeres from active chromatin. Based on reciprocal centromere occupancy patterns observed along differentially expressed orthologous genes of Lepidoptera, we further found that holocentromere formation in a manner that is recessive to chromatin dynamics is evolutionarily conserved. Our results help us discuss the plasticity of centromeres in the context of a role for the chromosome-wide chromatin landscape in conferring centromere identity rather than the presence of CenH3. Given the co-occurrence of CenH3 loss and holocentricity in insects,7 we further propose that the evolutionary establishment of holocentromeres in insects was facilitated through the loss of a CenH3-specified centromere.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aruni P Senaratne
- Institut Curie, PSL Research University, CNRS, UMR3664, 75005 Paris, France; Sorbonne Université, Institut Curie, CNRS, UMR3664, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Héloïse Muller
- Institut Curie, PSL Research University, CNRS, UMR3664, 75005 Paris, France; Sorbonne Université, Institut Curie, CNRS, UMR3664, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Kelsey A Fryer
- Department of Biochemistry, Stanford University School of Medicine, 279 Campus Drive, Beckman Center 409, Stanford, CA 94305-5307, USA; Department of Genetics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305-5120, USA
| | - Munetaka Kawamoto
- Department of Agricultural and Environmental Biology, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Yayoi 1-1-1, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8657, Japan
| | - Susumu Katsuma
- Department of Agricultural and Environmental Biology, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Yayoi 1-1-1, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8657, Japan
| | - Ines A Drinnenberg
- Institut Curie, PSL Research University, CNRS, UMR3664, 75005 Paris, France; Sorbonne Université, Institut Curie, CNRS, UMR3664, 75005 Paris, France.
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47
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Mitra S, Srinivasan B, Jansen LE. Stable inheritance of CENP-A chromatin: Inner strength versus dynamic control. J Cell Biol 2020; 219:e202005099. [PMID: 32931551 PMCID: PMC7659725 DOI: 10.1083/jcb.202005099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2020] [Revised: 08/08/2020] [Accepted: 08/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Chromosome segregation during cell division is driven by mitotic spindle attachment to the centromere region on each chromosome. Centromeres form a protein scaffold defined by chromatin featuring CENP-A, a conserved histone H3 variant, in a manner largely independent of local DNA cis elements. CENP-A nucleosomes fulfill two essential criteria to epigenetically identify the centromere. They undergo self-templated duplication to reestablish centromeric chromatin following DNA replication. More importantly, CENP-A incorporated into centromeric chromatin is stably transmitted through consecutive cell division cycles. CENP-A nucleosomes have unique structural properties and binding partners that potentially explain their long lifetime in vivo. However, rather than a static building block, centromeric chromatin is dynamically regulated throughout the cell cycle, indicating that CENP-A stability is also controlled by external factors. We discuss recent insights and identify the outstanding questions on how dynamic control of the long-term stability of CENP-A ensures epigenetic centromere inheritance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sreyoshi Mitra
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Bharath Srinivasan
- Mechanistic Biology and Profiling, Discovery Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, UK
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Kuppu S, Ron M, Marimuthu MP, Li G, Huddleson A, Siddeek MH, Terry J, Buchner R, Shabek N, Comai L, Britt AB. A variety of changes, including CRISPR/Cas9-mediated deletions, in CENH3 lead to haploid induction on outcrossing. PLANT BIOTECHNOLOGY JOURNAL 2020; 18:2068-2080. [PMID: 32096293 PMCID: PMC7540420 DOI: 10.1111/pbi.13365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2019] [Revised: 02/03/2020] [Accepted: 02/13/2020] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Creating true-breeding lines is a critical step in plant breeding. Novel, completely homozygous true-breeding lines can be generated by doubled haploid technology in single generation. Haploid induction through modification of the centromere-specific histone 3 variant (CENH3), including chimeric proteins, expression of non-native CENH3 and single amino acid substitutions, has been shown to induce, on outcrossing to wild type, haploid progeny possessing only the genome of the wild-type parent, in Arabidopsis thaliana. Here, we report the characterization of 31 additional EMS-inducible amino acid substitutions in CENH3 for their ability to complement a knockout in the endogenous CENH3 gene and induce haploid progeny when pollinated by the wild type. We also tested the effect of double amino acid changes, which might be generated through a second round of EMS mutagenesis. Finally, we report on the effects of CRISPR/Cas9-mediated in-frame deletions in the αN helix of the CENH3 histone fold domain. Remarkably, we found that complete deletion of the αN helix, which is conserved throughout angiosperms, results in plants which exhibit normal growth and fertility while acting as excellent haploid inducers when pollinated by wild-type pollen. Both of these technologies, CRISPR mutagenesis and EMS mutagenesis, represent non-transgenic approaches to the generation of haploid inducers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sundaram Kuppu
- Department of Plant BiologyUniversity of CaliforniaDavisCAUSA
| | - Mily Ron
- Department of Plant BiologyUniversity of CaliforniaDavisCAUSA
| | - Mohan P.A. Marimuthu
- Department of Plant BiologyUniversity of CaliforniaDavisCAUSA
- UC Davis Genome CenterUniversity of CaliforniaDavisCAUSA
| | - Glenda Li
- Department of Plant BiologyUniversity of CaliforniaDavisCAUSA
| | - Amy Huddleson
- Department of Plant BiologyUniversity of CaliforniaDavisCAUSA
| | | | - Joshua Terry
- Department of Plant BiologyUniversity of CaliforniaDavisCAUSA
| | - Ryan Buchner
- Department of Plant BiologyUniversity of CaliforniaDavisCAUSA
| | - Nitzan Shabek
- Department of Plant BiologyUniversity of CaliforniaDavisCAUSA
| | - Luca Comai
- Department of Plant BiologyUniversity of CaliforniaDavisCAUSA
- UC Davis Genome CenterUniversity of CaliforniaDavisCAUSA
| | - Anne B. Britt
- Department of Plant BiologyUniversity of CaliforniaDavisCAUSA
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49
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Hoffmann S, Izquierdo HM, Gamba R, Chardon F, Dumont M, Keizer V, Hervé S, McNulty SM, Sullivan BA, Manel N, Fachinetti D. A genetic memory initiates the epigenetic loop necessary to preserve centromere position. EMBO J 2020; 39:e105505. [PMID: 32945564 PMCID: PMC7560200 DOI: 10.15252/embj.2020105505] [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: 05/03/2020] [Revised: 08/10/2020] [Accepted: 08/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Centromeres are built on repetitive DNA sequences (CenDNA) and a specific chromatin enriched with the histone H3 variant CENP‐A, the epigenetic mark that identifies centromere position. Here, we interrogate the importance of CenDNA in centromere specification by developing a system to rapidly remove and reactivate CENP‐A (CENP‐AOFF/ON). Using this system, we define the temporal cascade of events necessary to maintain centromere position. We unveil that CENP‐B bound to CenDNA provides memory for maintenance on human centromeres by promoting de novo CENP‐A deposition. Indeed, lack of CENP‐B favors neocentromere formation under selective pressure. Occasionally, CENP‐B triggers centromere re‐activation initiated by CENP‐C, but not CENP‐A, recruitment at both ectopic and native centromeres. This is then sufficient to initiate the CENP‐A‐based epigenetic loop. Finally, we identify a population of CENP‐A‐negative, CENP‐B/C‐positive resting CD4+ T cells capable to re‐express and reassembles CENP‐A upon cell cycle entry, demonstrating the physiological importance of the genetic memory.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Riccardo Gamba
- Institut Curie, CNRS, UMR 144, PSL Research University, Paris, France
| | - Florian Chardon
- Institut Curie, CNRS, UMR 144, PSL Research University, Paris, France
| | - Marie Dumont
- Institut Curie, CNRS, UMR 144, PSL Research University, Paris, France
| | - Veer Keizer
- Institut Curie, CNRS, UMR 144, PSL Research University, Paris, France
| | - Solène Hervé
- Institut Curie, CNRS, UMR 144, PSL Research University, Paris, France
| | - Shannon M McNulty
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Beth A Sullivan
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Nicolas Manel
- Institut Curie, PSL Research University, INSERM U932, Paris, France
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50
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N-Terminus Does Not Govern Protein Turnover of Schizosaccharomyces pombe CENP-A. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21176175. [PMID: 32859127 PMCID: PMC7503380 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21176175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2020] [Revised: 08/18/2020] [Accepted: 08/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Centromere integrity underlies an essential framework for precise chromosome segregation and epigenetic inheritance. Although centromeric DNA sequences vary among different organisms, all eukaryotic centromeres comprise a centromere-specific histone H3 variant, centromeric protein A (CENP-A), on which other centromeric proteins assemble into the kinetochore complex. This complex connects chromosomes to mitotic spindle microtubules to ensure accurate partitioning of the genome into daughter cells. Overexpression of CENP-A is associated with many cancers and is correlated with its mistargeting, forming extra-centromeric kinetochore structures. The mislocalization of CENP-A can be counteracted by proteolysis. The amino (N)-terminal domain (NTD) of CENP-A has been implicated in this regulation and shown to be dependent on the proline residues within this domain in Saccharomyces cerevisiae CENP-A, Cse4. We recently identified a proline-rich GRANT motif in the NTD of Schizosaccharomyces pombe CENP-A (SpCENP-A) that regulates the centromeric targeting of CENP-A via binding to the CENP-A chaperone Sim3. Here, we investigated whether the NTD is required to confer SpCENP-A turnover (i.e., counter stability) using various truncation mutants of SpCENP-A. We show that sequential truncation of the NTD did not improve the stability of the protein, indicating that the NTD of SpCENP-A does not drive turnover of the protein. Instead, we reproduced previous observations that heterochromatin integrity is important for SpCENP-A stability, and showed that this occurs in an NTD-independent manner. Cells bearing the null mutant of the histone H3 lysine 9 methyltransferase Clr4 (Δclr4), which have compromised constitutive heterochromatin integrity, showed reductions in the proportion of SpCENP-A in the chromatin-containing insoluble fraction of the cell extract, suggesting that heterochromatin may promote SpCENP-A chromatin incorporation. Thus, a disruption in heterochromatin may result in the delocalization of SpCENP-A from chromatin, thus exposing it to protein turnover. Taken together, we show that the NTD is not required to confer SpCENP-A protein turnover.
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