1
|
Kixmoeller K, Chang YW, Black BE. Centromeric chromatin clearings demarcate the site of kinetochore formation. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.04.26.591177. [PMID: 38712116 PMCID: PMC11071481 DOI: 10.1101/2024.04.26.591177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/08/2024]
Abstract
The centromere is the chromosomal locus that recruits the kinetochore, directing faithful propagation of the genome during cell division. The kinetochore has been interrogated by electron microscopy since the middle of the last century, but with methodologies that compromised fine structure. Using cryo-ET on human mitotic chromosomes, we reveal a distinctive architecture at the centromere: clustered 20-25 nm nucleosome-associated complexes within chromatin clearings that delineate them from surrounding chromatin. Centromere components CENP-C and CENP-N are each required for the integrity of the complexes, while CENP-C is also required to maintain the chromatin clearing. We further visualize the scaffold of the fibrous corona, a structure amplified at unattached kinetochores, revealing crescent-shaped parallel arrays of fibrils that extend >1 μm. Thus, we reveal how the organization of centromeric chromatin creates a clearing at the site of kinetochore formation as well as the nature of kinetochore amplification mediated by corona fibrils.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn Kixmoeller
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, PA, USA
- Biochemistry Biophysics Chemical Biology Graduate Group, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, PA, USA
- Institute of Structural Biology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, PA, USA
- Penn Center for Genome Integrity, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, PA, USA
- Epigenetics Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, PA, USA
| | - Yi-Wei Chang
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, PA, USA
- Biochemistry Biophysics Chemical Biology Graduate Group, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, PA, USA
- Institute of Structural Biology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, PA, USA
| | - Ben E. Black
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, PA, USA
- Biochemistry Biophysics Chemical Biology Graduate Group, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, PA, USA
- Institute of Structural Biology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, PA, USA
- Penn Center for Genome Integrity, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, PA, USA
- Epigenetics Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, PA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Bryan NW, Ali A, Niedzialkowska E, Mayne L, Stukenberg PT, Black BE. Structural basis for the phase separation of the chromosome passenger complex. eLife 2024; 13:e92709. [PMID: 38456462 PMCID: PMC10977965 DOI: 10.7554/elife.92709] [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: 09/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024] Open
Abstract
The physical basis of phase separation is thought to consist of the same types of bonds that specify conventional macromolecular interactions yet is unsatisfyingly often referred to as 'fuzzy'. Gaining clarity on the biogenesis of membraneless cellular compartments is one of the most demanding challenges in biology. Here, we focus on the chromosome passenger complex (CPC), that forms a chromatin body that regulates chromosome segregation in mitosis. Within the three regulatory subunits of the CPC implicated in phase separation - a heterotrimer of INCENP, Survivin, and Borealin - we identify the contact regions formed upon droplet formation using hydrogen/deuterium exchange mass spectrometry (HXMS). These contact regions correspond to some of the interfaces seen between individual heterotrimers within the crystal lattice they form. A major contribution comes from specific electrostatic interactions that can be broken and reversed through initial and compensatory mutagenesis, respectively. Our findings reveal structural insight for interactions driving liquid-liquid demixing of the CPC. Moreover, we establish HXMS as an approach to define the structural basis for phase separation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nikaela W Bryan
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphiaUnited States
- Graduate Program in Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, University of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphiaUnited States
| | - Aamir Ali
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of VirginiaCharlottesvilleUnited States
| | - Ewa Niedzialkowska
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of VirginiaCharlottesvilleUnited States
| | - Leland Mayne
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphiaUnited States
| | - P Todd Stukenberg
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of VirginiaCharlottesvilleUnited States
| | - Ben E Black
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphiaUnited States
- Graduate Program in Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, University of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphiaUnited States
- Penn Center for Genome Integrity, Perelman School of Medicine, University of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphiaUnited States
- Epigenetics Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphiaUnited States
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Melters DP, Neuman KC, Bentahar RS, Rakshit T, Dalal Y. Single molecule analysis of CENP-A chromatin by high-speed atomic force microscopy. eLife 2023; 12:e86709. [PMID: 37728600 PMCID: PMC10511241 DOI: 10.7554/elife.86709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2023] [Accepted: 09/01/2023] [Indexed: 09/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Chromatin accessibility is modulated in a variety of ways to create open and closed chromatin states, both of which are critical for eukaryotic gene regulation. At the single molecule level, how accessibility is regulated of the chromatin fiber composed of canonical or variant nucleosomes is a fundamental question in the field. Here, we developed a single-molecule tracking method where we could analyze thousands of canonical H3 and centromeric variant nucleosomes imaged by high-speed atomic force microscopy. This approach allowed us to investigate how changes in nucleosome dynamics in vitro inform us about transcriptional potential in vivo. By high-speed atomic force microscopy, we tracked chromatin dynamics in real time and determined the mean square displacement and diffusion constant for the variant centromeric CENP-A nucleosome. Furthermore, we found that an essential kinetochore protein CENP-C reduces the diffusion constant and mobility of centromeric nucleosomes along the chromatin fiber. We subsequently interrogated how CENP-C modulates CENP-A chromatin dynamics in vivo. Overexpressing CENP-C resulted in reduced centromeric transcription and impaired loading of new CENP-A molecules. From these data, we speculate that factors altering nucleosome mobility in vitro, also correspondingly alter transcription in vivo. Subsequently, we propose a model in which variant nucleosomes encode their own diffusion kinetics and mobility, and where binding partners can suppress or enhance nucleosome mobility.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daniël P Melters
- National Cancer Institute, Center for Cancer Research, Laboratory Receptor Biology and Gene ExpressionBethesdaUnited States
| | - Keir C Neuman
- National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, Laboratory of Single Molecule BiophysicsBethesdaUnited States
| | - Reda S Bentahar
- National Cancer Institute, Center for Cancer Research, Laboratory Receptor Biology and Gene ExpressionBethesdaUnited States
| | - Tatini Rakshit
- National Cancer Institute, Center for Cancer Research, Laboratory Receptor Biology and Gene ExpressionBethesdaUnited States
- Department of Chemistry, Shiv Nadar UniversityDadriIndia
| | - Yamini Dalal
- National Cancer Institute, Center for Cancer Research, Laboratory Receptor Biology and Gene ExpressionBethesdaUnited States
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
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.
Collapse
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.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Bryan NW, Ali A, Niedzialkowska E, Mayne L, Stukenberg PT, Black BE. Structural Basis for the Phase Separation of the Chromosome Passenger Complex. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.05.22.541822. [PMID: 37292983 PMCID: PMC10245869 DOI: 10.1101/2023.05.22.541822] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
The physical basis of phase separation is thought to consist of the same types of bonds that specify conventional macromolecular interactions yet is unsatisfyingly often referred to as 'fuzzy'. Gaining clarity on the biogenesis of membraneless cellular compartments is one of the most demanding challenges in biology. Here, we focus on the chromosome passenger complex (CPC), that forms a chromatin body that regulates chromosome segregation in mitosis. Within the three regulatory subunits of the CPC implicated in phase separation - a heterotrimer of INCENP, Survivin, and Borealin - we identify the contact regions formed upon droplet formation using hydrogen/deuterium-exchange mass spectrometry (HXMS). These contact regions correspond to some of the interfaces seen between individual heterotrimers within the crystal lattice they form. A major contribution comes from specific electrostatic interactions that can be broken and reversed through initial and compensatory mutagenesis, respectively. Our findings reveal structural insight for interactions driving liquid-liquid demixing of the CPC. Moreover, we establish HXMS as an approach to define the structural basis for phase separation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nikaela W. Bryan
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104
- Graduate Program in Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104
| | - Aamir Ali
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, 22904
| | - Ewa Niedzialkowska
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, 22904
| | - Leland Mayne
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104
| | - P. Todd Stukenberg
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, 22904
| | - Ben E. Black
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104
- Graduate Program in Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104
- Penn Center for Genome Integrity, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104
- Epigenetics Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
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.
Collapse
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
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
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.
Collapse
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
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
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.
Collapse
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.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Navarro AP, Cheeseman IM. Dynamic cell cycle-dependent phosphorylation modulates CENP-L-CENP-N centromere recruitment. Mol Biol Cell 2022; 33:ar87. [PMID: 35830614 PMCID: PMC9582625 DOI: 10.1091/mbc.e22-06-0239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The kinetochore is a macromolecular structure that is needed to ensure proper chromosome segregation during each cellular division. The kinetochore is assembled upon a platform of the 16-subunit constitutive centromere-associated network (CCAN), which is present at centromeres throughout the cell cycle. The nature and regulation of CCAN assembly, interactions, and dynamics needed to facilitate changing centromere properties and requirements remain to be fully elucidated. The CENP-LN complex is a CCAN component that displays unique cell cycle–dependent localization behavior, peaking in the S phase. Here, we demonstrate that phosphorylation of CENP-L and CENP-N controls CENP-LN complex formation and localization in a cell cycle–dependent manner. Mimicking constitutive phosphorylation of either CENP-L or CENP-N or simultaneously preventing phosphorylation of both proteins prevents CENP-LN localization and disrupts chromosome segregation. Our work suggests that cycles of phosphorylation and dephosphorylation are critical for CENP-LN complex recruitment and dynamics at kinetochores to enable cell cycle–dependent CCAN reorganization.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra P Navarro
- Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research, Cambridge, MA 02142.,Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02142
| | - Iain M Cheeseman
- Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research, Cambridge, MA 02142.,Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02142
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
The Mis6 inner kinetochore subcomplex maintains CENP-A nucleosomes against centromeric non-coding transcription during mitosis. Commun Biol 2022; 5:818. [PMID: 35970865 PMCID: PMC9378642 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-022-03786-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2021] [Accepted: 08/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Centromeres are established by nucleosomes containing the histone H3 variant CENP-A. CENP-A is recruited to centromeres by the Mis18–HJURP machinery. During mitosis, CENP-A recruitment ceases, implying the necessity of CENP-A maintenance at centromeres, although the exact underlying mechanism remains elusive. Herein, we show that the inner kinetochore protein Mis6 (CENP-I) and Mis15 (CENP-N) retain CENP-A during mitosis in fission yeast. Eliminating Mis6 or Mis15 during mitosis caused immediate loss of pre-existing CENP-A at centromeres. CENP-A loss occurred due to the transcriptional upregulation of non-coding RNAs at the central core region of centromeres, as confirmed by the observation RNA polymerase II inhibition preventing CENP-A loss from centromeres in the mis6 mutant. Thus, we concluded that the inner kinetochore complex containing Mis6–Mis15 blocks the indiscriminate transcription of non-coding RNAs at the core centromere, thereby retaining the epigenetic inheritance of CENP-A during mitosis. The kinetochore protein Mis6 (CENP-I) plays an important role in CENP-A maintenance during mitosis in fission yeast and blocks the indiscriminate transcription of non-coding RNAs at the core centromere to retain CENP-A during mitosis.
Collapse
|
11
|
Sridhar S, Fukagawa T. Kinetochore Architecture Employs Diverse Linker Strategies Across Evolution. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:862637. [PMID: 35800888 PMCID: PMC9252888 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.862637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2022] [Accepted: 05/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The assembly of a functional kinetochore on centromeric chromatin is necessary to connect chromosomes to the mitotic spindle, ensuring accurate chromosome segregation. This connecting function of the kinetochore presents multiple internal and external structural challenges. A microtubule interacting outer kinetochore and centromeric chromatin interacting inner kinetochore effectively confront forces from the external spindle and centromere, respectively. While internally, special inner kinetochore proteins, defined as “linkers,” simultaneously interact with centromeric chromatin and the outer kinetochore to enable association with the mitotic spindle. With the ability to simultaneously interact with outer kinetochore components and centromeric chromatin, linker proteins such as centromere protein (CENP)-C or CENP-T in vertebrates and, additionally CENP-QOkp1-UAme1 in yeasts, also perform the function of force propagation within the kinetochore. Recent efforts have revealed an array of linker pathways strategies to effectively recruit the largely conserved outer kinetochore. In this review, we examine these linkages used to propagate force and recruit the outer kinetochore across evolution. Further, we look at their known regulatory pathways and implications on kinetochore structural diversity and plasticity.
Collapse
|
12
|
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.
Collapse
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
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Pesenti ME, Raisch T, Conti D, Walstein K, Hoffmann I, Vogt D, Prumbaum D, Vetter IR, Raunser S, Musacchio A. Structure of the human inner kinetochore CCAN complex and its significance for human centromere organization. Mol Cell 2022; 82:2113-2131.e8. [PMID: 35525244 PMCID: PMC9235857 DOI: 10.1016/j.molcel.2022.04.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2022] [Revised: 04/01/2022] [Accepted: 04/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Centromeres are specialized chromosome loci that seed the kinetochore, a large protein complex that effects chromosome segregation. A 16-subunit complex, the constitutive centromere associated network (CCAN), connects between the specialized centromeric chromatin, marked by the histone H3 variant CENP-A, and the spindle-binding moiety of the kinetochore. Here, we report a cryo-electron microscopy structure of human CCAN. We highlight unique features such as the pseudo GTPase CENP-M and report how a crucial CENP-C motif binds the CENP-LN complex. The CCAN structure has implications for the mechanism of specific recognition of the CENP-A nucleosome. A model consistent with our structure depicts the CENP-C-bound nucleosome as connected to the CCAN through extended, flexible regions of CENP-C. An alternative model identifies both CENP-C and CENP-N as specificity determinants but requires CENP-N to bind CENP-A in a mode distinct from the classical nucleosome octamer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marion E Pesenti
- Department of Mechanistic Cell Biology, Max-Planck Institute of Molecular Physiology, Otto-Hahn-Straße 11, 44227 Dortmund, Germany
| | - Tobias Raisch
- Department of Structural Biochemistry, Max-Planck Institute of Molecular Physiology, Otto-Hahn-Straße 11, 44227 Dortmund, Germany
| | - Duccio Conti
- Department of Mechanistic Cell Biology, Max-Planck Institute of Molecular Physiology, Otto-Hahn-Straße 11, 44227 Dortmund, Germany
| | - Kai Walstein
- Department of Mechanistic Cell Biology, Max-Planck Institute of Molecular Physiology, Otto-Hahn-Straße 11, 44227 Dortmund, Germany
| | - Ingrid Hoffmann
- 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
| | - Daniel Prumbaum
- Department of Structural Biochemistry, 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.
| | - Stefan Raunser
- Department of Structural Biochemistry, 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, 45141 Essen, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
The ins and outs of CENP-A: Chromatin dynamics of the centromere-specific histone. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2022; 135:24-34. [PMID: 35422390 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2022.04.003] [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: 12/20/2021] [Revised: 04/05/2022] [Accepted: 04/05/2022] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Centromeres are highly specialised chromosome domains defined by the presence of an epigenetic mark, the specific histone H3 variant called CENP-A (centromere protein A). They constitute the genomic regions on which kinetochores form and when defective cause segregation defects that can lead to aneuploidy and cancer. Here, we discuss how CENP-A is established and maintained to propagate centromere identity while subjected to dynamic chromatin remodelling during essential cellular processes like DNA repair, replication, and transcription. We highlight parallels and identify conserved mechanisms between different model organism with a particular focus on 1) the establishment of CENP-A at centromeres, 2) CENP-A maintenance during transcription and replication, and 3) the mechanisms that help preventing CENP-A localization at non-centromeric sites. We then give examples of how timely loading of new CENP-A to the centromere, maintenance of old CENP-A during S-phase and transcription, and removal of CENP-A at non-centromeric sites are coordinated and controlled by an intricate network of factors whose identity is slowly being unravelled.
Collapse
|
15
|
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.
Collapse
|
16
|
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.
Collapse
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
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Abstract
The centromere performs a universally conserved function, to accurately partition genetic information upon cell division. Yet, centromeres are among the most rapidly evolving regions of the genome and are bound by a varying assortment of centromere-binding factors that are themselves highly divergent at the protein-sequence level. A common thread in most species is the dependence on the centromere-specific histone variant CENP-A for the specification of the centromere site. However, CENP-A is not universally required in all species or cell types, making the identification of a general mechanism for centromere specification challenging. In this review, we examine our current understanding of the mechanisms of centromere specification in CENP-A-dependent and independent systems, focusing primarily on recent work.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Barbara G Mellone
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, and Institute for Systems Genomics, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06269, USA.
| | - Daniele Fachinetti
- Institut Curie, PSL Research University, CNRS, UMR 144, 26 rue d'Ulm, F-75005 Paris, France.
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
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.
Collapse
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
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Carty BL, Dattoli AA, Dunleavy EM. CENP-C functions in centromere assembly, the maintenance of CENP-A asymmetry and epigenetic age in Drosophila germline stem cells. PLoS Genet 2021; 17:e1009247. [PMID: 34014920 PMCID: PMC8136707 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1009247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2020] [Accepted: 04/16/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Germline stem cells divide asymmetrically to produce one new daughter stem cell and one daughter cell that will subsequently undergo meiosis and differentiate to generate the mature gamete. The silent sister hypothesis proposes that in asymmetric divisions, the selective inheritance of sister chromatids carrying specific epigenetic marks between stem and daughter cells impacts cell fate. To facilitate this selective inheritance, the hypothesis specifically proposes that the centromeric region of each sister chromatid is distinct. In Drosophila germ line stem cells (GSCs), it has recently been shown that the centromeric histone CENP-A (called CID in flies)—the epigenetic determinant of centromere identity—is asymmetrically distributed between sister chromatids. In these cells, CID deposition occurs in G2 phase such that sister chromatids destined to end up in the stem cell harbour more CENP-A, assemble more kinetochore proteins and capture more spindle microtubules. These results suggest a potential mechanism of ‘mitotic drive’ that might bias chromosome segregation. Here we report that the inner kinetochore protein CENP-C, is required for the assembly of CID in G2 phase in GSCs. Moreover, CENP-C is required to maintain a normal asymmetric distribution of CID between stem and daughter cells. In addition, we find that CID is lost from centromeres in aged GSCs and that a reduction in CENP-C accelerates this loss. Finally, we show that CENP-C depletion in GSCs disrupts the balance of stem and daughter cells in the ovary, shifting GSCs toward a self-renewal tendency. Ultimately, we provide evidence that centromere assembly and maintenance via CENP-C is required to sustain asymmetric divisions in female Drosophila GSCs. Stem cells can divide in an asymmetric fashion giving rise to two daughter cells with different fates. One daughter remains a stem cell, while the other can differentiate and adopt a new cell fate. Germline stem cells in the testes and ovaries give rise to differentiating daughter cells that eventually form the gametes, eggs and sperm. Here we investigate mechanisms controlling germline stem cell divisions occurring in the ovary of the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster. Centromeres are epigenetically specified loci on chromosomes that make essential connections to the cell division machinery. Our study is focused on the centromere component CENP-C. We show that CENP-C is critical for the correct assembly of centromeres that occurs prior to cell division in germline stem cells. In addition, we find that CENP-C is asymmetrically distributed between stem and daughter cells, with more CENP-C at stem cell centromeres. Finally, we show that CENP-C depletion in germline stem cells disrupts the balance of stem and daughter cells in the developing ovary, impacting on cell fate. Taken together, we propose that CENP-C level and function at centromeres plays an important role in determining cell fate upon asymmetric division occurring in stem cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ben L. Carty
- Centre for Chromosome Biology, Biomedical Sciences, National University of Ireland Galway, Galway, Ireland
| | - Anna A. Dattoli
- Centre for Chromosome Biology, Biomedical Sciences, National University of Ireland Galway, Galway, Ireland
| | - Elaine M. Dunleavy
- Centre for Chromosome Biology, Biomedical Sciences, National University of Ireland Galway, Galway, Ireland
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Tarasovetc EV, Allu PK, Wimbish RT, DeLuca JG, Cheeseman IM, Black BE, Grishchuk EL. Permitted and restricted steps of human kinetochore assembly in mitotic cell extracts. Mol Biol Cell 2021; 32:1241-1255. [PMID: 33956511 PMCID: PMC8351545 DOI: 10.1091/mbc.e20-07-0461] [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] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Mitotic kinetochores assemble via the hierarchical recruitment of numerous cytosolic components to the centromere region of each chromosome. However, how these orderly and localized interactions are achieved without spurious macromolecular assemblies forming from soluble kinetochore components in the cell cytosol remains poorly understood. We developed assembly assays to monitor the recruitment of green fluorescent protein-tagged recombinant proteins and native proteins from human cell extracts to inner kinetochore components immobilized on microbeads. In contrast to prior work in yeast and Xenopus egg extracts, we find that human mitotic cell extracts fail to support de novo assembly of microtubule-binding subcomplexes. A subset of interactions, such as those between CENP-A-containing nucleosomes and CENP-C, are permissive under these conditions. However, the subsequent phospho-dependent binding of the Mis12 complex is less efficient, whereas recruitment of the Ndc80 complex is blocked, leading to weak microtubule-binding activity of assembled particles. Using molecular variants of the Ndc80 complex, we show that auto-inhibition of native Ndc80 complex restricts its ability to bind to the CENP-T/W complex, whereas inhibition of the Ndc80 microtubule binding is driven by a different mechanism. Together, our work reveals regulatory mechanisms that guard against the spurious formation of cytosolic microtubule-binding kinetochore particles.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ekaterina V Tarasovetc
- Department of Physiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104
| | - 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
| | - Robert T Wimbish
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523
| | - Jennifer G DeLuca
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523
| | - Iain M Cheeseman
- Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research, Cambridge, MA 02142
| | - 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
| | - Ekaterina L Grishchuk
- Department of Physiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
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.
Collapse
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.
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
CENP-A nucleosome-a chromatin-embedded pedestal for the centromere: lessons learned from structural biology. Essays Biochem 2021; 64:205-221. [PMID: 32720682 PMCID: PMC7475651 DOI: 10.1042/ebc20190074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2020] [Revised: 06/16/2020] [Accepted: 06/19/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The centromere is a chromosome locus that directs equal segregation of chromosomes during cell division. A nucleosome containing the histone H3 variant CENP-A epigenetically defines the centromere. Here, we summarize findings from recent structural biology studies, including several CryoEM structures, that contributed to elucidate specific features of the CENP-A nucleosome and molecular determinants of its interactions with CENP-C and CENP-N, the only two centromere proteins that directly bind to it. Based on those findings, we propose a role of the CENP-A nucleosome in the organization of centromeric chromatin beyond binding centromeric proteins.
Collapse
|
23
|
Ariyoshi M, Makino F, Watanabe R, Nakagawa R, Kato T, Namba K, Arimura Y, Fujita R, Kurumizaka H, Okumura EI, Hara M, Fukagawa T. Cryo-EM structure of the CENP-A nucleosome in complex with phosphorylated CENP-C. EMBO J 2021; 40:e105671. [PMID: 33463726 DOI: 10.15252/embj.2020105671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2020] [Revised: 12/18/2020] [Accepted: 12/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The CENP-A nucleosome is a key structure for kinetochore assembly. Once the CENP-A nucleosome is established in the centromere, additional proteins recognize the CENP-A nucleosome to form a kinetochore. CENP-C and CENP-N are CENP-A binding proteins. We previously demonstrated that vertebrate CENP-C binding to the CENP-A nucleosome is regulated by CDK1-mediated CENP-C phosphorylation. However, it is still unknown how the phosphorylation of CENP-C regulates its binding to CENP-A. It is also not completely understood how and whether CENP-C and CENP-N act together on the CENP-A nucleosome. Here, using cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) in combination with biochemical approaches, we reveal a stable CENP-A nucleosome-binding mode of CENP-C through unique regions. The chicken CENP-C structure bound to the CENP-A nucleosome is stabilized by an intramolecular link through the phosphorylated CENP-C residue. The stable CENP-A-CENP-C complex excludes CENP-N from the CENP-A nucleosome. These findings provide mechanistic insights into the dynamic kinetochore assembly regulated by CDK1-mediated CENP-C phosphorylation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mariko Ariyoshi
- Graduate School of Frontier Biosciences, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Fumiaki Makino
- Graduate School of Frontier Biosciences, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan.,JEOL Ltd., Akishima, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Reito Watanabe
- Graduate School of Frontier Biosciences, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Reiko Nakagawa
- Laboratory for Phyloinformatics, RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research (BDR), Kobe, Hyogo, Japan
| | - Takayuki Kato
- Graduate School of Frontier Biosciences, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan.,Institute of Protein Research, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Keiichi Namba
- Graduate School of Frontier Biosciences, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan.,RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research (BDR) and SPring-8 Center, and JEOL YOKOGUSHI Research Alliance Laboratories, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Yasuhiro Arimura
- Laboratory of Chromatin Structure and Function, Institute for Quantitative Biosciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Risa Fujita
- Laboratory of Chromatin Structure and Function, Institute for Quantitative Biosciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hitoshi Kurumizaka
- Laboratory of Chromatin Structure and Function, Institute for Quantitative Biosciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Ei-Ichi Okumura
- Laboratory of Cell and Developmental Biology, Graduate School of Bioscience, Tokyo Institute of Technology, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Masatoshi Hara
- Graduate School of Frontier Biosciences, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Tatsuo Fukagawa
- Graduate School of Frontier Biosciences, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
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.
Collapse
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
| | | |
Collapse
|
25
|
Meiotic CENP-C is a shepherd: bridging the space between the centromere and the kinetochore in time and space. Essays Biochem 2020; 64:251-261. [PMID: 32794572 DOI: 10.1042/ebc20190080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2020] [Revised: 07/15/2020] [Accepted: 07/20/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
While many of the proteins involved in the mitotic centromere and kinetochore are conserved in meiosis, they often gain a novel function due to the unique needs of homolog segregation during meiosis I (MI). CENP-C is a critical component of the centromere for kinetochore assembly in mitosis. Recent work, however, has highlighted the unique features of meiotic CENP-C. Centromere establishment and stability require CENP-C loading at the centromere for CENP-A function. Pre-meiotic loading of proteins necessary for homolog recombination as well as cohesion also rely on CENP-C, as do the main scaffolding components of the kinetochore. Much of this work relies on new technologies that enable in vivo analysis of meiosis like never before. Here, we strive to highlight the unique role of this highly conserved centromere protein that loads on to centromeres prior to M-phase onset, but continues to perform critical functions through chromosome segregation. CENP-C is not merely a structural link between the centromere and the kinetochore, but also a functional one joining the processes of early prophase homolog synapsis to late metaphase kinetochore assembly and signaling.
Collapse
|
26
|
Otake K, Ohzeki JI, Shono N, Kugou K, Okazaki K, Nagase T, Yamakawa H, Kouprina N, Larionov V, Kimura H, Earnshaw WC, Masumoto H. CENP-B creates alternative epigenetic chromatin states permissive for CENP-A or heterochromatin assembly. J Cell Sci 2020; 133:jcs243303. [PMID: 32661090 PMCID: PMC7438015 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.243303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2019] [Accepted: 06/29/2020] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
CENP-B binds to CENP-B boxes on centromeric satellite DNAs (known as alphoid DNA in humans). CENP-B maintains kinetochore function through interactions with CENP-A nucleosomes and CENP-C. CENP-B binding to transfected alphoid DNA can induce de novo CENP-A assembly, functional centromere and kinetochore formation, and subsequent human artificial chromosome (HAC) formation. Furthermore, CENP-B also facilitates H3K9 (histone H3 lysine 9) trimethylation on alphoid DNA, mediated by Suv39h1, at ectopic alphoid DNA integration sites. Excessive heterochromatin invasion into centromere chromatin suppresses CENP-A assembly. It is unclear how CENP-B controls such different chromatin states. Here, we show that the CENP-B acidic domain recruits histone chaperones and many chromatin modifiers, including the H3K36 methylase ASH1L, as well as the heterochromatin components Suv39h1 and HP1 (HP1α, β and γ, also known as CBX5, CBX1 and CBX3, respectively). ASH1L facilitates the formation of open chromatin competent for CENP-A assembly on alphoid DNA. These results indicate that CENP-B is a nexus for histone modifiers that alternatively promote or suppress CENP-A assembly by mutually exclusive mechanisms. Besides the DNA-binding domain, the CENP-B acidic domain also facilitates CENP-A assembly de novo on transfected alphoid DNA. CENP-B therefore balances CENP-A assembly and heterochromatin formation on satellite DNA.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Koichiro Otake
- Laboratory of Chromosome Engineering, Department of Frontier Research and Development, Kazusa DNA Research Institute, 2-6-7 Kazusa-Kamatari, Kisarazu 292-0818, Japan
| | - Jun-Ichirou Ohzeki
- Laboratory of Chromosome Engineering, Department of Frontier Research and Development, Kazusa DNA Research Institute, 2-6-7 Kazusa-Kamatari, Kisarazu 292-0818, Japan
| | - Nobuaki Shono
- Laboratory of Chromosome Engineering, Department of Frontier Research and Development, Kazusa DNA Research Institute, 2-6-7 Kazusa-Kamatari, Kisarazu 292-0818, Japan
| | - Kazuto Kugou
- Laboratory of Chromosome Engineering, Department of Frontier Research and Development, Kazusa DNA Research Institute, 2-6-7 Kazusa-Kamatari, Kisarazu 292-0818, Japan
| | - Koei Okazaki
- Laboratory of Chromosome Engineering, Department of Frontier Research and Development, Kazusa DNA Research Institute, 2-6-7 Kazusa-Kamatari, Kisarazu 292-0818, Japan
| | - Takahiro Nagase
- Public Relations and Research Promotion Group, Kazusa DNA Research Institute, 2-6-7 Kazusa-Kamatari, Kisarazu 292-0818, Japan
| | - Hisashi Yamakawa
- Clinical Analysis Team, Department of Omics Research and Development, Kazusa DNA Research Institute, 2-6-7 Kazusa-Kamatari, Kisarazu 292-0818, Japan
| | - Natalay Kouprina
- Genome Structure and Function Group, Developmental Therapeutics Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Vladimir Larionov
- Genome Structure and Function Group, Developmental Therapeutics Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Hiroshi Kimura
- Cell Biology Unit, Institute of Innovative Research, Tokyo Institute of Technology, Yokohama 226-8503, Japan
| | - William C Earnshaw
- Wellcome Trust Centre for Cell Biology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH9 3BF, UK
| | - Hiroshi Masumoto
- Laboratory of Chromosome Engineering, Department of Frontier Research and Development, Kazusa DNA Research Institute, 2-6-7 Kazusa-Kamatari, Kisarazu 292-0818, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Hara M, Fukagawa T. Dynamics of kinetochore structure and its regulations during mitotic progression. Cell Mol Life Sci 2020; 77:2981-2995. [PMID: 32052088 PMCID: PMC11104943 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-020-03472-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2019] [Revised: 12/27/2019] [Accepted: 01/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Faithful chromosome segregation during mitosis in eukaryotes requires attachment of the kinetochore, a large protein complex assembled on the centromere of each chromosome, to the spindle microtubules. The kinetochore is a structural interface for the microtubule attachment and provides molecular surveillance mechanisms that monitor and ensure the precise microtubule attachment as well, including error correction and spindle assembly checkpoint. During mitotic progression, the kinetochore undergoes dynamic morphological changes that are observable through electron microscopy as well as through fluorescence microscopy. These structural changes might be associated with the kinetochore function. In this review, we summarize how the dynamics of kinetochore morphology are associated with its functions and discuss recent findings on the switching of protein interaction networks in the kinetochore during cell cycle progression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Masatoshi Hara
- Graduate School of Frontier Biosciences, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan.
| | - Tatsuo Fukagawa
- Graduate School of Frontier Biosciences, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan.
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Das A, Black BE, Lampson MA. Maternal inheritance of centromeres through the germline. Curr Top Dev Biol 2020; 140:35-54. [PMID: 32591081 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ctdb.2020.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/18/2023]
Abstract
The centromere directs chromosome segregation but is not itself genetically encoded. In most species, centromeres are epigenetically defined by the presence of a histone H3 variant CENP-A, independent of the underlying DNA sequence. Therefore, to maintain centromeres and ensure accurate chromosome segregation, CENP-A nucleosomes must be inherited across generations through the germline. In this chapter we discuss three aspects of maternal centromere inheritance. First, we propose mechanisms for maintaining CENP-A nucleosomes through the prolonged prophase arrest in mammalian oocytes. Second, we review mechanisms by which selfish centromeres bias their transmission through female meiosis. Third, we discuss regulation of centromere size through early embryonic development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Arunika Das
- Department of Biology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States; Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Ben E Black
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States.
| | - Michael A Lampson
- Department of Biology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Kixmoeller K, Allu PK, Black BE. The centromere comes into focus: from CENP-A nucleosomes to kinetochore connections with the spindle. Open Biol 2020; 10:200051. [PMID: 32516549 PMCID: PMC7333888 DOI: 10.1098/rsob.200051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Eukaryotic chromosome segregation relies upon specific connections from DNA to the microtubule-based spindle that forms at cell division. The chromosomal locus that directs this process is the centromere, where a structure called the kinetochore forms upon entry into mitosis. Recent crystallography and single-particle electron microscopy have provided unprecedented high-resolution views of the molecular complexes involved in this process. The centromere is epigenetically specified by nucleosomes harbouring a histone H3 variant, CENP-A, and we review recent progress on how it differentiates centromeric chromatin from the rest of the chromosome, the biochemical pathway that mediates its assembly and how two non-histone components of the centromere specifically recognize CENP-A nucleosomes. The core centromeric nucleosome complex (CCNC) is required to recruit a 16-subunit complex termed the constitutive centromere associated network (CCAN), and we highlight recent structures reported of the budding yeast CCAN. Finally, the structures of multiple modular sub-complexes of the kinetochore have been solved at near-atomic resolution, providing insight into how connections are made to the CCAN on one end and to the spindle microtubules on the other. One can now build molecular models from the DNA through to the physical connections to microtubules.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn Kixmoeller
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.,Penn Center for Genome Integrity, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.,Epigenetics Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.,Graduate Program in Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Praveen Kumar Allu
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.,Penn Center for Genome Integrity, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.,Epigenetics Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, 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.,Penn Center for Genome Integrity, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.,Epigenetics Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.,Graduate Program in Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Bobkov GOM, Huang A, van den Berg SJW, Mitra S, Anselm E, Lazou V, Schunter S, Feederle R, Imhof A, Lusser A, Jansen LET, Heun P. Spt6 is a maintenance factor for centromeric CENP-A. Nat Commun 2020; 11:2919. [PMID: 32522980 PMCID: PMC7287101 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-16695-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2018] [Accepted: 05/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Replication and transcription of genomic DNA requires partial disassembly of nucleosomes to allow progression of polymerases. This presents both an opportunity to remodel the underlying chromatin and a danger of losing epigenetic information. Centromeric transcription is required for stable incorporation of the centromere-specific histone dCENP-A in M/G1 phase, which depends on the eviction of previously deposited H3/H3.3-placeholder nucleosomes. Here we demonstrate that the histone chaperone and transcription elongation factor Spt6 spatially and temporarily coincides with centromeric transcription and prevents the loss of old CENP-A nucleosomes in both Drosophila and human cells. Spt6 binds directly to dCENP-A and dCENP-A mutants carrying phosphomimetic residues alleviate this association. Retention of phosphomimetic dCENP-A mutants is reduced relative to wildtype, while non-phosphorylatable dCENP-A retention is increased and accumulates at the centromere. We conclude that Spt6 acts as a conserved CENP-A maintenance factor that ensures long-term stability of epigenetic centromere identity during transcription-mediated chromatin remodeling.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Georg O M Bobkov
- Wellcome Centre for Cell Biology, School of Biological Sciences, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH9 3BF, UK
- Faculty of Biology, Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg, 79104, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Anming Huang
- Institute of Molecular Biology, Biocenter, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innrain 80-82, A-6020, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Sebastiaan J W van den Berg
- Instituto Gulbenkian de Ciência, 2780-156, Oeiras, Portugal
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford, OX1 3QU, UK
| | - Sreyoshi Mitra
- Instituto Gulbenkian de Ciência, 2780-156, Oeiras, Portugal
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford, OX1 3QU, UK
| | - Eduard Anselm
- Wellcome Centre for Cell Biology, School of Biological Sciences, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH9 3BF, UK
| | - Vasiliki Lazou
- Wellcome Centre for Cell Biology, School of Biological Sciences, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH9 3BF, UK
| | - Sarah Schunter
- Molecular Biology Division, Biomedical Center, Faculty of Medicine, LMU, Munich, Germany
| | - Regina Feederle
- Monoclonal Antibody Core Facility, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health (GmbH), 85764, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Axel Imhof
- BioMedical Center and Center for Integrated Protein Sciences Munich, Ludwig-Maximilians-University of Munich, Großhaderner Straße 9, 82152, Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
| | - Alexandra Lusser
- Institute of Molecular Biology, Biocenter, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innrain 80-82, A-6020, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Lars E T Jansen
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford, OX1 3QU, UK
| | - Patrick Heun
- Wellcome Centre for Cell Biology, School of Biological Sciences, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH9 3BF, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Wong CYY, Ling YH, Mak JKH, Zhu J, Yuen KWY. "Lessons from the extremes: Epigenetic and genetic regulation in point monocentromere and holocentromere establishment on artificial chromosomes". Exp Cell Res 2020; 390:111974. [PMID: 32222413 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2020.111974] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2019] [Revised: 03/16/2020] [Accepted: 03/18/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
The formation of de novo centromeres on artificial chromosomes in humans (HACs) and fission yeast (SpYACs) has provided much insights to the epigenetic and genetic control on regional centromere establishment and maintenance. Similarly, the use of artificial chromosomes in point centromeric budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae (ScYACs) and holocentric Caenorhabditis elegans (WACs) has revealed epigenetic regulation in the originally thought purely genetically-determined point centromeres and some centromeric DNA sequence features in holocentromeres, respectively. These relatively extreme and less characterized centromere organizations, on the endogenous chromosomes and artificial chromosomes, will be discussed and compared to the more well-studied regional centromere systems. This review will highlight some of the common epigenetic and genetic features in different centromere architectures, including the presence of the centromeric histone H3 variant, CENP-A or CenH3, centromeric and pericentric transcription, AT-richness and repetitiveness of centromeric DNA sequences.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Charmaine Yan Yu Wong
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong
| | - Yick Hin Ling
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong
| | - Jason Ka Ho Mak
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong
| | - Jing Zhu
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong
| | - Karen Wing Yee Yuen
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong.
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Mitra S, Bodor DL, David AF, Abdul-Zani I, Mata JF, Neumann B, Reither S, Tischer C, Jansen LET. Genetic screening identifies a SUMO protease dynamically maintaining centromeric chromatin. Nat Commun 2020; 11:501. [PMID: 31980633 PMCID: PMC6981222 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-019-14276-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2019] [Accepted: 12/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Centromeres are defined by a self-propagating chromatin structure based on stable inheritance of CENP-A containing nucleosomes. Here, we present a genetic screen coupled to pulse-chase labeling that allow us to identify proteins selectively involved in deposition of nascent CENP-A or in long-term transmission of chromatin-bound CENP-A. These include factors with known roles in DNA replication, repair, chromatin modification, and transcription, revealing a broad set of chromatin regulators that impact on CENP-A dynamics. We further identify the SUMO-protease SENP6 as a key factor, not only controlling CENP-A stability but virtually the entire centromere and kinetochore. Loss of SENP6 results in hyper-SUMOylation of CENP-C and CENP-I but not CENP-A itself. SENP6 activity is required throughout the cell cycle, suggesting that a dynamic SUMO cycle underlies a continuous surveillance of the centromere complex that in turn ensures stable transmission of CENP-A chromatin.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sreyoshi Mitra
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford, OX1 3QU, UK
- Instituto Gulbenkian de Ciência, 2780-156, Oeiras, Portugal
| | - Dani L Bodor
- Instituto Gulbenkian de Ciência, 2780-156, Oeiras, Portugal
- MRC-Laboratory for Molecular Cell Biology, UCL, London, WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Ana F David
- Instituto Gulbenkian de Ciência, 2780-156, Oeiras, Portugal
- Institute of Molecular Biotechnology, Dr. Bohr-Gasse 3, 1030, Vienna, Austria
| | - Izma Abdul-Zani
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford, OX1 3QU, UK
| | - João F Mata
- Instituto Gulbenkian de Ciência, 2780-156, Oeiras, Portugal
| | - Beate Neumann
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL), Meyerhofstrasse 1, D-69117, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Sabine Reither
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL), Meyerhofstrasse 1, D-69117, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Christian Tischer
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL), Meyerhofstrasse 1, D-69117, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Lars E T Jansen
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford, OX1 3QU, UK.
- Instituto Gulbenkian de Ciência, 2780-156, Oeiras, Portugal.
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Melters DP, Pitman M, Rakshit T, Dimitriadis EK, Bui M, Papoian GA, Dalal Y. Intrinsic elasticity of nucleosomes is encoded by histone variants and calibrated by their binding partners. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2019; 116:24066-24074. [PMID: 31712435 PMCID: PMC6883791 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1911880116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Histone variants fine-tune transcription, replication, DNA damage repair, and faithful chromosome segregation. Whether and how nucleosome variants encode unique mechanical properties to their cognate chromatin structures remains elusive. Here, using in silico and in vitro nanoindentation methods, extending to in vivo dissections, we report that histone variant nucleosomes are intrinsically more elastic than their canonical counterparts. Furthermore, binding proteins, which discriminate between histone variant nucleosomes, suppress this innate elasticity and also compact chromatin. Interestingly, when we overexpress the binding proteins in vivo, we also observe increased compaction of chromatin enriched for histone variant nucleosomes, correlating with diminished access. Taken together, these data suggest a plausible link between innate mechanical properties possessed by histone variant nucleosomes, the adaptability of chromatin states in vivo, and the epigenetic plasticity of the underlying locus.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daniël P Melters
- Laboratory Receptor Biology and Gene Expression, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD 20892
| | - Mary Pitman
- Laboratory Receptor Biology and Gene Expression, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD 20892
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Institute for Physical Science and Technology, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742
| | - Tatini Rakshit
- Laboratory Receptor Biology and Gene Expression, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD 20892
| | - Emilios K Dimitriadis
- Scanning Probe Microscopy Unit, Biomedical Engineering and Physical Science Shared Resource, National Institute for Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892
| | - Minh Bui
- Laboratory Receptor Biology and Gene Expression, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD 20892
| | - Garegin A Papoian
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Institute for Physical Science and Technology, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742;
| | - Yamini Dalal
- Laboratory Receptor Biology and Gene Expression, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD 20892;
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Watanabe R, Hara M, Okumura EI, Hervé S, Fachinetti D, Ariyoshi M, Fukagawa T. CDK1-mediated CENP-C phosphorylation modulates CENP-A binding and mitotic kinetochore localization. J Cell Biol 2019; 218:4042-4062. [PMID: 31676716 PMCID: PMC6891089 DOI: 10.1083/jcb.201907006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2019] [Revised: 09/12/2019] [Accepted: 10/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Kinetochore localization of CENP-C, which is a key and conserved kinetochore component, is regulated during cell cycle progression. Watanabe et al. demonstrate that CDK1-mediated CENP-C phosphorylation regulates mitotic kinetochore localization via binding of CENP-C to the CENP-A nucleosome. The kinetochore is essential for faithful chromosome segregation during mitosis. To form a functional kinetochore, constitutive centromere-associated network (CCAN) proteins are assembled on the centromere chromatin that contains the centromere-specific histone CENP-A. CENP-C, a CCAN protein, directly interacts with the CENP-A nucleosome to nucleate the kinetochore structure. As CENP-C is a hub protein for kinetochore assembly, it is critical to address how the CENP-A–CENP-C interaction is regulated during cell cycle progression. To address this question, we investigated the CENP-C C-terminal region, including a conserved CENP-A–binding motif, in both chicken and human cells and found that CDK1-mediated phosphorylation of CENP-C facilitates its binding to CENP-A in vitro and in vivo. We observed that CENP-A binding is involved in CENP-C kinetochore localization during mitosis. We also demonstrate that the CENP-A–CENP-C interaction is critical for long-term viability in human RPE-1 cells. These results provide deeper insights into protein-interaction network plasticity in centromere proteins during cell cycle progression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Reito Watanabe
- Graduate School of Frontier Biosciences, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Masatoshi Hara
- Graduate School of Frontier Biosciences, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Ei-Ichi Okumura
- Laboratory of Cell and Developmental Biology, Graduate School of Bioscience, Tokyo Institute of Technology, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Solène Hervé
- Institute Curie, Paris Sciences et Lettres Research University, Centre national de la recherche scientifique, UMR 144, Paris, France
| | - Daniele Fachinetti
- Institute Curie, Paris Sciences et Lettres Research University, Centre national de la recherche scientifique, UMR 144, Paris, France
| | - Mariko Ariyoshi
- Graduate School of Frontier Biosciences, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Tatsuo Fukagawa
- Graduate School of Frontier Biosciences, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Centromere repositioning causes inversion of meiosis and generates a reproductive barrier. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2019; 116:21580-21591. [PMID: 31597736 PMCID: PMC6815110 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1911745116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Mutations in inner kinetochore components induce centromere repositioning without alteration in the centromeric DNA sequence, revealing a feedback mechanism underlying the high epigenetic stability of the centromere. This also provides a desirable experimental system to explore the functional significance of centromere positioning in meiosis. We discovered that in a heterozygotic meiosis, a repositioned centromere generates a reproductive barrier, suggesting a functional role of evolutionary new centromeres in speciation; furthermore, in a homozygotic meiosis, chromosomes carrying repositioned centromeres frequently undergo the 2 stages of meiotic segregation in an inverted order, demonstrating high flexibility in the meiotic process. The chromosomal position of each centromere is determined epigenetically and is highly stable, whereas incremental cases have supported the occurrence of centromere repositioning on an evolutionary time scale (evolutionary new centromeres, ENCs), which is thought to be important in speciation. The mechanisms underlying the high stability of centromeres and its functional significance largely remain an enigma. Here, in the fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe, we identify a feedback mechanism: The kinetochore, whose assembly is guided by the centromere, in turn, enforces centromere stability. Upon going through meiosis, specific inner kinetochore mutations induce centromere repositioning—inactivation of the original centromere and formation of a new centromere elsewhere—in 1 of the 3 chromosomes at random. Repositioned centromeres reside asymmetrically in the pericentromeric regions and cells carrying them are competent in mitosis and homozygotic meiosis. However, when cells carrying a repositioned centromere are crossed with those carrying the original centromere, the progeny suffer severe lethality due to defects in meiotic chromosome segregation. Thus, repositioned centromeres constitute a reproductive barrier that could initiate genetic divergence between 2 populations with mismatched centromeres, documenting a functional role of ENCs in speciation. Surprisingly, homozygotic repositioned centromeres tend to undergo meiosis in an inverted order—that is, sister chromatids segregate first, and homologous chromosomes separate second—whereas the original centromeres on other chromosomes in the same cell undergo meiosis in the canonical order, revealing hidden flexibility in the perceived rigid process of meiosis.
Collapse
|
36
|
Swartz SZ, McKay LS, Su KC, Bury L, Padeganeh A, Maddox PS, Knouse KA, Cheeseman IM. Quiescent Cells Actively Replenish CENP-A Nucleosomes to Maintain Centromere Identity and Proliferative Potential. Dev Cell 2019; 51:35-48.e7. [PMID: 31422918 PMCID: PMC6783363 DOI: 10.1016/j.devcel.2019.07.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2018] [Revised: 05/28/2019] [Accepted: 07/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Centromeres provide a robust model for epigenetic inheritance as they are specified by sequence-independent mechanisms involving the histone H3-variant centromere protein A (CENP-A). Prevailing models indicate that the high intrinsic stability of CENP-A nucleosomes maintains centromere identity indefinitely. Here, we demonstrate that CENP-A is not stable at centromeres but is instead gradually and continuously incorporated in quiescent cells including G0-arrested tissue culture cells and prophase I-arrested oocytes. Quiescent CENP-A incorporation involves the canonical CENP-A deposition machinery but displays distinct requirements from cell cycle-dependent deposition. We demonstrate that Plk1 is required specifically for G1 CENP-A deposition, whereas transcription promotes CENP-A incorporation in quiescent oocytes. Preventing CENP-A deposition during quiescence results in significantly reduced CENP-A levels and perturbs chromosome segregation following the resumption of cell division. In contrast to quiescent cells, terminally differentiated cells fail to maintain CENP-A levels. Our work reveals that quiescent cells actively maintain centromere identity providing an indicator of proliferative potential.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- S Zachary Swartz
- Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research, 455 Main Street, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Liliana S McKay
- Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research, 455 Main Street, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Kuan-Chung Su
- Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research, 455 Main Street, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Leah Bury
- Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research, 455 Main Street, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Abbas Padeganeh
- Biology Department, UNC Chapel Hill, 120 South Road, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-3280, USA
| | - Paul S Maddox
- Biology Department, UNC Chapel Hill, 120 South Road, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-3280, USA
| | - Kristin A Knouse
- Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research, 455 Main Street, 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.
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Ali-Ahmad A, Bilokapić S, Schäfer IB, Halić M, Sekulić N. CENP-C unwraps the human CENP-A nucleosome through the H2A C-terminal tail. EMBO Rep 2019. [PMID: 31475439 DOI: 10.15252/embr.20194891] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Centromeres are defined epigenetically by nucleosomes containing the histone H3 variant CENP-A, upon which the constitutive centromere-associated network of proteins (CCAN) is built. CENP-C is considered to be a central organizer of the CCAN. We provide new molecular insights into the structure of human CENP-A nucleosomes, in isolation and in complex with the CENP-C central region (CENP-CCR ), the main CENP-A binding module of human CENP-C. We establish that the short αN helix of CENP-A promotes DNA flexibility at the nucleosome ends, independently of the sequence it wraps. Furthermore, we show that, in vitro, two regions of human CENP-C (CENP-CCR and CENP-Cmotif ) both bind exclusively to the CENP-A nucleosome. We find CENP-CCR to bind with high affinity due to an extended hydrophobic area made up of CENP-AV532 and CENP-AV533 . Importantly, we identify two key conformational changes within the CENP-A nucleosome upon CENP-C binding. First, the loose DNA wrapping of CENP-A nucleosomes is further exacerbated, through destabilization of the H2A C-terminal tail. Second, CENP-CCR rigidifies the N-terminal tail of H4 in the conformation favoring H4K20 monomethylation, essential for a functional centromere.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ahmad Ali-Ahmad
- Centre for Molecular Medicine Norway (NCMM), Nordic EMBL Partnership, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Silvija Bilokapić
- Department of Structural Biology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Ingmar B Schäfer
- Department of Structural Cell Biology, Max Planck Institute of Biochemistry, Munich, Germany
| | - Mario Halić
- Department of Structural Biology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Nikolina Sekulić
- Centre for Molecular Medicine Norway (NCMM), Nordic EMBL Partnership, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.,Department of Chemistry, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Ali‐Ahmad A, Bilokapić S, Schäfer IB, Halić M, Sekulić N. CENP-C unwraps the human CENP-A nucleosome through the H2A C-terminal tail. EMBO Rep 2019; 20:e48913. [PMID: 31475439 PMCID: PMC6776904 DOI: 10.15252/embr.201948913] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2019] [Revised: 08/07/2019] [Accepted: 08/08/2019] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Centromeres are defined epigenetically by nucleosomes containing the histone H3 variant CENP-A, upon which the constitutive centromere-associated network of proteins (CCAN) is built. CENP-C is considered to be a central organizer of the CCAN. We provide new molecular insights into the structure of human CENP-A nucleosomes, in isolation and in complex with the CENP-C central region (CENP-CCR ), the main CENP-A binding module of human CENP-C. We establish that the short αN helix of CENP-A promotes DNA flexibility at the nucleosome ends, independently of the sequence it wraps. Furthermore, we show that, in vitro, two regions of human CENP-C (CENP-CCR and CENP-Cmotif ) both bind exclusively to the CENP-A nucleosome. We find CENP-CCR to bind with high affinity due to an extended hydrophobic area made up of CENP-AV532 and CENP-AV533 . Importantly, we identify two key conformational changes within the CENP-A nucleosome upon CENP-C binding. First, the loose DNA wrapping of CENP-A nucleosomes is further exacerbated, through destabilization of the H2A C-terminal tail. Second, CENP-CCR rigidifies the N-terminal tail of H4 in the conformation favoring H4K20 monomethylation, essential for a functional centromere.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ahmad Ali‐Ahmad
- Centre for Molecular Medicine Norway (NCMM)Nordic EMBL PartnershipUniversity of OsloOsloNorway
| | - Silvija Bilokapić
- Department of Structural BiologySt. Jude Children's Research HospitalMemphisTNUSA
| | - Ingmar B Schäfer
- Department of Structural Cell BiologyMax Planck Institute of BiochemistryMunichGermany
| | - Mario Halić
- Department of Structural BiologySt. Jude Children's Research HospitalMemphisTNUSA
| | - Nikolina Sekulić
- Centre for Molecular Medicine Norway (NCMM)Nordic EMBL PartnershipUniversity of OsloOsloNorway
- Department of ChemistryUniversity of OsloOsloNorway
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Allu PK, Dawicki-McKenna JM, Van Eeuwen T, Slavin M, Braitbard M, Xu C, Kalisman N, Murakami K, Black BE. Structure of the Human Core Centromeric Nucleosome Complex. Curr Biol 2019; 29:2625-2639.e5. [PMID: 31353180 PMCID: PMC6702948 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2019.06.062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2019] [Revised: 06/14/2019] [Accepted: 06/21/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Centromeric nucleosomes are at the interface of the chromosome and the kinetochore that connects to spindle microtubules in mitosis. The core centromeric nucleosome complex (CCNC) harbors the histone H3 variant, CENP-A, and its binding proteins, CENP-C (through its central domain; CD) and CENP-N (through its N-terminal domain; NT). CENP-C can engage nucleosomes through two domains: the CD and the CENP-C motif (CM). CENP-CCD is part of the CCNC by virtue of its high specificity for CENP-A nucleosomes and ability to stabilize CENP-A at the centromere. CENP-CCM is thought to engage a neighboring nucleosome, either one containing conventional H3 or CENP-A, and a crystal structure of a nucleosome complex containing two copies of CENP-CCM was reported. Recent structures containing a single copy of CENP-NNT bound to the CENP-A nucleosome in the absence of CENP-C were reported. Here, we find that one copy of CENP-N is lost for every two copies of CENP-C on centromeric chromatin just prior to kinetochore formation. We present the structures of symmetric and asymmetric forms of the CCNC that vary in CENP-N stoichiometry. Our structures explain how the central domain of CENP-C achieves its high specificity for CENP-A nucleosomes and how CENP-C and CENP-N sandwich the histone H4 tail. The natural centromeric DNA path in our structures corresponds to symmetric surfaces for CCNC assembly, deviating from what is observed in prior structures using artificial sequences. At mitosis, we propose that CCNC asymmetry accommodates its asymmetric connections at the chromosome/kinetochore interface. VIDEO ABSTRACT.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Praveen Kumar Allu
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Epigenetics Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Jennine M Dawicki-McKenna
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Epigenetics Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Trevor Van Eeuwen
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Moriya Slavin
- Department of Biological Chemistry, The Alexander Silberman Institute of Life Sciences, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 91904, Israel
| | - Merav Braitbard
- Department of Biological Chemistry, The Alexander Silberman Institute of Life Sciences, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 91904, Israel
| | - Chen Xu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Nir Kalisman
- Department of Biological Chemistry, The Alexander Silberman Institute of Life Sciences, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 91904, Israel
| | - Kenji Murakami
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Perelman School of Medicine, 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, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Hara M, Fukagawa T. Where is the right path heading from the centromere to spindle microtubules? Cell Cycle 2019; 18:1199-1211. [PMID: 31075048 DOI: 10.1080/15384101.2019.1617008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The kinetochore is a large protein complex that ensures accurate chromosome segregation during mitosis by connecting the centromere and spindle microtubules. One of the kinetochore sub-complexes, the constitutive centromere-associated network (CCAN), associates with the centromere and recruits another sub-complex, the KMN (KNL1, Mis12, and Ndc80 complexes) network (KMN), which binds to spindle microtubules. The CCAN-KMN interaction is mediated by two parallel pathways (CENP-C- and CENP-T-pathways) in the kinetochore, which bridge the centromere and microtubules. Here, we discuss dynamic protein-interaction changes in the two pathways that couple the centromere with spindle microtubules during mitotic progression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Masatoshi Hara
- a Graduate School of Frontier Biosciences , Osaka University , Suita , Japan
| | - Tatsuo Fukagawa
- a Graduate School of Frontier Biosciences , Osaka University , Suita , Japan
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
The nucleosomes that mark centromere location on chromosomes old and new. Essays Biochem 2019; 63:15-27. [DOI: 10.1042/ebc20180060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2019] [Revised: 03/07/2019] [Accepted: 03/13/2019] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Abstract
Proper segregation of chromosomes is an essential component of cell division. The centromere is the locus at which the kinetochore—the proteinaceous complex that ties chromosomes to microtubules—forms during mitosis and meiosis. Thus, the centromere is critical for equal segregation of chromosomes. The centromere is characterized by both protein and DNA elements: the histone H3 variant CENP-A epigenetically defines the location of the centromere while centromeric DNA sequences are neither necessary nor sufficient for centromere function. Paradoxically, the DNA sequences play a critical role in new centromere formation. In this essay, we discuss the contribution of both epigenetics and genetics at the centromere. Understanding these contributions is vital to efforts to control centromere formation on synthetic/artificial chromosomes and centromere strength on natural ones.
Collapse
|
42
|
Remnant L, Booth DG, Vargiu G, Spanos C, Kerr ARW, Earnshaw WC. In vitro BioID: mapping the CENP-A microenvironment with high temporal and spatial resolution. Mol Biol Cell 2019; 30:1314-1325. [PMID: 30892990 PMCID: PMC6724601 DOI: 10.1091/mbc.e18-12-0799] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The centromere is located at the primary constriction of condensed chromosomes where it acts as a platform regulating chromosome segregation. The histone H3 variant CENP-A is the foundation for kinetochore formation. CENP-A directs the formation of a highly dynamic molecular neighborhood whose temporal characterization during mitosis remains a challenge due to limitations in available techniques. BioID is a method that exploits a “promiscuous” biotin ligase (BirA118R or BirA*) to identify proteins within close proximity to a fusion protein of interest. As originally described, cells expressing BirA* fusions were exposed to high biotin concentrations for 24 h during which the ligase transferred activated biotin (BioAmp) to other proteins within the immediate vicinity. The protein neighborhood could then be characterized by streptavidin-based purification and mass spectrometry. Here we describe a further development to this technique, allowing CENP-A interactors to be characterized within only a few minutes, in an in vitro reaction in lysed cells whose physiological progression is “frozen.” This approach, termed in vitro BioID (ivBioID), has the potential to study the molecular neighborhood of any structural protein whose interactions change either during the cell cycle or in response to other changes in cell physiology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lucy Remnant
- Wellcome Trust Centre for Cell Biology, Institute of Cell Biology and
| | - Daniel G Booth
- Wellcome Trust Centre for Cell Biology, Institute of Cell Biology and.,Centre for Brain Discovery Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4SB, UK
| | - Giulia Vargiu
- Wellcome Trust Centre for Cell Biology, Institute of Cell Biology and
| | - Christos Spanos
- Wellcome Trust Centre for Cell Biology, Institute of Cell Biology and
| | - Alastair R W Kerr
- Wellcome Trust Centre for Cell Biology, Institute of Cell Biology and
| | | |
Collapse
|
43
|
Hinshaw SM, Harrison SC. The structure of the Ctf19c/CCAN from budding yeast. eLife 2019; 8:44239. [PMID: 30762520 PMCID: PMC6407923 DOI: 10.7554/elife.44239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2018] [Accepted: 02/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Eukaryotic kinetochores connect spindlemicrotubules to chromosomal centromeres. A group of proteins called the Ctf19 complex (Ctf19c) in yeast and the constitutive centromere associated network (CCAN) in other organisms creates the foundation of a kinetochore. The Ctf19c/CCAN influences the timing of kinetochore assembly, sets its location by associating with a specialized nucleosome containing the histone H3 variant Cse4/CENP-A, and determines the organization of the microtubule attachment apparatus. We present here the structure of a reconstituted 13-subunit Ctf19c determined by cryo-electron microscopy at ~4 Å resolution. The structure accounts for known and inferred contacts with the Cse4 nucleosome and for an observed assembly hierarchy. We describe its implications for establishment of kinetochores and for their regulation by kinases throughout the cell cycle.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stephen M Hinshaw
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Boston, United States
| | - Stephen C Harrison
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Boston, United States
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Ohzeki J, Larionov V, Earnshaw WC, Masumoto H. De novo formation and epigenetic maintenance of centromere chromatin. Curr Opin Cell Biol 2019; 58:15-25. [PMID: 30654232 DOI: 10.1016/j.ceb.2018.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2018] [Revised: 11/30/2018] [Accepted: 12/07/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Accurate chromosome segregation is essential for cell proliferation. The centromere is a specialized chromosomal locus, on which the kinetochore structure is formed. The centromere/kinetochore is required for the equal separation of sister chromatids to daughter cells. Here, we review recent findings on centromere-specific chromatin, including its constitutive protein components, its de novo formation and maintenance mechanisms, and our progress in analyses with synthetic human artificial chromosomes (HACs).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Junichirou Ohzeki
- Laboratory of Chromosome Engineering, Department of Frontier Research and Development, Kazusa DNA Research Institute, 2-6-7 Kazusa-Kamatari, Kisarazu 292-0818, Japan
| | - Vladimir Larionov
- Genome Structure and Function Group, Developmental Therapeutics Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - William C Earnshaw
- Wellcome Trust Centre for Cell Biology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH9 3BF, UK
| | - Hiroshi Masumoto
- Laboratory of Chromosome Engineering, Department of Frontier Research and Development, Kazusa DNA Research Institute, 2-6-7 Kazusa-Kamatari, Kisarazu 292-0818, Japan.
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Zhou K, Gaullier G, Luger K. Nucleosome structure and dynamics are coming of age. Nat Struct Mol Biol 2018; 26:3-13. [PMID: 30532059 DOI: 10.1038/s41594-018-0166-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 180] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2018] [Accepted: 11/07/2018] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Since the first high-resolution structure of the nucleosome was reported in 1997, the available information on chromatin structure has increased very rapidly. Here, we review insights derived from cutting-edge biophysical and structural approaches applied to the study of nucleosome dynamics and nucleosome-binding factors, with a focus on the experimental advances driving the research. In addition, we highlight emerging challenges in nucleosome structural biology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Keda Zhou
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, USA
| | - Guillaume Gaullier
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, USA.,Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, USA
| | - Karolin Luger
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, USA. .,Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Kyriacou E, Heun P. High-resolution mapping of centromeric protein association using APEX-chromatin fibers. Epigenetics Chromatin 2018; 11:68. [PMID: 30445992 PMCID: PMC6238281 DOI: 10.1186/s13072-018-0237-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2018] [Accepted: 10/26/2018] [Indexed: 08/30/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The centromere is a specialized chromosomal locus that forms the basis for the assembly of a multi-protein complex, the kinetochore and ensures faithful chromosome segregation during every cell division. The repetitive nature of the underlying centromeric sequence represents a major obstacle for high-resolution mapping of protein binding using methods that rely on annotated genomes. Here, we present a novel microscopy-based approach called "APEX-chromatin fibers" for localizing protein binding over the repetitive centromeric sequences at kilobase resolution. RESULTS By fusing centromere factors of interest to ascorbate peroxidase, we were able to label their binding profiles on extended chromatin fibers with biotin marks. We applied APEX-chromatin fibers to at least one member of each CCAN complex, most of which show a localization pattern different from CENP-A but within the CENP-A delineated centromeric domain. Interestingly, we describe here a novel characteristic of CENP-I and CENP-B that display extended localization beyond the CENP-A boundaries. CONCLUSIONS Our approach was successfully applied for mapping protein association over centromeric chromatin, revealing previously undescribed localization patterns. In this study, we focused on centromeric factors, but we believe that this approach could be useful for mapping protein binding patterns in other repetitive regions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eftychia Kyriacou
- Max-Planck Institute of Immunobiology and Epigenetics, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany.,Faculty of Biology, Albert-Ludwigs Universität Freiburg, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany.,Wellcome Centre for Cell Biology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Patrick Heun
- Wellcome Centre for Cell Biology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Multiple phosphorylations control recruitment of the KMN network onto kinetochores. Nat Cell Biol 2018; 20:1378-1388. [PMID: 30420662 DOI: 10.1038/s41556-018-0230-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2018] [Accepted: 10/08/2018] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
To establish a functional kinetochore, the constitutive centromere-associated network (CCAN) forms a foundation on the centromere and recruits the KMN network, which directly binds to spindle microtubules. The CENP-C and CENP-T pathways in the CCAN recruit the KMN network to kinetochores, independently. The CENP-C pathway has been considered the major scaffold for the KMN network in vertebrate CCAN. However, we demonstrate that it is mainly the CENP-T pathway that recruits the KMN network onto the kinetochores and that CENP-T-KMN interactions are essential in chicken DT40 cells. By contrast, less Ndc80 binds to the CENP-C pathway in mitosis and the Mis12-CENP-C association is decreased during mitotic progression, which is consistent with the finding that the Mis12 complex-CENP-C binding is dispensable for cell viability. Furthermore, we find that multiple phosphoregulations of CENP-T and the Mis12 complex make the CENP-T pathway dominant. These results provide key insights into kinetochore dynamics during mitotic progression.
Collapse
|
48
|
Zasadzińska E, Huang J, Bailey AO, Guo LY, Lee NS, Srivastava S, Wong KA, French BT, Black BE, Foltz DR. Inheritance of CENP-A Nucleosomes during DNA Replication Requires HJURP. Dev Cell 2018; 47:348-362.e7. [PMID: 30293838 PMCID: PMC6219920 DOI: 10.1016/j.devcel.2018.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2018] [Revised: 07/26/2018] [Accepted: 09/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Centromeric chromatin defines the site of kinetochore formation and ensures faithful chromosome segregation. Centromeric identity is epigenetically specified by the incorporation of CENP-A nucleosomes. DNA replication presents a challenge for inheritance of centromeric identity because nucleosomes are removed to allow for replication fork progression. Despite this challenge, CENP-A nucleosomes are stably retained through S phase. We used BioID to identify proteins transiently associated with CENP-A during DNA replication. We found that during S phase, HJURP transiently associates with centromeres and binds to pre-existing CENP-A, suggesting a distinct role for HJURP in CENP-A retention. We demonstrate that HJURP is required for centromeric nucleosome inheritance during S phase. HJURP co-purifies with the MCM2-7 helicase complex and, together with the MCM2 subunit, binds CENP-A simultaneously. Therefore, pre-existing CENP-A nucleosomes require an S phase function of the HJURP chaperone and interaction with MCM2 to ensure faithful inheritance of centromere identity through DNA replication.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ewelina Zasadzińska
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Jiehuan Huang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | | | - Lucie Y Guo
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics and Graduate Group in Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Nancy S Lee
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Shashank Srivastava
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Kelvin A Wong
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Bradley T French
- Department of Biochemistry, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Ben E Black
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics and Graduate Group in Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Daniel R Foltz
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA; Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Reconstitution of a 26-Subunit Human Kinetochore Reveals Cooperative Microtubule Binding by CENP-OPQUR and NDC80. Mol Cell 2018; 71:923-939.e10. [PMID: 30174292 PMCID: PMC6162344 DOI: 10.1016/j.molcel.2018.07.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2017] [Revised: 06/04/2018] [Accepted: 07/25/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The approximately thirty core subunits of kinetochores assemble on centromeric chromatin containing the histone H3 variant CENP-A and connect chromosomes with spindle microtubules. The chromatin proximal 16-subunit CCAN (constitutive centromere associated network) creates a mechanically stable bridge between CENP-A and the kinetochore’s microtubule-binding machinery, the 10-subunit KMN assembly. Here, we reconstituted a stoichiometric 11-subunit human CCAN core that forms when the CENP-OPQUR complex binds to a joint interface on the CENP-HIKM and CENP-LN complexes. The resulting CCAN particle is globular and connects KMN and CENP-A in a 26-subunit recombinant particle. The disordered, basic N-terminal tail of CENP-Q binds microtubules and promotes accurate chromosome alignment, cooperating with KMN in microtubule binding. The N-terminal basic tail of the NDC80 complex, the microtubule-binding subunit of KMN, can functionally replace the CENP-Q tail. Our work dissects the connectivity and architecture of CCAN and reveals unexpected functional similarities between CENP-OPQUR and the NDC80 complex. The kinetochore CENP-OPQUR complex is reconstituted and functionally dissected A kinetochore particle with 26 subunits and defined stoichiometry is reconstituted EM structure of an 11-subunit inner kinetochore complex reveals globular shape CENP-Q and the Ndc80 complex bind microtubules cooperatively
Collapse
|
50
|
McNulty SM, Sullivan BA. Alpha satellite DNA biology: finding function in the recesses of the genome. Chromosome Res 2018; 26:115-138. [PMID: 29974361 DOI: 10.1007/s10577-018-9582-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2018] [Accepted: 06/14/2018] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Repetitive DNA, formerly referred to by the misnomer "junk DNA," comprises a majority of the human genome. One class of this DNA, alpha satellite, comprises up to 10% of the genome. Alpha satellite is enriched at all human centromere regions and is competent for de novo centromere assembly. Because of the highly repetitive nature of alpha satellite, it has been difficult to achieve genome assemblies at centromeres using traditional next-generation sequencing approaches, and thus, centromeres represent gaps in the current human genome assembly. Moreover, alpha satellite DNA is transcribed into repetitive noncoding RNA and contributes to a large portion of the transcriptome. Recent efforts to characterize these transcripts and their function have uncovered pivotal roles for satellite RNA in genome stability, including silencing "selfish" DNA elements and recruiting centromere and kinetochore proteins. This review will describe the genomic and epigenetic features of alpha satellite DNA, discuss recent findings of noncoding transcripts produced from distinct alpha satellite arrays, and address current progress in the functional understanding of this oft-neglected repetitive sequence. We will discuss unique challenges of studying human satellite DNAs and RNAs and point toward new technologies that will continue to advance our understanding of this largely untapped portion of the genome.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shannon M McNulty
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, 27710, USA
| | - Beth A Sullivan
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, 27710, USA. .,Division of Human Genetics, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, 27710, USA.
| |
Collapse
|