1
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Chen YL, Jones AN, Crawford A, Sattler M, Ettinger A, Torres-Padilla ME. Determinants of minor satellite RNA function in chromosome segregation in mouse embryonic stem cells. J Cell Biol 2024; 223:e202309027. [PMID: 38625077 PMCID: PMC11022885 DOI: 10.1083/jcb.202309027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2023] [Revised: 03/06/2024] [Accepted: 03/29/2024] [Indexed: 04/17/2024] Open
Abstract
The centromere is a fundamental higher-order structure in chromosomes ensuring their faithful segregation upon cell division. Centromeric transcripts have been described in several species and suggested to participate in centromere function. However, low sequence conservation of centromeric repeats appears inconsistent with a role in recruiting highly conserved centromeric proteins. Here, we hypothesized that centromeric transcripts may function through a secondary structure rather than sequence conservation. Using mouse embryonic stem cells (ESCs), we show that an imbalance in the levels of forward or reverse minor satellite (MinSat) transcripts leads to severe chromosome segregation defects. We further show that MinSat RNA adopts a stem-loop secondary structure, which is conserved in human α-satellite transcripts. We identify an RNA binding region in CENPC and demonstrate that MinSat transcripts function through the structured region of the RNA. Importantly, mutants that disrupt MinSat secondary structure do not cause segregation defects. We propose that the conserved role of centromeric transcripts relies on their secondary RNA structure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yung-Li Chen
- Institute of Epigenetics and Stem Cells (IES), Helmholtz Munich, München, Germany
| | - Alisha N. Jones
- Institute of Structural Biology, Molecular Targets and Therapeutics Center, Helmholtz Munich, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Amy Crawford
- Department of Chemistry, New York University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Michael Sattler
- Institute of Structural Biology, Molecular Targets and Therapeutics Center, Helmholtz Munich, Neuherberg, Germany
- Department of Bioscience, Bavarian NMR Center, School of Natural Sciences, Technical University of Munich, Garching, Germany
| | - Andreas Ettinger
- Institute of Epigenetics and Stem Cells (IES), Helmholtz Munich, München, Germany
| | - Maria-Elena Torres-Padilla
- Institute of Epigenetics and Stem Cells (IES), Helmholtz Munich, München, Germany
- Faculty of Biology, Ludwig-Maximilians Universität, München, Germany
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2
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Santinello B, Sun R, Amjad A, Hoyt SJ, Ouyang L, Courret C, Drennan R, Leo L, Larracuente AM, Core L, O'Neill RJ, Mellone BG. Transcription of a centromere-enriched retroelement and local retention of its RNA are significant features of the CENP-A chromatin landscape. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.01.14.574223. [PMID: 38293134 PMCID: PMC10827089 DOI: 10.1101/2024.01.14.574223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2024]
Abstract
Centromeres depend on chromatin containing the conserved histone H3 variant CENP-A for function and inheritance, while the role of centromeric DNA repeats remains unclear. Retroelements are prevalent at centromeres across taxa and represent a potential mechanism for promoting transcription to aid in CENP-A incorporation or for generating RNA transcripts to maintain centromere integrity. Here, we probe into the transcription and RNA localization of the centromere-enriched retroelement G2/Jockey-3 (hereafter referred to as Jockey-3 ) in Drosophila melanogaster , currently the only in vivo model with assembled centromeres. We find that Jockey-3 is a major component of the centromeric transcriptome and produces RNAs that localize to centromeres in metaphase. Leveraging the polymorphism of Jockey-3 and a de novo centromere system, we show that these RNAs remain associated with their cognate DNA sequences in cis , suggesting they are unlikely to perform a sequence-specific function at all centromeres. We show that Jockey-3 transcription is positively correlated with the presence of CENP-A, and that recent Jockey-3 transposition events have occurred preferentially at CENP-A-containing chromatin. We propose that Jockey-3 contributes to the epigenetic maintenance of centromeres by promoting chromatin transcription, while inserting preferentially within these regions, selfishly ensuring its continued expression and transmission. Given the conservation of retroelements as centromere components through evolution, our findings have broad implications in understanding this association in other species.
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3
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Malik KK, Sridhara SC, Lone KA, Katariya PD, Pulimamidi D, Tyagi S. MLL methyltransferases regulate H3K4 methylation to ensure CENP-A assembly at human centromeres. PLoS Biol 2023; 21:e3002161. [PMID: 37379335 PMCID: PMC10335677 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.3002161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2022] [Revised: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 05/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The active state of centromeres is epigenetically defined by the presence of CENP-A interspersed with histone H3 nucleosomes. While the importance of dimethylation of H3K4 for centromeric transcription has been highlighted in various studies, the identity of the enzyme(s) depositing these marks on the centromere is still unknown. The MLL (KMT2) family plays a crucial role in RNA polymerase II (Pol II)-mediated gene regulation by methylating H3K4. Here, we report that MLL methyltransferases regulate transcription of human centromeres. CRISPR-mediated down-regulation of MLL causes loss of H3K4me2, resulting in an altered epigenetic chromatin state of the centromeres. Intriguingly, our results reveal that loss of MLL, but not SETD1A, increases co-transcriptional R-loop formation, and Pol II accumulation at the centromeres. Finally, we report that the presence of MLL and SETD1A is crucial for kinetochore maintenance. Altogether, our data reveal a novel molecular framework where both the H3K4 methylation mark and the methyltransferases regulate stability and identity of the centromere.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kausika Kumar Malik
- Laboratory of Cell Cycle Regulation, Centre for DNA Fingerprinting and Diagnostics (CDFD), Uppal, Hyderabad, India
- Graduate Studies, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, India
| | - Sreerama Chaitanya Sridhara
- Laboratory of Cell Cycle Regulation, Centre for DNA Fingerprinting and Diagnostics (CDFD), Uppal, Hyderabad, India
| | - Kaisar Ahmad Lone
- Laboratory of Cell Cycle Regulation, Centre for DNA Fingerprinting and Diagnostics (CDFD), Uppal, Hyderabad, India
- Graduate Studies, Regional Centre for Biotechnology, Faridabad, India
| | - Payal Deepakbhai Katariya
- Laboratory of Cell Cycle Regulation, Centre for DNA Fingerprinting and Diagnostics (CDFD), Uppal, Hyderabad, India
- Graduate Studies, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, India
| | - Deepshika Pulimamidi
- Laboratory of Cell Cycle Regulation, Centre for DNA Fingerprinting and Diagnostics (CDFD), Uppal, Hyderabad, India
| | - Shweta Tyagi
- Laboratory of Cell Cycle Regulation, Centre for DNA Fingerprinting and Diagnostics (CDFD), Uppal, Hyderabad, India
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4
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Li J, Zhao J, Gan X, Wang Y, Jiang D, Chen L, Wang F, Xu J, Pei H, Huang J, Chen X. The RPA-RNF20-SNF2H cascade promotes proper chromosome segregation and homologous recombination repair. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2023; 120:e2303479120. [PMID: 37155876 PMCID: PMC10193940 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2303479120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2023] [Accepted: 03/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The human tumor suppressor Ring finger protein 20 (RNF20)-mediated histone H2B monoubiquitination (H2Bub) is essential for proper chromosome segregation and DNA repair. However, what is the precise function and mechanism of RNF20-H2Bub in chromosome segregation and how this pathway is activated to preserve genome stability remain unknown. Here, we show that the single-strand DNA-binding factor Replication protein A (RPA) interacts with RNF20 mainly in the S and G2/M phases and recruits RNF20 to mitotic centromeres in a centromeric R-loop-dependent manner. In parallel, RPA recruits RNF20 to chromosomal breaks upon DNA damage. Disruption of the RPA-RNF20 interaction or depletion of RNF20 increases mitotic lagging chromosomes and chromosome bridges and impairs BRCA1 and RAD51 loading and homologous recombination repair, leading to elevated chromosome breaks, genome instability, and sensitivities to DNA-damaging agents. Mechanistically, the RPA-RNF20 pathway promotes local H2Bub, H3K4 dimethylation, and subsequent SNF2H recruitment, ensuring proper Aurora B kinase activation at centromeres and efficient loading of repair proteins at DNA breaks. Thus, the RPA-RNF20-SNF2H cascade plays a broad role in preserving genome stability by coupling H2Bub to chromosome segregation and DNA repair.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jimin Li
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Cell Homeostasis, College of Life Sciences, TaiKang Center for Life and Medical Sciences, Frontier Science Centre of Immunology and Metabolism, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Jingyu Zhao
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Cell Homeostasis, College of Life Sciences, TaiKang Center for Life and Medical Sciences, Frontier Science Centre of Immunology and Metabolism, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Xiaoli Gan
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Cell Homeostasis, College of Life Sciences, TaiKang Center for Life and Medical Sciences, Frontier Science Centre of Immunology and Metabolism, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Yanyan Wang
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Cell Homeostasis, College of Life Sciences, TaiKang Center for Life and Medical Sciences, Frontier Science Centre of Immunology and Metabolism, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Donghao Jiang
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Cell Homeostasis, College of Life Sciences, TaiKang Center for Life and Medical Sciences, Frontier Science Centre of Immunology and Metabolism, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Liang Chen
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Cell Homeostasis, College of Life Sciences, TaiKang Center for Life and Medical Sciences, Frontier Science Centre of Immunology and Metabolism, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Fangwei Wang
- The Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis & Protection, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory for Cancer Molecular Cell Biology and Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network, Life Sciences Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Jingyan Xu
- Department of Hematology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, the Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Huadong Pei
- Department of Oncology, Georgetown Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC 20057
| | - Jun Huang
- The Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis & Protection, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory for Cancer Molecular Cell Biology and Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network, Life Sciences Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Xuefeng Chen
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Cell Homeostasis, College of Life Sciences, TaiKang Center for Life and Medical Sciences, Frontier Science Centre of Immunology and Metabolism, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
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5
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Kitaoka M, Smith OK, Straight AF, Heald R. Molecular conflicts disrupting centromere maintenance contribute to Xenopus hybrid inviability. Curr Biol 2022; 32:3939-3951.e6. [PMID: 35973429 PMCID: PMC9529917 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2022.07.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2022] [Revised: 06/15/2022] [Accepted: 07/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Although central to evolution, the causes of hybrid inviability that drive reproductive isolation are poorly understood. Embryonic lethality occurs when the eggs of the frog X. tropicalis are fertilized with either X. laevis or X. borealis sperm. We observed that distinct subsets of paternal chromosomes failed to assemble functional centromeres, causing their mis-segregation during embryonic cell divisions. Core centromere DNA sequence analysis revealed little conservation among the three species, indicating that epigenetic mechanisms that normally operate to maintain centromere integrity are disrupted on specific paternal chromosomes in hybrids. In vitro reactions combining X. tropicalis egg extract with either X. laevis or X. borealis sperm chromosomes revealed that paternally matched or overexpressed centromeric histone CENP-A and its chaperone HJURP could rescue centromere assembly on affected chromosomes in interphase nuclei. However, although the X. laevis chromosomes maintained centromeric CENP-A in metaphase, X. borealis chromosomes did not and also displayed ultra-thin regions containing ribosomal DNA. Both centromere assembly and morphology of X. borealis mitotic chromosomes could be rescued by inhibiting RNA polymerase I or preventing the collapse of stalled DNA replication forks. These results indicate that specific paternal centromeres are inactivated in hybrids due to the disruption of associated chromatin regions that interfere with CENP-A incorporation, at least in some cases due to conflicts between replication and transcription machineries. Thus, our findings highlight the dynamic nature of centromere maintenance and its susceptibility to disruption in vertebrate interspecies hybrids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maiko Kitaoka
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720-3200, USA
| | - Owen K Smith
- Department of Biochemistry, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305-5307, USA
| | - Aaron F Straight
- Department of Biochemistry, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305-5307, USA
| | - Rebecca Heald
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720-3200, USA.
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6
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Flashner S, Swift M, Sowash A, Fahmy AN, Azizkhan-Clifford J. Transcription factor Sp1 regulates mitotic chromosome assembly and segregation. Chromosoma 2022; 131:175-191. [PMID: 35916925 PMCID: PMC9470683 DOI: 10.1007/s00412-022-00778-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2021] [Revised: 06/14/2022] [Accepted: 07/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Aneuploidy is a pervasive feature of cancer cells that results from chromosome missegregation. Several transcription factors have been associated with aneuploidy; however, no studies to date have demonstrated that mammalian transcription factors directly regulate chromosome segregation during mitosis. Here, we demonstrate that the ubiquitously expressed transcription factor specificity protein 1 (Sp1), which we have previously linked to aneuploidy, has a mitosis-specific role regulating chromosome segregation. We find that Sp1 localizes to mitotic centromeres and auxin-induced rapid Sp1 degradation at mitotic onset results in chromosome segregation errors and aberrant mitotic progression. Furthermore, rapid Sp1 degradation results in anomalous mitotic chromosome assembly characterized by loss of condensin complex I localization to mitotic chromosomes and chromosome condensation defects. Consistent with these defects, Sp1 degradation results in reduced chromosome passenger complex activity and histone H3 serine 10 phosphorylation during mitosis, which is essential for condensin complex I recruitment and chromosome condensation. Together, these data provide the first evidence of a mammalian transcription factor acting specifically during mitosis to regulate chromosome segregation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel Flashner
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Drexel University College of Medicine, 245 N 15th Street, MS 497, Philadelphia, PA, 19102, USA
| | - Michelle Swift
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Drexel University College of Medicine, 245 N 15th Street, MS 497, Philadelphia, PA, 19102, USA
| | - Aislinn Sowash
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Drexel University College of Medicine, 245 N 15th Street, MS 497, Philadelphia, PA, 19102, USA
| | - Alexander N Fahmy
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Drexel University College of Medicine, 245 N 15th Street, MS 497, Philadelphia, PA, 19102, USA
| | - Jane Azizkhan-Clifford
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Drexel University College of Medicine, 245 N 15th Street, MS 497, Philadelphia, PA, 19102, USA.
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7
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Sundararajan K, Straight AF. Centromere Identity and the Regulation of Chromosome Segregation. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:914249. [PMID: 35721504 PMCID: PMC9203049 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.914249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2022] [Accepted: 05/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Eukaryotes segregate their chromosomes during mitosis and meiosis by attaching chromosomes to the microtubules of the spindle so that they can be distributed into daughter cells. The complexity of centromeres ranges from the point centromeres of yeast that attach to a single microtubule to the more complex regional centromeres found in many metazoans or holocentric centromeres of some nematodes, arthropods and plants, that bind to dozens of microtubules per kinetochore. In vertebrates, the centromere is defined by a centromere specific histone variant termed Centromere Protein A (CENP-A) that replaces histone H3 in a subset of centromeric nucleosomes. These CENP-A nucleosomes are distributed on long stretches of highly repetitive DNA and interspersed with histone H3 containing nucleosomes. The mechanisms by which cells control the number and position of CENP-A nucleosomes is unknown but likely important for the organization of centromeric chromatin in mitosis so that the kinetochore is properly oriented for microtubule capture. CENP-A chromatin is epigenetically determined thus cells must correct errors in CENP-A organization to prevent centromere dysfunction and chromosome loss. Recent improvements in sequencing complex centromeres have paved the way for defining the organization of CENP-A nucleosomes in centromeres. Here we discuss the importance and challenges in understanding CENP-A organization and highlight new discoveries and advances enabled by recent improvements in the human genome assembly.
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8
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Koranne R, Brown K, Vandenbroek H, Taylor WR. C9ORF78 partially localizes to centromeres and plays a role in chromosome segregation. Exp Cell Res 2022; 413:113063. [PMID: 35167828 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2022.113063] [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: 09/13/2021] [Revised: 02/04/2022] [Accepted: 02/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
C9ORF78 is a poorly characterized protein found in diverse eukaryotes. Previous work indicated overexpression of C9ORF78 in malignant tissues indicating a possible involvement in growth regulatory pathways. Additional studies in fission yeast and humans uncover a potential function in regulating the spliceosome. In studies of GFP-tagged C9ORF78 we observed a dramatic reduction in protein abundance in cells grown to confluence and/or deprived of serum growth factors. Serum stimulation induced synchronous re-expression of the protein in HeLa cells. This effect was also observed with the endogenous protein. Overexpressing either E2F1 or N-Myc resulted in elevated C9ORF78 expression potentially explaining the serum-dependent upregulation of the protein. Immunofluorescence analysis indicates that C9ORF78 localizes to nuclei in interphase but does not appear to concentrate in speckles as would be expected for a splicing protein. Surprisingly, a subpopulation of C9ORF78 co-localizes with ACA, Mad1 and Ndc80 in mitotic cells suggesting that this protein associates with kinetochores or centromeres. Levels of C9ORF78 at the centromere/kinetochore also increased upon activation of the mitotic checkpoint. Furthermore, knocking-down C9ORF78 caused mitotic defects. These studies uncover novel mitotic function and subcellular localization of C9ORF78.
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Affiliation(s)
- Radhika Koranne
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Toledo, 2801 W. Bancroft Street, MS 601, Toledo, OH, 43606, USA
| | - Kayla Brown
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Toledo, 2801 W. Bancroft Street, MS 601, Toledo, OH, 43606, USA
| | - Hannah Vandenbroek
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Toledo, 2801 W. Bancroft Street, MS 601, Toledo, OH, 43606, USA
| | - William R Taylor
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Toledo, 2801 W. Bancroft Street, MS 601, Toledo, OH, 43606, USA.
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9
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Haase J, Chen R, Parker WM, Bonner MK, Jenkins LM, Kelly AE. The TFIIH complex is required to establish and maintain mitotic chromosome structure. eLife 2022; 11:75475. [PMID: 35293859 PMCID: PMC8956287 DOI: 10.7554/elife.75475] [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: 11/11/2021] [Accepted: 03/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Condensins compact chromosomes to promote their equal segregation during mitosis, but the mechanism of condensin engagement with and action on chromatin is incompletely understood. Here, we show that the general transcription factor TFIIH complex is continuously required to establish and maintain a compacted chromosome structure in transcriptionally silent Xenopus egg extracts. Inhibiting the DNA-dependent ATPase activity of the TFIIH complex subunit XPB rapidly and reversibly induces a complete loss of chromosome structure and prevents the enrichment of condensins I and II, but not topoisomerase II, on chromatin. In addition, inhibiting TFIIH prevents condensation of both mouse and Xenopus nuclei in Xenopus egg extracts, which suggests an evolutionarily conserved mechanism of TFIIH action. Reducing nucleosome density through partial histone depletion restores chromosome structure and condensin enrichment in the absence of TFIIH activity. We propose that the TFIIH complex promotes mitotic chromosome condensation by dynamically altering the chromatin environment to facilitate condensin loading and condensin-dependent loop extrusion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julian Haase
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, United States
| | - Richard Chen
- Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, United States
| | - Wesley M Parker
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, United States
| | - Mary Kate Bonner
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, United States
| | - Lisa M Jenkins
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, United States
| | - Alexander E Kelly
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, United States
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10
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Arunkumar G, Baek S, Sturgill D, Bui M, Dalal Y. Oncogenic lncRNAs alter epigenetic memory at a fragile chromosomal site in human cancer cells. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2022; 8:eabl5621. [PMID: 35235361 PMCID: PMC8890707 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abl5621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
Chromosome instability is a critical event in cancer progression. Histone H3 variant CENP-A plays a fundamental role in defining centromere identity, structure, and function but is innately overexpressed in several types of solid cancers. In the cancer background, excess CENP-A is deposited ectopically on chromosome arms, including 8q24/cMYC locus, by invading transcription-coupled H3.3 chaperone pathways. Up-regulation of lncRNAs in many cancers correlates with poor prognosis and recurrence in patients. We report that transcription of 8q24-derived oncogenic lncRNAs plays an unanticipated role in altering the 8q24 chromatin landscape by H3.3 chaperone-mediated deposition of CENP-A-associated complexes. Furthermore, a transgene cassette carrying specific 8q24-derived lncRNA integrated into a naïve chromosome locus recruits CENP-A to the new location in a cis-acting manner. These data provide a plausible mechanistic link between locus-specific oncogenic lncRNAs, aberrant local chromatin structure, and the generation of new epigenetic memory at a fragile site in human cancer cells.
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11
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Ghosh S, Lehner CF. Incorporation of CENP-A/CID into centromeres during early Drosophila embryogenesis does not require RNA polymerase II-mediated transcription. Chromosoma 2022; 131:1-17. [PMID: 35015118 PMCID: PMC9079035 DOI: 10.1007/s00412-022-00767-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2021] [Revised: 12/30/2021] [Accepted: 01/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
In many species, centromere identity is specified epigenetically by special nucleosomes containing a centromere-specific histone H3 variant, designated as CENP-A in humans and CID in Drosophila melanogaster. After partitioning of centromere-specific nucleosomes onto newly replicated sister centromeres, loading of additional CENP-A/CID into centromeric chromatin is required for centromere maintenance in proliferating cells. Analyses with cultured cells have indicated that transcription of centromeric DNA by RNA polymerase II is required for deposition of new CID into centromere chromatin. However, a dependence of centromeric CID loading on transcription is difficult to reconcile with the notion that the initial embryonic stages appear to proceed in the absence of transcription in Drosophila, as also in many other animal species. To address the role of RNA polymerase II–mediated transcription for CID loading in early Drosophila embryos, we have quantified the effects of alpha-amanitin and triptolide on centromeric CID-EGFP levels. Our analyses demonstrate that microinjection of these two potent inhibitors of RNA polymerase II–mediated transcription has at most a marginal effect on centromeric CID deposition during progression through the early embryonic cleavage cycles. Thus, we conclude that at least during early Drosophila embryogenesis, incorporation of CID into centromeres does not depend on RNA polymerase II–mediated transcription.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samadri Ghosh
- Department of Molecular Life Sciences, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Christian F Lehner
- Department of Molecular Life Sciences, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
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12
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Wu T, Lane SIR, Morgan SL, Tang F, Jones KT. Loss of centromeric RNA activates the spindle assembly checkpoint in mammalian female meiosis I. J Cell Biol 2021; 220:212548. [PMID: 34379093 PMCID: PMC8360762 DOI: 10.1083/jcb.202011153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2020] [Revised: 05/01/2021] [Accepted: 07/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The repetitive sequences of DNA centromeric regions form the structural basis for kinetochore assembly. Recently they were found to be transcriptionally active in mitosis, with their RNAs providing noncoding functions. Here we explore the role, in mouse oocytes, of transcripts generated from within the minor satellite repeats. Depletion of minor satellite transcripts delayed progression through meiosis I by activation of the spindle assembly checkpoint. Arrested oocytes had poorly congressed chromosomes, and centromeres were frequently split by microtubules. Thus, we have demonstrated that the centromeric RNA plays a specific role in female meiosis I compared with mitosis and is required for maintaining the structural integrity of centromeres. This may contribute to the high aneuploidy rates observed in female meiosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianyu Wu
- Department of Central Laboratory, Clinical Laboratory, Jing'an District Centre Hospital of Shanghai, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, International Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics and Metabolism and Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, the State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Simon I R Lane
- Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Stephanie L Morgan
- School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Feng Tang
- Discipline of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Robinson Research Institute, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Keith T Jones
- Genome Damage and Stability Centre, School of Life Sciences, University of Sussex, Brighton, UK
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13
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Cornet-Bartolomé D, Barragán M, Zambelli F, Ferrer-Vaquer A, Tiscornia G, Balcells S, Rodriguez A, Grinberg D, Vassena R. Human oocyte meiotic maturation is associated with a specific profile of alternatively spliced transcript isoforms. Mol Reprod Dev 2021; 88:605-617. [PMID: 34374462 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.23526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2021] [Revised: 06/03/2021] [Accepted: 07/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The transition from a transcriptionally active state (GV) to a transcriptionally inactive state (mature MII oocytes) is required for the acquisition of oocyte developmental competence. We hypothesize that the expression of specific genes at the in vivo matured (MII) stage could be modulated by posttranscriptional mechanisms, particularly regulation of alternative splicing (AS). In this study, we examined the transcriptional activity of GV oocytes after ovarian stimulation followed by oocyte pick-up and the landscape of alternatively spliced isoforms in human MII oocytes. Individual oocytes were processed and analyzed for transcriptional activity (GV), gene expression (GV and MII), and AS signatures (GV and MII) on HTA 2.0 microarrays. Samples were grouped according to maturation stage, and then subgrouped according to women's age and antral follicular count (AFC); array results were validated by quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Differentially expressed genes between GV and MII oocytes clustered mainly in biological processes related to mitochondrial metabolism. Interestingly, 16 genes that were related to the regulation of transcription and mitochondrial translation showed differences in alternatively spliced isoform profiles despite not being differentially expressed between groups. Altogether, our results contribute to our understanding of the role of AS in oocyte developmental competence acquisition.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Cornet-Bartolomé
- EUGIN, Barcelona, Spain.,Department of Genetics, Microbiology and Statistic, Universitat de Barcelona. CIBERER, IBUB, IRSJD, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | | | | | - Gustavo Tiscornia
- EUGIN, Barcelona, Spain.,Centro Ciencias del Mar, University of Algarve, Portugal
| | - Susanna Balcells
- Department of Genetics, Microbiology and Statistic, Universitat de Barcelona. CIBERER, IBUB, IRSJD, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - Daniel Grinberg
- Department of Genetics, Microbiology and Statistic, Universitat de Barcelona. CIBERER, IBUB, IRSJD, Barcelona, Spain
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14
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The Putative RNA-Binding Protein Dri1 Promotes the Loading of Kinesin-14/Klp2 to the Mitotic Spindle and Is Sequestered into Heat-Induced Protein Aggregates in Fission Yeast. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22094795. [PMID: 33946513 PMCID: PMC8125374 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22094795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2021] [Revised: 04/21/2021] [Accepted: 04/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Cells form a bipolar spindle during mitosis to ensure accurate chromosome segregation. Proper spindle architecture is established by a set of kinesin motors and microtubule-associated proteins. In most eukaryotes, kinesin-5 motors are essential for this process, and genetic or chemical inhibition of their activity leads to the emergence of monopolar spindles and cell death. However, these deficiencies can be rescued by simultaneous inactivation of kinesin-14 motors, as they counteract kinesin-5. We conducted detailed genetic analyses in fission yeast to understand the mechanisms driving spindle assembly in the absence of kinesin-5. Here, we show that deletion of the dri1 gene, which encodes a putative RNA-binding protein, can rescue temperature sensitivity caused by cut7-22, a fission yeast kinesin-5 mutant. Interestingly, kinesin-14/Klp2 levels on the spindles in the cut7 mutants were significantly reduced by the dri1 deletion, although the total levels of Klp2 and the stability of spindle microtubules remained unaffected. Moreover, RNA-binding motifs of Dri1 are essential for its cytoplasmic localization and function. We have also found that a portion of Dri1 is spatially and functionally sequestered by chaperone-based protein aggregates upon mild heat stress and limits cell division at high temperatures. We propose that Dri1 might be involved in post-transcriptional regulation through its RNA-binding ability to promote the loading of Klp2 on the spindle microtubules.
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15
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Duan W, Huang F, Bi Y, Zhu L, Wang D, Liu Y, Wu J, Ge Y, Liu D. Design, synthesis and cell imaging of a simple peptide-based probe for the selective detection of RNA. Chem Commun (Camb) 2021; 57:2653-2656. [PMID: 33587737 DOI: 10.1039/d0cc06508k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Here we present a novel peptide-based fluorescent "turn-on" molecule P1 for detecting RNA, in a double or single strand, AU-rich or CG-rich. Both computational and experimental studies indicate that the detection efficiency depends on the binding affinity of P1 and conformational changes. P1 could be applied for cell imaging without any additional transfection vectors. Selective detection of RNA in cells was determined by RNase digestion. Successful application of P1 for RNA imaging in cell mitosis reveals that it may have broad applications in research, biotechnology and medical science.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenxiu Duan
- Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, the CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, China.
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16
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Emerging roles of centromeric RNAs in centromere formation and function. Genes Genomics 2021; 43:217-226. [PMID: 33523401 DOI: 10.1007/s13258-021-01041-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2020] [Accepted: 01/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Centromeres are specialized chromosomal domains involved in kinetochore formation and faithful chromosome segregation. Despite a high level of functional conservation, centromeres are not identified by DNA sequences, but by epigenetic means. Universally, centromeres are typically formed on highly repetitive DNA, which were previously considered to be silent. However, recent studies have shown that transcription occurs in this region, known as centromeric-derived RNAs (cenRNAs). CenRNAs that contribute to fundamental aspects of centromere function have been recently investigated in detail. However, the distribution, behavior and contributions of centromeric transcripts are still poorly understood. OBJECTIVE The aim of this article is to provide an overview of the roles of cenRNAs in centromere formation and function. METHODS We describe the structure and DNA sequence of centromere from yeast to human. In addition, we briefly introduce the roles of cenRNAs in centromere formation and function, kinetochore structure, accurate chromosome segregation, and pericentromeric heterochromatin assembly. Centromeric circular RNAs (circRNAs) and R-loops are rising stars in centromere function. CircRNAs have been successfully identified in various species with the assistance of high-throughput sequencing and novel computational approaches for non-polyadenylated RNA transcripts. Centromeric R-loops can be identified by the single-strand DNA ligation-based library preparation technique. But the molecular features and function of these centromeric R-loops and circRNAs are still being investigated. CONCLUSION In this review, we summarize recent findings on the epigenetic regulation of cenRNAs across species, which would provide useful information about cenRNAs and interesting hints for further studies.
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17
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Mihìc P, Hédouin S, Francastel C. Centromeres Transcription and Transcripts for Better and for Worse. PROGRESS IN MOLECULAR AND SUBCELLULAR BIOLOGY 2021; 60:169-201. [PMID: 34386876 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-74889-0_7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Centromeres are chromosomal regions that are essential for the faithful transmission of genetic material through each cell division. They represent the chromosomal platform on which assembles a protein complex, the kinetochore, which mediates attachment to the mitotic spindle. In most organisms, centromeres assemble on large arrays of tandem satellite repeats, although their DNA sequences and organization are highly divergent among species. It has become evident that centromeres are not defined by underlying DNA sequences, but are instead epigenetically defined by the deposition of the centromere-specific histone H3 variant, CENP-A. In addition, and although long regarded as silent chromosomal loci, centromeres are in fact transcriptionally competent in most species, yet at low levels in normal somatic cells, but where the resulting transcripts participate in centromere architecture, identity, and function. In this chapter, we discuss the various roles proposed for centromere transcription and their transcripts, and the potential molecular mechanisms involved. We also discuss pathological cases in which unscheduled transcription of centromeric repeats or aberrant accumulation of their transcripts are pathological signatures of chromosomal instability diseases. In sum, tight regulation of centromeric satellite repeats transcription is critical for healthy development and tissue homeostasis, and thus prevents the emergence of disease states.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pia Mihìc
- Université De Paris, Epigenetics and Cell Fate, CNRS UMR7216, Paris, France
| | - Sabrine Hédouin
- Division of Basic Sciences, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Claire Francastel
- Université De Paris, Epigenetics and Cell Fate, CNRS UMR7216, Paris, France.
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18
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Ahmad SF, Singchat W, Jehangir M, Suntronpong A, Panthum T, Malaivijitnond S, Srikulnath K. Dark Matter of Primate Genomes: Satellite DNA Repeats and Their Evolutionary Dynamics. Cells 2020; 9:E2714. [PMID: 33352976 PMCID: PMC7767330 DOI: 10.3390/cells9122714] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2020] [Revised: 12/15/2020] [Accepted: 12/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
A substantial portion of the primate genome is composed of non-coding regions, so-called "dark matter", which includes an abundance of tandemly repeated sequences called satellite DNA. Collectively known as the satellitome, this genomic component offers exciting evolutionary insights into aspects of primate genome biology that raise new questions and challenge existing paradigms. A complete human reference genome was recently reported with telomere-to-telomere human X chromosome assembly that resolved hundreds of dark regions, encompassing a 3.1 Mb centromeric satellite array that had not been identified previously. With the recent exponential increase in the availability of primate genomes, and the development of modern genomic and bioinformatics tools, extensive growth in our knowledge concerning the structure, function, and evolution of satellite elements is expected. The current state of knowledge on this topic is summarized, highlighting various types of primate-specific satellite repeats to compare their proportions across diverse lineages. Inter- and intraspecific variation of satellite repeats in the primate genome are reviewed. The functional significance of these sequences is discussed by describing how the transcriptional activity of satellite repeats can affect gene expression during different cellular processes. Sex-linked satellites are outlined, together with their respective genomic organization. Mechanisms are proposed whereby satellite repeats might have emerged as novel sequences during different evolutionary phases. Finally, the main challenges that hinder the detection of satellite DNA are outlined and an overview of the latest methodologies to address technological limitations is presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Syed Farhan Ahmad
- Laboratory of Animal Cytogenetics and Comparative Genomics (ACCG), Department of Genetics, Faculty of Science, Kasetsart University, Bangkok 10900, Thailand; (S.F.A.); (W.S.); (M.J.); (A.S.); (T.P.)
- Special Research Unit for Wildlife Genomics (SRUWG), Department of Forest Biology, Faculty of Forestry, Kasetsart University, Bangkok 10900, Thailand
| | - Worapong Singchat
- Laboratory of Animal Cytogenetics and Comparative Genomics (ACCG), Department of Genetics, Faculty of Science, Kasetsart University, Bangkok 10900, Thailand; (S.F.A.); (W.S.); (M.J.); (A.S.); (T.P.)
- Special Research Unit for Wildlife Genomics (SRUWG), Department of Forest Biology, Faculty of Forestry, Kasetsart University, Bangkok 10900, Thailand
| | - Maryam Jehangir
- Laboratory of Animal Cytogenetics and Comparative Genomics (ACCG), Department of Genetics, Faculty of Science, Kasetsart University, Bangkok 10900, Thailand; (S.F.A.); (W.S.); (M.J.); (A.S.); (T.P.)
- Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Institute of Bioscience at Botucatu, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu, São Paulo 18618-689, Brazil
| | - Aorarat Suntronpong
- Laboratory of Animal Cytogenetics and Comparative Genomics (ACCG), Department of Genetics, Faculty of Science, Kasetsart University, Bangkok 10900, Thailand; (S.F.A.); (W.S.); (M.J.); (A.S.); (T.P.)
- Special Research Unit for Wildlife Genomics (SRUWG), Department of Forest Biology, Faculty of Forestry, Kasetsart University, Bangkok 10900, Thailand
| | - Thitipong Panthum
- Laboratory of Animal Cytogenetics and Comparative Genomics (ACCG), Department of Genetics, Faculty of Science, Kasetsart University, Bangkok 10900, Thailand; (S.F.A.); (W.S.); (M.J.); (A.S.); (T.P.)
- Special Research Unit for Wildlife Genomics (SRUWG), Department of Forest Biology, Faculty of Forestry, Kasetsart University, Bangkok 10900, Thailand
| | - Suchinda Malaivijitnond
- National Primate Research Center of Thailand, Chulalongkorn University, Saraburi 18110, Thailand;
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| | - Kornsorn Srikulnath
- Laboratory of Animal Cytogenetics and Comparative Genomics (ACCG), Department of Genetics, Faculty of Science, Kasetsart University, Bangkok 10900, Thailand; (S.F.A.); (W.S.); (M.J.); (A.S.); (T.P.)
- Special Research Unit for Wildlife Genomics (SRUWG), Department of Forest Biology, Faculty of Forestry, Kasetsart University, Bangkok 10900, Thailand
- National Primate Research Center of Thailand, Chulalongkorn University, Saraburi 18110, Thailand;
- Center of Excellence on Agricultural Biotechnology (AG-BIO/PERDO-CHE), Bangkok 10900, Thailand
- Omics Center for Agriculture, Bioresources, Food and Health, Kasetsart University (OmiKU), Bangkok 10900, Thailand
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19
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Bury L, Moodie B, Ly J, McKay LS, Miga KH, Cheeseman IM. Alpha-satellite RNA transcripts are repressed by centromere-nucleolus associations. eLife 2020; 9:59770. [PMID: 33174837 PMCID: PMC7679138 DOI: 10.7554/elife.59770] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2020] [Accepted: 11/09/2020] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Although originally thought to be silent chromosomal regions, centromeres are instead actively transcribed. However, the behavior and contributions of centromere-derived RNAs have remained unclear. Here, we used single-molecule fluorescence in-situ hybridization (smFISH) to detect alpha-satellite RNA transcripts in intact human cells. We find that alpha-satellite RNA-smFISH foci levels vary across cell lines and over the cell cycle, but do not remain associated with centromeres, displaying localization consistent with other long non-coding RNAs. Alpha-satellite expression occurs through RNA polymerase II-dependent transcription, but does not require established centromere or cell division components. Instead, our work implicates centromere–nucleolar interactions as repressing alpha-satellite expression. The fraction of nucleolar-localized centromeres inversely correlates with alpha-satellite transcripts levels across cell lines and transcript levels increase substantially when the nucleolus is disrupted. The control of alpha-satellite transcripts by centromere-nucleolar contacts provides a mechanism to modulate centromere transcription and chromatin dynamics across diverse cell states and conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leah Bury
- Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research, Cambridge, United States
| | - Brittania Moodie
- Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research, Cambridge, United States
| | - Jimmy Ly
- Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research, Cambridge, United States.,Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, United States
| | - Liliana S McKay
- Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research, Cambridge, United States
| | - Karen Hh Miga
- UC Santa Cruz Genomics Institute, University of California, Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, United States
| | - Iain M Cheeseman
- Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research, Cambridge, United States.,Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, United States
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20
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Liu J, Li C, Wang J, Xu D, Wang H, Wang T, Li L, Li H, Nan P, Zhang J, Wang Y, Huang C, Chen D, Zhang Y, Wen T, Zhan Q, Ma F, Qian H. Chromatin modifier MTA1 regulates mitotic transition and tumorigenesis by orchestrating mitotic mRNA processing. Nat Commun 2020; 11:4455. [PMID: 32901005 PMCID: PMC7479136 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-18259-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2019] [Accepted: 08/10/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Dysregulated alternative splicing (AS) driving carcinogenetic mitosis remains poorly understood. Here, we demonstrate that cancer metastasis-associated antigen 1 (MTA1), a well-known oncogenic chromatin modifier, broadly interacts and co-expresses with RBPs across cancers, contributing to cancerous mitosis-related AS. Using developed fCLIP-seq technology, we show that MTA1 binds abundant transcripts, preferentially at splicing-responsible motifs, influencing the abundance and AS pattern of target transcripts. MTA1 regulates the mRNA level and guides the AS of a series of mitosis regulators. MTA1 deletion abrogated the dynamic AS switches of variants for ATRX and MYBL2 at mitotic stage, which are relevant to mitosis-related tumorigenesis. MTA1 dysfunction causes defective mitotic arrest, leads to aberrant chromosome segregation, and results in chromosomal instability (CIN), eventually contributing to tumorigenesis. Currently, little is known about the RNA splicing during mitosis; here, we uncover that MTA1 binds transcripts and orchestrates dynamic splicing of mitosis regulators in tumorigenesis.
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Grants
- the National Natural Science Foundation of China, No.81502384
- the National Natural Science Foundation of China, No.81672459
- grant from ABLife, No.ABL2014-03005
- the CAMS Innovation Fund for Medical Sciences (CIFMS) No.2017-I2M-3-004 the National Natural Science Foundation of China, No.81874122
- the National Basic Research Program of China (973 Program) (No.2015CB553904), the CAMS Innovation Fund for Medical Sciences (CIFMS) (No.2016-I2M-1-001, 2019‐I2M‐1‐003), the National Natural Science Foundation of China (No. 81572842, 81872280), the Non-profit Central Research Institute Fund of Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (2017PT31029), the Open Issue of State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology (No. SKL-KF-2017-16), the Independent Issue of State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology (No. SKL-2017-16)
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China
- Medical Research Center, Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100020, China
| | - Chunxiao Li
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China
- Department of Medical Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China
| | - Jinsong Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China
| | - Dongkui Xu
- VIP Department, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China
| | - Haijuan Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China
| | - Ting Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China
| | - Lina Li
- Medical Research Center, Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100020, China
| | - Hui Li
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China
| | - Peng Nan
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China
| | - Jingyao Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China
| | - Yang Wang
- Institute of Cancer Stem Cell, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116044, China
| | - Changzhi Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China
| | - Dong Chen
- Center for Genome Analysis, ABLife Inc, Wuhan, 430075, China
| | - Yi Zhang
- Center for Genome Analysis, ABLife Inc, Wuhan, 430075, China
| | - Tao Wen
- Medical Research Center, Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100020, China.
| | - Qimin Zhan
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China.
- Key laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing), Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing, 100142, China.
| | - Fei Ma
- Department of Medical Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China.
| | - Haili Qian
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China.
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21
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Arunkumar G, Melters DP. Centromeric Transcription: A Conserved Swiss-Army Knife. Genes (Basel) 2020; 11:E911. [PMID: 32784923 PMCID: PMC7463856 DOI: 10.3390/genes11080911] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2020] [Revised: 08/05/2020] [Accepted: 08/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
In most species, the centromere is comprised of repetitive DNA sequences, which rapidly evolve. Paradoxically, centromeres fulfill an essential function during mitosis, as they are the chromosomal sites wherein, through the kinetochore, the mitotic spindles bind. It is now generally accepted that centromeres are transcribed, and that such transcription is associated with a broad range of functions. More than a decade of work on this topic has shown that centromeric transcripts are found across the eukaryotic tree and associate with heterochromatin formation, chromatin structure, kinetochore structure, centromeric protein loading, and inner centromere signaling. In this review, we discuss the conservation of small and long non-coding centromeric RNAs, their associations with various centromeric functions, and their potential roles in disease.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Daniël P. Melters
- Chromatin Structure and Epigenetic Mechanisms, Laboratory of Receptor Biology and Gene Expression, Center for Cancer Research, NCI, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA;
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22
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Martins NMC, Cisneros-Soberanis F, Pesenti E, Kochanova NY, Shang WH, Hori T, Nagase T, Kimura H, Larionov V, Masumoto H, Fukagawa T, Earnshaw WC. H3K9me3 maintenance on a human artificial chromosome is required for segregation but not centromere epigenetic memory. J Cell Sci 2020; 133:jcs242610. [PMID: 32576667 PMCID: PMC7390644 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.242610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2019] [Accepted: 06/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Most eukaryotic centromeres are located within heterochromatic regions. Paradoxically, heterochromatin can also antagonize de novo centromere formation, and some centromeres lack it altogether. In order to investigate the importance of heterochromatin at centromeres, we used epigenetic engineering of a synthetic alphoidtetO human artificial chromosome (HAC), to which chimeric proteins can be targeted. By tethering the JMJD2D demethylase (also known as KDM4D), we removed heterochromatin mark H3K9me3 (histone 3 lysine 9 trimethylation) specifically from the HAC centromere. This caused no short-term defects, but long-term tethering reduced HAC centromere protein levels and triggered HAC mis-segregation. However, centromeric CENP-A was maintained at a reduced level. Furthermore, HAC centromere function was compatible with an alternative low-H3K9me3, high-H3K27me3 chromatin signature, as long as residual levels of H3K9me3 remained. When JMJD2D was released from the HAC, H3K9me3 levels recovered over several days back to initial levels along with CENP-A and CENP-C centromere levels, and mitotic segregation fidelity. Our results suggest that a minimal level of heterochromatin is required to stabilize mitotic centromere function but not for maintaining centromere epigenetic memory, and that a homeostatic pathway maintains heterochromatin at centromeres.This article has an associated First Person interview with the first authors of the paper.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Elisa Pesenti
- Wellcome Trust Centre for Cell Biology, Edinburgh, UK
| | | | - Wei-Hao Shang
- Graduate School of Frontier Biosciences, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Tetsuya Hori
- Graduate School of Frontier Biosciences, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
| | | | - Hiroshi Kimura
- Cell Biology Unit, Institute of Innovative Research, Tokyo Institute of Technology, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Vladimir Larionov
- National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, USA
| | | | - Tatsuo Fukagawa
- Graduate School of Frontier Biosciences, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
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23
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Hsieh CL, Xia J, Lin H. MIWI prevents aneuploidy during meiosis by cleaving excess satellite RNA. EMBO J 2020; 39:e103614. [PMID: 32677148 DOI: 10.15252/embj.2019103614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2019] [Revised: 06/10/2020] [Accepted: 06/16/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
MIWI, a murine member of PIWI proteins mostly expressed during male meiosis, is crucial for piRNA biogenesis, post-transcriptional regulation, and spermiogenesis. However, its meiotic function remains unknown. Here, we report that MIWI deficiency alters meiotic kinetochore assembly, significantly increases chromosome misalignment at the meiosis metaphase I plate, and causes chromosome mis-segregation. Consequently, Miwi-deficient mice show elevated aneuploidy in metaphase II and spermatid death. Furthermore, in Miwi-null and Miwi slicer-deficient mutants, major and minor satellite RNAs from centromeric and pericentromeric satellite repeats accumulate in excess. Over-expression of satellite repeats in wild-type spermatocytes also causes elevated chromosome misalignment, whereas reduction of both strands of major or minor satellite RNAs results in lower frequencies of chromosome misalignment. We show that MIWI, guided by piRNA, cleaves major satellite RNAs, generating RNA fragments that may form substrates for subsequent Dicer cleavage. Furthermore, Dicer cleaves all satellite RNAs in conjunction with MIWI. These findings reveal a novel mechanism in which MIWI- and Dicer-mediated cleavage of the satellite RNAs prevents the over-expression of satellite RNAs, thus ensuring proper kinetochore assembly and faithful chromosome segregation during meiosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chia-Ling Hsieh
- Yale Stem Cell Center and Department of Cell Biology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Jing Xia
- Yale Stem Cell Center and Department of Cell Biology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Haifan Lin
- Yale Stem Cell Center and Department of Cell Biology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
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24
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Leo L, Marchetti M, Giunta S, Fanti L. Epigenetics as an Evolutionary Tool for Centromere Flexibility. Genes (Basel) 2020; 11:genes11070809. [PMID: 32708654 PMCID: PMC7397245 DOI: 10.3390/genes11070809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2020] [Revised: 07/11/2020] [Accepted: 07/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Centromeres are the complex structures responsible for the proper segregation of chromosomes during cell division. Structural or functional alterations of the centromere cause aneuploidies and other chromosomal aberrations that can induce cell death with consequences on health and survival of the organism as a whole. Because of their essential function in the cell, centromeres have evolved high flexibility and mechanisms of tolerance to preserve their function following stress, whether it is originating from within or outside the cell. Here, we review the main epigenetic mechanisms of centromeres’ adaptability to preserve their functional stability, with particular reference to neocentromeres and holocentromeres. The centromere position can shift in response to altered chromosome structures, but how and why neocentromeres appear in a given chromosome region are still open questions. Models of neocentromere formation developed during the last few years will be hereby discussed. Moreover, we will discuss the evolutionary significance of diffuse centromeres (holocentromeres) in organisms such as nematodes. Despite the differences in DNA sequences, protein composition and centromere size, all of these diverse centromere structures promote efficient chromosome segregation, balancing genome stability and adaptability, and ensuring faithful genome inheritance at each cellular generation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Leo
- Istituto Pasteur Italia, Dipartimento di Biologia e Biotecnologie “Charles Darwin”, “Sapienza” University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (L.L.); (M.M.); (S.G.)
| | - Marcella Marchetti
- Istituto Pasteur Italia, Dipartimento di Biologia e Biotecnologie “Charles Darwin”, “Sapienza” University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (L.L.); (M.M.); (S.G.)
| | - Simona Giunta
- Istituto Pasteur Italia, Dipartimento di Biologia e Biotecnologie “Charles Darwin”, “Sapienza” University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (L.L.); (M.M.); (S.G.)
- Laboratory of Chromosome and Cell Biology, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Laura Fanti
- Istituto Pasteur Italia, Dipartimento di Biologia e Biotecnologie “Charles Darwin”, “Sapienza” University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (L.L.); (M.M.); (S.G.)
- Correspondence:
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Micronuclei in germ cells of hybrid frogs from Pelophylax esculentus complex contain gradually eliminated chromosomes. Sci Rep 2020; 10:8720. [PMID: 32457346 PMCID: PMC7251083 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-64977-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2020] [Accepted: 04/23/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
In most organisms, cells typically maintain genome integrity, as radical genome reorganization leads to dramatic consequences. However, certain organisms, ranging from unicellular ciliates to vertebrates, are able to selectively eliminate specific parts of their genome during certain stages of development. Moreover, partial or complete elimination of one of the parental genomes occurs in interspecies hybrids reproducing asexually. Although several examples of this phenomenon are known, the molecular and cellular processes involved in selective elimination of genetic material remain largely undescribed for the majority of such organisms. Here, we elucidate the process of selective genome elimination in water frog hybrids from the Pelophylax esculentus complex reproducing through hybridogenesis. Specifically, in the gonads of diploid and triploid hybrids, but not those of the parental species, we revealed micronuclei in the cytoplasm of germ cells. In each micronucleus, only one centromere was detected with antibodies against kinetochore proteins, suggesting that each micronucleus comprises a single chromosome. Using 3D-FISH with species-specific centromeric probe, we determined the role of micronuclei in selective genome elimination. We found that in triploid LLR hybrids, micronuclei preferentially contain P. ridibundus chromosomes, while in diploid hybrids, micronuclei preferentially contain P. lessonae chromosomes. The number of centromere signals in the nuclei suggested that germ cells were aneuploid until they eliminate the whole chromosomal set of one of the parental species. Furthermore, in diploid hybrids, misaligned P. lessonae chromosomes were observed during the metaphase stage of germ cells division, suggesting their possible elimination due to the inability to attach to the spindle and segregate properly. Additionally, we described gonocytes with an increased number of P. ridibundus centromeres, indicating duplication of the genetic material. We conclude that selective genome elimination from germ cells of diploid and triploid hybrids occurs via the gradual elimination of individual chromosomes of one of the parental genomes, which are enclosed within micronuclei.
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Wong CYY, Ling YH, Mak JKH, Zhu J, Yuen KWY. "Lessons from the extremes: Epigenetic and genetic regulation in point monocentromere and holocentromere establishment on artificial chromosomes". Exp Cell Res 2020; 390:111974. [PMID: 32222413 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2020.111974] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2019] [Revised: 03/16/2020] [Accepted: 03/18/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
The formation of de novo centromeres on artificial chromosomes in humans (HACs) and fission yeast (SpYACs) has provided much insights to the epigenetic and genetic control on regional centromere establishment and maintenance. Similarly, the use of artificial chromosomes in point centromeric budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae (ScYACs) and holocentric Caenorhabditis elegans (WACs) has revealed epigenetic regulation in the originally thought purely genetically-determined point centromeres and some centromeric DNA sequence features in holocentromeres, respectively. These relatively extreme and less characterized centromere organizations, on the endogenous chromosomes and artificial chromosomes, will be discussed and compared to the more well-studied regional centromere systems. This review will highlight some of the common epigenetic and genetic features in different centromere architectures, including the presence of the centromeric histone H3 variant, CENP-A or CenH3, centromeric and pericentric transcription, AT-richness and repetitiveness of centromeric DNA sequences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charmaine Yan Yu Wong
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong
| | - Yick Hin Ling
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong
| | - Jason Ka Ho Mak
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong
| | - Jing Zhu
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong
| | - Karen Wing Yee Yuen
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong.
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27
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Ito KK, Watanabe K, Kitagawa D. The Emerging Role of ncRNAs and RNA-Binding Proteins in Mitotic Apparatus Formation. Noncoding RNA 2020; 6:E13. [PMID: 32245090 PMCID: PMC7151635 DOI: 10.3390/ncrna6010013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2019] [Revised: 03/09/2020] [Accepted: 03/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Mounting experimental evidence shows that non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) serve a wide variety of biological functions. Recent studies suggest that a part of ncRNAs are critically important for supporting the structure of subcellular architectures. Here, we summarize the current literature demonstrating the role of ncRNAs and RNA-binding proteins in regulating the assembly of mitotic apparatus, especially focusing on centrosomes, kinetochores, and mitotic spindles.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Daiju Kitagawa
- Department of Physiological Chemistry, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Science, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan; (K.K.I.); (K.W.)
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Singh PP, Shukla M, White SA, Lafos M, Tong P, Auchynnikava T, Spanos C, Rappsilber J, Pidoux AL, Allshire RC. Hap2-Ino80-facilitated transcription promotes de novo establishment of CENP-A chromatin. Genes Dev 2020; 34:226-238. [PMID: 31919190 PMCID: PMC7000912 DOI: 10.1101/gad.332536.119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2019] [Accepted: 12/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Centromeres are maintained epigenetically by the presence of CENP-A, an evolutionarily conserved histone H3 variant, which directs kinetochore assembly and hence centromere function. To identify factors that promote assembly of CENP-A chromatin, we affinity-selected solubilized fission yeast CENP-ACnp1 chromatin. All subunits of the Ino80 complex were enriched, including the auxiliary subunit Hap2. Chromatin association of Hap2 is Ies4-dependent. In addition to a role in maintenance of CENP-ACnp1 chromatin integrity at endogenous centromeres, Hap2 is required for de novo assembly of CENP-ACnp1 chromatin on naïve centromere DNA and promotes H3 turnover on centromere regions and other loci prone to CENP-ACnp1 deposition. Prior to CENP-ACnp1 chromatin assembly, Hap2 facilitates transcription from centromere DNA. These analyses suggest that Hap2-Ino80 destabilizes H3 nucleosomes on centromere DNA through transcription-coupled histone H3 turnover, driving the replacement of resident H3 nucleosomes with CENP-ACnp1 nucleosomes. These inherent properties define centromere DNA by directing a program that mediates CENP-ACnp1 assembly on appropriate sequences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Puneet P. Singh
- Wellcome Centre for Cell Biology, School of Biological Sciences, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH9 3BF, United Kingdom
| | - Manu Shukla
- Wellcome Centre for Cell Biology, School of Biological Sciences, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH9 3BF, United Kingdom
| | - Sharon A. White
- Wellcome Centre for Cell Biology, School of Biological Sciences, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH9 3BF, United Kingdom
| | - Marcel Lafos
- Wellcome Centre for Cell Biology, School of Biological Sciences, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH9 3BF, United Kingdom
| | - Pin Tong
- Wellcome Centre for Cell Biology, School of Biological Sciences, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH9 3BF, United Kingdom
| | - Tatsiana Auchynnikava
- Wellcome Centre for Cell Biology, School of Biological Sciences, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH9 3BF, United Kingdom
| | - Christos Spanos
- Wellcome Centre for Cell Biology, School of Biological Sciences, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH9 3BF, United Kingdom
| | - Juri Rappsilber
- Wellcome Centre for Cell Biology, School of Biological Sciences, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH9 3BF, United Kingdom;,Bioanalytics, Institute of Biotechnology, Technische Universität Berlin, 13355 Berlin, Germany
| | - Alison L. Pidoux
- Wellcome Centre for Cell Biology, School of Biological Sciences, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH9 3BF, United Kingdom
| | - Robin C. Allshire
- Wellcome Centre for Cell Biology, School of Biological Sciences, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH9 3BF, United Kingdom
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29
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Centromeric Non-Coding RNAs: Conservation and Diversity in Function. Noncoding RNA 2020; 6:ncrna6010004. [PMID: 31963472 PMCID: PMC7151564 DOI: 10.3390/ncrna6010004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2019] [Revised: 12/16/2019] [Accepted: 01/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Chromosome segregation is strictly regulated for the proper distribution of genetic material to daughter cells. During this process, mitotic chromosomes are pulled to both poles by bundles of microtubules attached to kinetochores that are assembled on the chromosomes. Centromeres are specific regions where kinetochores assemble. Although these regions were previously considered to be silent, some experimental studies have demonstrated that transcription occurs in these regions to generate non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs). These centromeric ncRNAs (cenRNAs) are involved in centromere functions. Here, we describe the currently available information on the functions of cenRNAs in several species.
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Louzada S, Lopes M, Ferreira D, Adega F, Escudeiro A, Gama-Carvalho M, Chaves R. Decoding the Role of Satellite DNA in Genome Architecture and Plasticity-An Evolutionary and Clinical Affair. Genes (Basel) 2020; 11:E72. [PMID: 31936645 PMCID: PMC7017282 DOI: 10.3390/genes11010072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2019] [Revised: 12/29/2019] [Accepted: 01/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Repetitive DNA is a major organizational component of eukaryotic genomes, being intrinsically related with their architecture and evolution. Tandemly repeated satellite DNAs (satDNAs) can be found clustered in specific heterochromatin-rich chromosomal regions, building vital structures like functional centromeres and also dispersed within euchromatin. Interestingly, despite their association to critical chromosomal structures, satDNAs are widely variable among species due to their high turnover rates. This dynamic behavior has been associated with genome plasticity and chromosome rearrangements, leading to the reshaping of genomes. Here we present the current knowledge regarding satDNAs in the light of new genomic technologies, and the challenges in the study of these sequences. Furthermore, we discuss how these sequences, together with other repeats, influence genome architecture, impacting its evolution and association with disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Louzada
- Laboratory of Cytogenomics and Animal Genomics (CAG), Department of Genetics and Biotechnology (DGB), University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro (UTAD), 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal; (S.L.); (M.L.); (D.F.); (F.A.); (A.E.)
- Biosystems and Integrative Sciences Institute (BioISI), Faculty of Sciences, University of Lisboa, 1749-016 Lisbon, Portugal;
| | - Mariana Lopes
- Laboratory of Cytogenomics and Animal Genomics (CAG), Department of Genetics and Biotechnology (DGB), University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro (UTAD), 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal; (S.L.); (M.L.); (D.F.); (F.A.); (A.E.)
- Biosystems and Integrative Sciences Institute (BioISI), Faculty of Sciences, University of Lisboa, 1749-016 Lisbon, Portugal;
| | - Daniela Ferreira
- Laboratory of Cytogenomics and Animal Genomics (CAG), Department of Genetics and Biotechnology (DGB), University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro (UTAD), 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal; (S.L.); (M.L.); (D.F.); (F.A.); (A.E.)
- Biosystems and Integrative Sciences Institute (BioISI), Faculty of Sciences, University of Lisboa, 1749-016 Lisbon, Portugal;
| | - Filomena Adega
- Laboratory of Cytogenomics and Animal Genomics (CAG), Department of Genetics and Biotechnology (DGB), University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro (UTAD), 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal; (S.L.); (M.L.); (D.F.); (F.A.); (A.E.)
- Biosystems and Integrative Sciences Institute (BioISI), Faculty of Sciences, University of Lisboa, 1749-016 Lisbon, Portugal;
| | - Ana Escudeiro
- Laboratory of Cytogenomics and Animal Genomics (CAG), Department of Genetics and Biotechnology (DGB), University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro (UTAD), 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal; (S.L.); (M.L.); (D.F.); (F.A.); (A.E.)
- Biosystems and Integrative Sciences Institute (BioISI), Faculty of Sciences, University of Lisboa, 1749-016 Lisbon, Portugal;
| | - Margarida Gama-Carvalho
- Biosystems and Integrative Sciences Institute (BioISI), Faculty of Sciences, University of Lisboa, 1749-016 Lisbon, Portugal;
| | - Raquel Chaves
- Laboratory of Cytogenomics and Animal Genomics (CAG), Department of Genetics and Biotechnology (DGB), University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro (UTAD), 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal; (S.L.); (M.L.); (D.F.); (F.A.); (A.E.)
- Biosystems and Integrative Sciences Institute (BioISI), Faculty of Sciences, University of Lisboa, 1749-016 Lisbon, Portugal;
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Liu Y, Su H, Zhang J, Liu Y, Feng C, Han F. Back-spliced RNA from retrotransposon binds to centromere and regulates centromeric chromatin loops in maize. PLoS Biol 2020. [PMID: 31995554 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.3000582.g006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/21/2023] Open
Abstract
In most plants, centromeric DNA contains highly repetitive sequences, including tandem repeats and retrotransposons; however, the roles of these sequences in the structure and function of the centromere are unclear. Here, we found that multiple RNA sequences from centromeric retrotransposons (CRMs) were enriched in maize (Zea mays) centromeres, and back-spliced RNAs were generated from CRM1. We identified 3 types of CRM1-derived circular RNAs with the same back-splicing site based on the back-spliced sequences. These circular RNAs bound to the centromere through R-loops. Two R-loop sites inside a single circular RNA promoted the formation of chromatin loops in CRM1 regions. When RNA interference (RNAi) was used to target the back-splicing site of the circular CRM1 RNAs, the levels of R-loops and chromatin loops formed by these circular RNAs decreased, while the levels of R-loops produced by linear RNAs with similar binding sites increased. Linear RNAs with only one R-loop site could not promote chromatin loop formation. Higher levels of R-loops and lower levels of chromatin loops in the CRM1 regions of RNAi plants led to a reduced localization of the centromeric H3 variant (CENH3). Our work reveals centromeric chromatin organization by circular CRM1 RNAs via R-loops and chromatin loops, which suggested that CRM1 elements might help build a suitable chromatin environment during centromere evolution. These results highlight that R-loops are integral components of centromeric chromatin and proper centromere structure is essential for CENH3 localization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yalin Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Cell and Chromosome Engineering, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Handong Su
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Cell and Chromosome Engineering, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jing Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Cell and Chromosome Engineering, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yang Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Cell and Chromosome Engineering, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Chao Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Cell and Chromosome Engineering, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Fangpu Han
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Cell and Chromosome Engineering, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
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32
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Liu Y, Su H, Zhang J, Liu Y, Feng C, Han F. Back-spliced RNA from retrotransposon binds to centromere and regulates centromeric chromatin loops in maize. PLoS Biol 2020; 18:e3000582. [PMID: 31995554 PMCID: PMC7010299 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.3000582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2019] [Revised: 02/10/2020] [Accepted: 01/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
In most plants, centromeric DNA contains highly repetitive sequences, including tandem repeats and retrotransposons; however, the roles of these sequences in the structure and function of the centromere are unclear. Here, we found that multiple RNA sequences from centromeric retrotransposons (CRMs) were enriched in maize (Zea mays) centromeres, and back-spliced RNAs were generated from CRM1. We identified 3 types of CRM1-derived circular RNAs with the same back-splicing site based on the back-spliced sequences. These circular RNAs bound to the centromere through R-loops. Two R-loop sites inside a single circular RNA promoted the formation of chromatin loops in CRM1 regions. When RNA interference (RNAi) was used to target the back-splicing site of the circular CRM1 RNAs, the levels of R-loops and chromatin loops formed by these circular RNAs decreased, while the levels of R-loops produced by linear RNAs with similar binding sites increased. Linear RNAs with only one R-loop site could not promote chromatin loop formation. Higher levels of R-loops and lower levels of chromatin loops in the CRM1 regions of RNAi plants led to a reduced localization of the centromeric H3 variant (CENH3). Our work reveals centromeric chromatin organization by circular CRM1 RNAs via R-loops and chromatin loops, which suggested that CRM1 elements might help build a suitable chromatin environment during centromere evolution. These results highlight that R-loops are integral components of centromeric chromatin and proper centromere structure is essential for CENH3 localization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yalin Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Cell and Chromosome Engineering, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Handong Su
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Cell and Chromosome Engineering, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jing Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Cell and Chromosome Engineering, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yang Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Cell and Chromosome Engineering, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Chao Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Cell and Chromosome Engineering, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Fangpu Han
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Cell and Chromosome Engineering, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
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33
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Khosraviani N, Ostrowski LA, Mekhail K. Roles for Non-coding RNAs in Spatial Genome Organization. Front Cell Dev Biol 2019; 7:336. [PMID: 31921848 PMCID: PMC6930868 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2019.00336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2019] [Accepted: 11/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Genetic loci are non-randomly arranged in the nucleus of the cell. This order, which is important to overall genome expression and stability, is maintained by a growing number of factors including the nuclear envelope, various genetic elements and dedicated protein complexes. Here, we review evidence supporting roles for non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) in the regulation of spatial genome organization and its impact on gene expression and cell survival. Specifically, we discuss how ncRNAs from single-copy and repetitive DNA loci contribute to spatial genome organization by impacting perinuclear chromosome tethering, major nuclear compartments, chromatin looping, and various chromosomal structures. Overall, our analysis of the literature highlights central functions for ncRNAs and their transcription in the modulation of spatial genome organization with connections to human health and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Negin Khosraviani
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, MaRS Centre, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Lauren A. Ostrowski
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, MaRS Centre, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Karim Mekhail
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, MaRS Centre, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Canada Research Chairs Program, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
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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: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [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.
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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.
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35
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Duda Z, Trusiak S, O'Neill R. Centromere Transcription: Means and Motive. PROGRESS IN MOLECULAR AND SUBCELLULAR BIOLOGY 2019; 56:257-281. [PMID: 28840241 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-58592-5_11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
The chromosome biology field at large has benefited from studies of the cell cycle components, protein cascades and genomic landscape that are required for centromere identity, assembly and stable transgenerational inheritance. Research over the past 20 years has challenged the classical descriptions of a centromere as a stable, unmutable, and transcriptionally silent chromosome component. Instead, based on studies from a broad range of eukaryotic species, including yeast, fungi, plants, and animals, the centromere has been redefined as one of the more dynamic areas of the eukaryotic genome, requiring coordination of protein complex assembly, chromatin assembly, and transcriptional activity in a cell cycle specific manner. What has emerged from more recent studies is the realization that the transcription of specific types of nucleic acids is a key process in defining centromere integrity and function. To illustrate the transcriptional landscape of centromeres across eukaryotes, we focus this review on how transcripts interact with centromere proteins, when in the cell cycle centromeric transcription occurs, and what types of sequences are being transcribed. Utilizing data from broadly different organisms, a picture emerges that places centromeric transcription as an integral component of centromere function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zachary Duda
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, The Institute for Systems Genomics, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, 06269, USA
| | - Sarah Trusiak
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, The Institute for Systems Genomics, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, 06269, USA
| | - Rachel O'Neill
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, The Institute for Systems Genomics, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, 06269, USA.
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36
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Smurova K, De Wulf P. Centromere and Pericentromere Transcription: Roles and Regulation … in Sickness and in Health. Front Genet 2018; 9:674. [PMID: 30627137 PMCID: PMC6309819 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2018.00674] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2018] [Accepted: 12/04/2018] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The chromosomal loci known as centromeres (CEN) mediate the equal distribution of the duplicated genome between both daughter cells. Specifically, centromeres recruit a protein complex named the kinetochore, that bi-orients the replicated chromosome pairs to the mitotic or meiotic spindle structure. The paired chromosomes are then separated, and the individual chromosomes segregate in opposite direction along the regressing spindle into each daughter cell. Erroneous kinetochore assembly or activity produces aneuploid cells that contain an abnormal number of chromosomes. Aneuploidy may incite cell death, developmental defects (including genetic syndromes), and cancer (>90% of all cancer cells are aneuploid). While kinetochores and their activities have been preserved through evolution, the CEN DNA sequences have not. Hence, to be recognized as sites for kinetochore assembly, CEN display conserved structural themes. In addition, CEN nucleosomes enclose a CEN-exclusive variant of histone H3, named CENP-A, and carry distinct epigenetic labels on CENP-A and the other CEN histone proteins. Through the cell cycle, CEN are transcribed into non-coding RNAs. After subsequent processing, they become key components of the CEN chromatin by marking the CEN locus and by stably anchoring the CEN-binding kinetochore proteins. CEN transcription is tightly regulated, of low intensity, and essential for differentiation and development. Under- or overexpression of CEN transcripts, as documented for myriad cancers, provoke chromosome missegregation and aneuploidy. CEN are genetically stable and fully competent only when they are insulated from the surrounding, pericentromeric chromatin, which must be silenced. We will review CEN transcription and its contribution to faithful kinetochore function. We will further discuss how pericentromeric chromatin is silenced by RNA processing and transcriptionally repressive chromatin marks. We will report on the transcriptional misregulation of (peri)centromeres during stress, natural aging, and disease and reflect on whether their transcripts can serve as future diagnostic tools and anti-cancer targets in the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ksenia Smurova
- Centre for Integrative Biology, University of Trento, Trento, Italy
| | - Peter De Wulf
- Centre for Integrative Biology, University of Trento, Trento, Italy
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37
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Shukla M, Tong P, White SA, Singh PP, Reid AM, Catania S, Pidoux AL, Allshire RC. Centromere DNA Destabilizes H3 Nucleosomes to Promote CENP-A Deposition during the Cell Cycle. Curr Biol 2018; 28:3924-3936.e4. [PMID: 30503616 PMCID: PMC6303189 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2018.10.049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2017] [Revised: 09/12/2018] [Accepted: 10/22/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Active centromeres are defined by the presence of nucleosomes containing CENP-A, a histone H3 variant, which alone is sufficient to direct kinetochore assembly. Once assembled at a location, CENP-A chromatin and kinetochores are maintained at that location through a positive feedback loop where kinetochore proteins recruited by CENP-A promote deposition of new CENP-A following replication. Although CENP-A chromatin itself is a heritable entity, it is normally associated with specific sequences. Intrinsic properties of centromeric DNA may favor the assembly of CENP-A rather than H3 nucleosomes. Here we investigate histone dynamics on centromere DNA. We show that during S phase, histone H3 is deposited as a placeholder at fission yeast centromeres and is subsequently evicted in G2, when we detect deposition of the majority of new CENP-ACnp1. We also find that centromere DNA has an innate property of driving high rates of turnover of H3-containing nucleosomes, resulting in low nucleosome occupancy. When placed at an ectopic chromosomal location in the absence of any CENP-ACnp1 assembly, centromere DNA appears to retain its ability to impose S phase deposition and G2 eviction of H3, suggesting that features within centromere DNA program H3 dynamics. Because RNA polymerase II (RNAPII) occupancy on this centromere DNA coincides with H3 eviction in G2, we propose a model in which RNAPII-coupled chromatin remodeling promotes replacement of H3 with CENP-ACnp1 nucleosomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manu Shukla
- Wellcome Centre for Cell Biology and Institute of Cell Biology, School of Biological Sciences, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH9 3BF, UK.
| | - Pin Tong
- Wellcome Centre for Cell Biology and Institute of Cell Biology, School of Biological Sciences, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH9 3BF, UK
| | - Sharon A White
- Wellcome Centre for Cell Biology and Institute of Cell Biology, School of Biological Sciences, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH9 3BF, UK
| | - Puneet P Singh
- Wellcome Centre for Cell Biology and Institute of Cell Biology, School of Biological Sciences, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH9 3BF, UK
| | - Angus M Reid
- Wellcome Centre for Cell Biology and Institute of Cell Biology, School of Biological Sciences, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH9 3BF, UK
| | - Sandra Catania
- Wellcome Centre for Cell Biology and Institute of Cell Biology, School of Biological Sciences, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH9 3BF, UK
| | - Alison L Pidoux
- Wellcome Centre for Cell Biology and Institute of Cell Biology, School of Biological Sciences, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH9 3BF, UK
| | - Robin C Allshire
- Wellcome Centre for Cell Biology and Institute of Cell Biology, School of Biological Sciences, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH9 3BF, UK.
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38
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Pellacani C, Bucciarelli E, Renda F, Hayward D, Palena A, Chen J, Bonaccorsi S, Wakefield JG, Gatti M, Somma MP. Splicing factors Sf3A2 and Prp31 have direct roles in mitotic chromosome segregation. eLife 2018; 7:40325. [PMID: 30475206 PMCID: PMC6287947 DOI: 10.7554/elife.40325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2018] [Accepted: 11/14/2018] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Several studies have shown that RNAi-mediated depletion of splicing factors (SFs) results in mitotic abnormalities. However, it is currently unclear whether these abnormalities reflect defective splicing of specific pre-mRNAs or a direct role of the SFs in mitosis. Here, we show that two highly conserved SFs, Sf3A2 and Prp31, are required for chromosome segregation in both Drosophila and human cells. Injections of anti-Sf3A2 and anti-Prp31 antibodies into Drosophila embryos disrupt mitotic division within 1 min, arguing strongly against a splicing-related mitotic function of these factors. We demonstrate that both SFs bind spindle microtubules (MTs) and the Ndc80 complex, which in Sf3A2- and Prp31-depleted cells is not tightly associated with the kinetochores; in HeLa cells the Ndc80/HEC1-SF interaction is restricted to the M phase. These results indicate that Sf3A2 and Prp31 directly regulate interactions among kinetochores, spindle microtubules and the Ndc80 complex in both Drosophila and human cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Pellacani
- Istituto di Biologia e Patologia Molecolari del CNR, Sapienza Università di Roma, Roma, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Bucciarelli
- Istituto di Biologia e Patologia Molecolari del CNR, Sapienza Università di Roma, Roma, Italy
| | - Fioranna Renda
- Dipartimento di Biologia e Biotecnologie "C. Darwin", Sapienza Università di Roma, Roma, Italy
| | - Daniel Hayward
- Biosciences/Living Systems Institute, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Exeter, Exeter, United Kingdom
| | - Antonella Palena
- Istituto di Biologia e Patologia Molecolari del CNR, Sapienza Università di Roma, Roma, Italy
| | - Jack Chen
- Biosciences/Living Systems Institute, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Exeter, Exeter, United Kingdom
| | - Silvia Bonaccorsi
- Dipartimento di Biologia e Biotecnologie "C. Darwin", Sapienza Università di Roma, Roma, Italy
| | - James G Wakefield
- Biosciences/Living Systems Institute, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Exeter, Exeter, United Kingdom
| | - Maurizio Gatti
- Istituto di Biologia e Patologia Molecolari del CNR, Sapienza Università di Roma, Roma, Italy.,Dipartimento di Biologia e Biotecnologie "C. Darwin", Sapienza Università di Roma, Roma, Italy
| | - Maria Patrizia Somma
- Istituto di Biologia e Patologia Molecolari del CNR, Sapienza Università di Roma, Roma, Italy
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39
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Duek P, Gateau A, Bairoch A, Lane L. Exploring the Uncharacterized Human Proteome Using neXtProt. J Proteome Res 2018; 17:4211-4226. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.jproteome.8b00537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
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40
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Novais-Cruz M, Alba Abad M, van IJcken WFJ, Galjart N, Jeyaprakash AA, Maiato H, Ferrás C. Mitotic progression, arrest, exit or death relies on centromere structural integrity, rather than de novo transcription. eLife 2018; 7:36898. [PMID: 30080136 PMCID: PMC6128689 DOI: 10.7554/elife.36898] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2018] [Accepted: 08/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent studies have challenged the prevailing dogma that transcription is repressed during mitosis. Transcription was also proposed to sustain a robust spindle assembly checkpoint (SAC) response. Here, we used live-cell imaging of human cells, RNA-seq and qPCR to investigate the requirement for de novo transcription during mitosis. Under conditions of persistently unattached kinetochores, transcription inhibition with actinomycin D, or treatment with other DNA-intercalating drugs, delocalized the chromosomal passenger complex (CPC) protein Aurora B from centromeres, compromising SAC signaling and cell fate. However, we were unable to detect significant changes in mitotic transcript levels. Moreover, inhibition of transcription independently of DNA intercalation had no effect on Aurora B centromeric localization, SAC response, mitotic progression, exit or death. Mechanistically, we show that DNA intercalating agents reduce the interaction of the CPC with nucleosomes. Thus, mitotic progression, arrest, exit or death is determined by centromere structural integrity, rather than de novo transcription.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Novais-Cruz
- Chromosome Instability & Dynamics Laboratory, Instituto de Biologia Molecular e CelularUniversidade do PortoPortoPortugal
- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde (i3S)Universidade do PortoPortoPortugal
| | - Maria Alba Abad
- Wellcome Trust Centre for Cell BiologyUniversity of EdinburghEdinburghUnited Kingdom
| | | | - Niels Galjart
- Department of Cell BiologyErasmus Medical CenterRotterdamNetherlands
| | - A Arockia Jeyaprakash
- Wellcome Trust Centre for Cell BiologyUniversity of EdinburghEdinburghUnited Kingdom
| | - Helder Maiato
- Chromosome Instability & Dynamics Laboratory, Instituto de Biologia Molecular e CelularUniversidade do PortoPortoPortugal
- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde (i3S)Universidade do PortoPortoPortugal
- Cell Division Group, Experimental Biology Unit, Department of Biomedicine, Faculdade de MedicinaUniversidade do PortoPortoPortugal
| | - Cristina Ferrás
- Chromosome Instability & Dynamics Laboratory, Instituto de Biologia Molecular e CelularUniversidade do PortoPortoPortugal
- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde (i3S)Universidade do PortoPortoPortugal
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41
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Talbert PB, Henikoff S. Transcribing Centromeres: Noncoding RNAs and Kinetochore Assembly. Trends Genet 2018; 34:587-599. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tig.2018.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2018] [Revised: 05/08/2018] [Accepted: 05/09/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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42
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Kinase-controlled phase transition of membraneless organelles in mitosis. Nature 2018; 559:211-216. [PMID: 29973724 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-018-0279-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 231] [Impact Index Per Article: 38.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2017] [Accepted: 05/15/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Liquid-liquid phase separation has been shown to underlie the formation and disassembly of membraneless organelles in cells, but the cellular mechanisms that control this phenomenon are poorly understood. A prominent example of regulated and reversible segregation of liquid phases may occur during mitosis, when membraneless organelles disappear upon nuclear-envelope breakdown and reappear as mitosis is completed. Here we show that the dual-specificity kinase DYRK3 acts as a central dissolvase of several types of membraneless organelle during mitosis. DYRK3 kinase activity is essential to prevent the unmixing of the mitotic cytoplasm into aberrant liquid-like hybrid organelles and the over-nucleation of spindle bodies. Our work supports a mechanism in which the dilution of phase-separating proteins during nuclear-envelope breakdown and the DYRK3-dependent degree of their solubility combine to allow cells to dissolve and condense several membraneless organelles during mitosis.
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43
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Bobkov GOM, Gilbert N, Heun P. Centromere transcription allows CENP-A to transit from chromatin association to stable incorporation. J Cell Biol 2018; 217:1957-1972. [PMID: 29626011 PMCID: PMC5987708 DOI: 10.1083/jcb.201611087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2016] [Revised: 07/11/2017] [Accepted: 03/14/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
How transcription contributes to the loading of the centromere histone CENP-A is unclear. Bobkov et al. report that transcription-mediated chromatin remodeling enables the transition of centromeric CENP-A from chromatin association to full nucleosome incorporation. Centromeres are essential for chromosome segregation and are specified epigenetically by the presence of the histone H3 variant CENP-A. In flies and humans, replenishment of the centromeric mark is uncoupled from DNA replication and requires the removal of H3 “placeholder” nucleosomes. Although transcription at centromeres has been previously linked to the loading of new CENP-A, the underlying molecular mechanism remains poorly understood. Here, we used Drosophila melanogaster tissue culture cells to show that centromeric presence of actively transcribing RNA polymerase II temporally coincides with de novo deposition of dCENP-A. Using a newly developed dCENP-A loading system that is independent of acute transcription, we found that short inhibition of transcription impaired dCENP-A incorporation into chromatin. Interestingly, initial targeting of dCENP-A to centromeres was unaffected, revealing two stability states of newly loaded dCENP-A: a salt-sensitive association with the centromere and a salt-resistant chromatin-incorporated form. This suggests that transcription-mediated chromatin remodeling is required for the transition of dCENP-A to fully incorporated nucleosomes at the centromere.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georg O M Bobkov
- Wellcome Trust Centre for Cell Biology and Institute of Cell Biology, School of Biological Sciences, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Scotland, UK.,Faculty of Biology, Albert Ludwigs Universität Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Nick Gilbert
- Medical Research Council Human Genetics Unit, Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Scotland, UK
| | - Patrick Heun
- Wellcome Trust Centre for Cell Biology and Institute of Cell Biology, School of Biological Sciences, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Scotland, UK
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44
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McNulty SM, Sullivan LL, Sullivan BA. Human Centromeres Produce Chromosome-Specific and Array-Specific Alpha Satellite Transcripts that Are Complexed with CENP-A and CENP-C. Dev Cell 2017; 42:226-240.e6. [PMID: 28787590 DOI: 10.1016/j.devcel.2017.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 130] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2017] [Revised: 05/24/2017] [Accepted: 07/03/2017] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Human centromeres are defined by alpha satellite DNA arrays that are distinct and chromosome specific. Most human chromosomes contain multiple alpha satellite arrays that are competent for centromere assembly. Here, we show that human centromeres are defined by chromosome-specific RNAs linked to underlying organization of distinct alpha satellite arrays. Active and inactive arrays on the same chromosome produce discrete sets of transcripts in cis. Non-coding RNAs produced from active arrays are complexed with CENP-A and CENP-C, while inactive-array transcripts associate with CENP-B and are generally less stable. Loss of CENP-A does not affect transcript abundance or stability. However, depletion of array-specific RNAs reduces CENP-A and CENP-C at the targeted centromere via faulty CENP-A loading, arresting cells before mitosis. This work shows that each human alpha satellite array produces a unique set of non-coding transcripts, and RNAs present at active centromeres are necessary for kinetochore assembly and cell-cycle progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shannon M McNulty
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Lori L Sullivan
- 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.
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45
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Garrido-Ramos MA. Satellite DNA: An Evolving Topic. Genes (Basel) 2017; 8:genes8090230. [PMID: 28926993 PMCID: PMC5615363 DOI: 10.3390/genes8090230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 222] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2017] [Revised: 09/12/2017] [Accepted: 09/13/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Satellite DNA represents one of the most fascinating parts of the repetitive fraction of the eukaryotic genome. Since the discovery of highly repetitive tandem DNA in the 1960s, a lot of literature has extensively covered various topics related to the structure, organization, function, and evolution of such sequences. Today, with the advent of genomic tools, the study of satellite DNA has regained a great interest. Thus, Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS), together with high-throughput in silico analysis of the information contained in NGS reads, has revolutionized the analysis of the repetitive fraction of the eukaryotic genomes. The whole of the historical and current approaches to the topic gives us a broad view of the function and evolution of satellite DNA and its role in chromosomal evolution. Currently, we have extensive information on the molecular, chromosomal, biological, and population factors that affect the evolutionary fate of satellite DNA, knowledge that gives rise to a series of hypotheses that get on well with each other about the origin, spreading, and evolution of satellite DNA. In this paper, I review these hypotheses from a methodological, conceptual, and historical perspective and frame them in the context of chromosomal organization and evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuel A Garrido-Ramos
- Departamento de Genética, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Granada, 18071 Granada, Spain.
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46
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Schalch T, Steiner FA. Structure of centromere chromatin: from nucleosome to chromosomal architecture. Chromosoma 2017; 126:443-455. [PMID: 27858158 PMCID: PMC5509776 DOI: 10.1007/s00412-016-0620-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2016] [Revised: 11/09/2016] [Accepted: 11/10/2016] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The centromere is essential for the segregation of chromosomes, as it serves as attachment site for microtubules to mediate chromosome segregation during mitosis and meiosis. In most organisms, the centromere is restricted to one chromosomal region that appears as primary constriction on the condensed chromosome and is partitioned into two chromatin domains: The centromere core is characterized by the centromere-specific histone H3 variant CENP-A (also called cenH3) and is required for specifying the centromere and for building the kinetochore complex during mitosis. This core region is generally flanked by pericentric heterochromatin, characterized by nucleosomes containing H3 methylated on lysine 9 (H3K9me) that are bound by heterochromatin proteins. During mitosis, these two domains together form a three-dimensional structure that exposes CENP-A-containing chromatin to the surface for interaction with the kinetochore and microtubules. At the same time, this structure supports the tension generated during the segregation of sister chromatids to opposite poles. In this review, we discuss recent insight into the characteristics of the centromere, from the specialized chromatin structures at the centromere core and the pericentromere to the three-dimensional organization of these regions that make up the functional centromere.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Schalch
- Department of Molecular Biology, Sciences III, Institute of Genetics and Genomics of Geneva (iGE3), University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland.
| | - Florian A Steiner
- Department of Molecular Biology, Sciences III, Institute of Genetics and Genomics of Geneva (iGE3), University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland.
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47
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Johnson WL, Yewdell WT, Bell JC, McNulty SM, Duda Z, O'Neill RJ, Sullivan BA, Straight AF. RNA-dependent stabilization of SUV39H1 at constitutive heterochromatin. eLife 2017; 6. [PMID: 28760200 PMCID: PMC5538822 DOI: 10.7554/elife.25299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 101] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2017] [Accepted: 06/07/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Heterochromatin formed by the SUV39 histone methyltransferases represses transcription from repetitive DNA sequences and ensures genomic stability. How SUV39 enzymes localize to their target genomic loci remains unclear. Here, we demonstrate that chromatin-associated RNA contributes to the stable association of SUV39H1 with constitutive heterochromatin in human cells. We find that RNA associated with mitotic chromosomes is concentrated at pericentric heterochromatin, and is encoded, in part, by repetitive α-satellite sequences, which are retained in cis at their transcription sites. Purified SUV39H1 directly binds nucleic acids through its chromodomain; and in cells, SUV39H1 associates with α-satellite RNA transcripts. Furthermore, nucleic acid binding mutants destabilize the association of SUV39H1 with chromatin in mitotic and interphase cells – effects that can be recapitulated by RNase treatment or RNA polymerase inhibition – and cause defects in heterochromatin function. Collectively, our findings uncover a previously unrealized function for chromatin-associated RNA in regulating constitutive heterochromatin in human cells. DOI:http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.25299.001 Each cell in a human body contains the same DNA sequence, which serves as a set of instructions for how the body should develop and operate. However, only certain sections of DNA are “active” at any particular time and in any given type of cell. When a section of DNA is active, cells make many copies of it using a molecule called RNA. When a section of DNA in inactive, very little RNA is made. Some sections of DNA must always be kept inactive to avoid damaging the cell. DNA is packaged around proteins called histones, and enzymes that modify histones control which sections of DNA are switched on or off. One such modifying enzyme, called SUV39H1, is important for inactivating sections of DNA that could cause harm to the cell if they are active. Previous studies showed that the loss of SUV39H1 and related proteins cause abnormalities and cancer in mice. However, it is not clear how this enzyme identifies and inactivates the DNA it needs to target. Johnson, Yewdell et al. studied SUV39H1 in human cells. The experiments show that RNA binds to the SUV39H1 enzyme and controls how it interacts with DNA. Specifically, Johnson, Yewdell et al. found that sections of DNA that are inactive can still make a small amount of RNA, and that this RNA tethers SUV39H1 to the DNA to keep the DNA switched off. Mutant forms of SUV39H1 that are unable to interact with RNA fall off the DNA, which allows DNA sequences that are normally switched off to become active. The findings of Johnson, Yewdell et al. reveal a new role for RNAs in regulating whether DNA is switched on or off. The next step is to determine whether other enzymes that can also modify histones use the same mechanism to activate or inactivate DNA. Differences in how the activity of DNA is regulated between individuals plays a crucial role in generating the diversity we see in nature. Therefore, this work helps us to understand our basic biology and may provide new opportunities for treating disease. DOI:http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.25299.002
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Affiliation(s)
- Whitney L Johnson
- Department of Biochemistry, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, United States
| | - William T Yewdell
- Department of Biochemistry, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, United States
| | - Jason C Bell
- Department of Biochemistry, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, United States
| | - Shannon M McNulty
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, United States
| | - Zachary Duda
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Connecticut, Storrs, United States.,Institute for Systems Genomics, University of Connecticut, Storrs, United States
| | - Rachel J O'Neill
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Connecticut, Storrs, United States.,Institute for Systems Genomics, University of Connecticut, Storrs, United States
| | - Beth A Sullivan
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, United States
| | - Aaron F Straight
- Department of Biochemistry, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, United States
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48
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Fukagawa T. Critical histone post-translational modifications for centromere function and propagation. Cell Cycle 2017; 16:1259-1265. [PMID: 28598241 DOI: 10.1080/15384101.2017.1325044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The centromere is a critical genomic region that enables faithful chromosome segregation during mitosis, and must be distinguishable from other genomic regions to facilitate establishment of the kinetochore. The centromere-specific histone H3-variant CENP-A forms a special nucleosome that functions as a marker for centromere specification. In addition to the CENP-A nucleosomes, there are additional H3 nucleosomes that have been identified in centromeres, both of which are predicted to exhibit specific features. It is likely that the composite organization of CENP-A and H3 nucleosomes contributes to the formation of centromere-specific chromatin, termed 'centrochromatin'. Recent studies suggest that centrochromatin has specific histone modifications that mediate centromere specification and kinetochore assembly. We use chicken non-repetitive centromeres as a model of centromeric activities to characterize functional features of centrochromatin. This review discusses our recent progress, and that of various other research groups, in elucidating the functional roles of histone modifications in centrochromatin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatsuo Fukagawa
- a Graduate School of Frontier Biosciences , Osaka University , Suita , Osaka , Japan
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49
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Musacchio A, Desai A. A Molecular View of Kinetochore Assembly and Function. BIOLOGY 2017; 6:E5. [PMID: 28125021 PMCID: PMC5371998 DOI: 10.3390/biology6010005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 306] [Impact Index Per Article: 43.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2016] [Revised: 01/16/2017] [Accepted: 01/17/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Kinetochores are large protein assemblies that connect chromosomes to microtubules of the mitotic and meiotic spindles in order to distribute the replicated genome from a mother cell to its daughters. Kinetochores also control feedback mechanisms responsible for the correction of incorrect microtubule attachments, and for the coordination of chromosome attachment with cell cycle progression. Finally, kinetochores contribute to their own preservation, across generations, at the specific chromosomal loci devoted to host them, the centromeres. They achieve this in most species by exploiting an epigenetic, DNA-sequence-independent mechanism; notable exceptions are budding yeasts where a specific sequence is associated with centromere function. In the last 15 years, extensive progress in the elucidation of the composition of the kinetochore and the identification of various physical and functional modules within its substructure has led to a much deeper molecular understanding of kinetochore organization and the origins of its functional output. Here, we provide a broad summary of this progress, focusing primarily on kinetochores of humans and budding yeast, while highlighting work from other models, and present important unresolved questions for future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Musacchio
- Department of Mechanistic Cell Biology, Max Planck Institute of Molecular Physiology, Otto-Hahn Straße 11, Dortmund 44227, Germany.
- Centre for Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Biology, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen 45117, Germany.
| | - Arshad Desai
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA.
- Department of Cellular & Molecular Medicine, 9500 Gilman Dr., La Jolla, CA 92093, USA.
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Radford SJ, Nguyen AL, Schindler K, McKim KS. The chromosomal basis of meiotic acentrosomal spindle assembly and function in oocytes. Chromosoma 2016; 126:351-364. [PMID: 27837282 DOI: 10.1007/s00412-016-0618-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2016] [Revised: 10/25/2016] [Accepted: 10/26/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Several aspects of meiosis are impacted by the absence of centrosomes in oocytes. Here, we review four aspects of meiosis I that are significantly affected by the absence of centrosomes in oocyte spindles. One, microtubules tend to assemble around the chromosomes. Two, the organization of these microtubules into a bipolar spindle is directed by the chromosomes. Three, chromosome bi-orientation and attachment to microtubules from the correct pole require modification of the mechanisms used in mitotic cells. Four, chromosome movement to the poles at anaphase cannot rely on polar anchoring of spindle microtubules by centrosomes. Overall, the chromosomes are more active participants during acentrosomal spindle assembly in oocytes, compared to mitotic and male meiotic divisions where centrosomes are present. The chromosomes are endowed with information that can direct the meiotic divisions and dictate their own behavior in oocytes. Processes beyond those known from mitosis appear to be required for their bi-orientation at meiosis I. As mitosis occurs without centrosomes in many systems other than oocytes, including all plants, the concepts discussed here may not be limited to oocytes. The study of meiosis in oocytes has revealed mechanisms that are operating in mitosis and will probably continue to do so.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah J Radford
- Waksman Institute, 190 Frelinghuysen Rd, Piscataway, NJ, 08854, USA
| | | | - Karen Schindler
- Department of Genetics, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, 08854, USA
| | - Kim S McKim
- Waksman Institute, 190 Frelinghuysen Rd, Piscataway, NJ, 08854, USA.
- Department of Genetics, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, 08854, USA.
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