1
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Yıldız Akkamış H, Tek AL. Immunodetection of tubulin and centromeric histone H3 (CENH3) proteins in Glycine species. Mol Biol Rep 2024; 51:792. [PMID: 39001981 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-024-09730-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2024] [Accepted: 06/16/2024] [Indexed: 07/15/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The centromeres appear as primary constrictions on monocentric metaphase chromosomes; where sister chromatids are held together and assemble the proteinaceous kitechore complex at which microtubule proteins attach during nuclear divisions for pulling sister chromatids to opposite cell poles. The movement of chromosomes is usually governed by structural proteins that are either species-specific or highly conserved, such as the centromere-specific histone H3 (CENH3) and tubulin proteins, respectively. METHODS AND RESULTS We aimed to detect these proteins across eight different Glycine species by an immunofluorescence assay using specific antibodies. Furthermore, with the α-tubulin antibody we traced the dynamics of microtubules during the mitotic cell cycle in Glycine max. With two-color immunofluorescence staining, we showed that both proteins interact during nuclear division. CONCLUSIONS Finally, we proved that in different diploid and tetraploid Glycine species CENH3 can be detected in functional centromeres with spatial proximity of microtubule proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hümeyra Yıldız Akkamış
- Department of Agricultural Genetic Engineering, Ayhan Şahenk Faculty of Agricultural Sciences and Technologies, Niğde Ömer Halisdemir University, Niğde, 51240, Turkey
| | - Ahmet L Tek
- Department of Agricultural Genetic Engineering, Ayhan Şahenk Faculty of Agricultural Sciences and Technologies, Niğde Ömer Halisdemir University, Niğde, 51240, Turkey.
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2
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Dias Y, Mata-Sucre Y, Thangavel G, Costa L, Báez M, Houben A, Marques A, Pedrosa-Harand A. How diverse a monocentric chromosome can be? Repeatome and centromeric organization of Juncus effusus (Juncaceae). THE PLANT JOURNAL : FOR CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2024; 118:1832-1847. [PMID: 38461471 DOI: 10.1111/tpj.16712] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2023] [Revised: 02/19/2024] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 03/12/2024]
Abstract
Juncus is the largest genus of Juncaceae and was considered holocentric for a long time. Recent findings, however, indicated that 11 species from different clades of the genus have monocentric chromosomes. Thus, the Juncus centromere organization and evolution need to be reassessed. We aimed to investigate the major repetitive DNA sequences of two accessions of Juncus effusus and its centromeric structure by employing whole-genome analyses, fluorescent in situ hybridization, CENH3 immunodetection, and chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing. We showed that the repetitive fraction of the small J. effusus genome (~270 Mbp/1C) is mainly composed of Class I and Class II transposable elements (TEs) and satellite DNAs. Three identified satellite DNA families were mainly (peri)centromeric, with two being associated with the centromeric protein CENH3, but not strictly centromeric. Two types of centromere organization were discerned in J. effusus: type 1 was characterized by a single CENH3 domain enriched with JefSAT1-155 or JefSAT2-180, whereas type 2 showed multiple CENH3 domains interrupted by other satellites, TEs or genes. Furthermore, while type 1 centromeres showed a higher degree of satellite identity along the array, type 2 centromeres had less homogenized arrays along the multiple CENH3 domains per chromosome. Although the analyses confirmed the monocentric organization of J. effusus chromosomes, our data indicate a more dynamic arrangement of J. effusus centromeres than observed for other plant species, suggesting it may constitute a transient state between mono- and holocentricity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yhanndra Dias
- Laboratório de Citogenética e Evolução Vegetal, Departamento de Botânica, Centro de Biociências, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Recife, Pernambuco, 50670-901, Brazil
- Leibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research (IPK) Gatersleben, Seeland, 06466, Germany
| | - Yennifer Mata-Sucre
- Laboratório de Citogenética e Evolução Vegetal, Departamento de Botânica, Centro de Biociências, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Recife, Pernambuco, 50670-901, Brazil
- Department of Chromosome Biology, Max Planck Institute for Plant Breeding Research, Carl-von-Linné-Weg 10, Cologne, 50829, Germany
| | - Gokilavani Thangavel
- Department of Chromosome Biology, Max Planck Institute for Plant Breeding Research, Carl-von-Linné-Weg 10, Cologne, 50829, Germany
| | - Lucas Costa
- Laboratório de Citogenética e Evolução Vegetal, Departamento de Botânica, Centro de Biociências, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Recife, Pernambuco, 50670-901, Brazil
| | - Mariana Báez
- Laboratório de Citogenética e Evolução Vegetal, Departamento de Botânica, Centro de Biociências, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Recife, Pernambuco, 50670-901, Brazil
- Plant Breeding Department, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Andreas Houben
- Leibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research (IPK) Gatersleben, Seeland, 06466, Germany
| | - André Marques
- Department of Chromosome Biology, Max Planck Institute for Plant Breeding Research, Carl-von-Linné-Weg 10, Cologne, 50829, Germany
| | - Andrea Pedrosa-Harand
- Laboratório de Citogenética e Evolução Vegetal, Departamento de Botânica, Centro de Biociências, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Recife, Pernambuco, 50670-901, Brazil
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3
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Kuo YT, Kurian JG, Schubert V, Fuchs J, Melzer M, Muraleedharan A, Maruthachalam R, Houben A. The holocentricity in the dioecious nutmeg (Myristica fragrans) is not based on major satellite repeats. Chromosome Res 2024; 32:8. [PMID: 38717688 PMCID: PMC11078807 DOI: 10.1007/s10577-024-09751-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2024] [Revised: 04/25/2024] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024]
Abstract
Holocentric species are characterized by the presence of centromeres throughout the length of the chromosomes. We confirmed the holocentricity of the dioecious, small chromosome-size species Myristica fragrans based on the chromosome-wide distribution of the centromere-specific protein KNL1, α-tubulin fibers, and the cell cycle-dependent histone H3 serine 28 phosphorylation (H3S28ph) mark. Each holocentromere is likely composed of, on average, ten centromere units, but none of the identified and in situ hybridized high-copy satellite repeats is centromere-specific. No sex-specific major repeats are present in the high-copy repeat composition of male or female plants, or a significant difference in genome size was detected. Therefore, it is unlikely that M. fragrans possesses heteromorphic sex chromosomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Tzu Kuo
- Leibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research (IPK) Gatersleben, Corrensstrasse 3, 06466, Seeland, Germany
| | - Jacob Gigi Kurian
- School of Biology, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER), Thiruvananthapuram, 695551, Kerala, India
| | - Veit Schubert
- Leibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research (IPK) Gatersleben, Corrensstrasse 3, 06466, Seeland, Germany
| | - Jörg Fuchs
- Leibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research (IPK) Gatersleben, Corrensstrasse 3, 06466, Seeland, Germany
| | - Michael Melzer
- Leibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research (IPK) Gatersleben, Corrensstrasse 3, 06466, Seeland, Germany
| | - Ananthu Muraleedharan
- School of Biology, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER), Thiruvananthapuram, 695551, Kerala, India
- Department of Plant Developmental Biology, Max Planck Institute of Plant Breeding Research, 50829, Cologne, Germany
| | - Ravi Maruthachalam
- School of Biology, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER), Thiruvananthapuram, 695551, Kerala, India
| | - Andreas Houben
- Leibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research (IPK) Gatersleben, Corrensstrasse 3, 06466, Seeland, Germany.
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4
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Naish M, Henderson IR. The structure, function, and evolution of plant centromeres. Genome Res 2024; 34:161-178. [PMID: 38485193 PMCID: PMC10984392 DOI: 10.1101/gr.278409.123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/22/2024]
Abstract
Centromeres are essential regions of eukaryotic chromosomes responsible for the formation of kinetochore complexes, which connect to spindle microtubules during cell division. Notably, although centromeres maintain a conserved function in chromosome segregation, the underlying DNA sequences are diverse both within and between species and are predominantly repetitive in nature. The repeat content of centromeres includes high-copy tandem repeats (satellites), and/or specific families of transposons. The functional region of the centromere is defined by loading of a specific histone 3 variant (CENH3), which nucleates the kinetochore and shows dynamic regulation. In many plants, the centromeres are composed of satellite repeat arrays that are densely DNA methylated and invaded by centrophilic retrotransposons. In some cases, the retrotransposons become the sites of CENH3 loading. We review the structure of plant centromeres, including monocentric, holocentric, and metapolycentric architectures, which vary in the number and distribution of kinetochore attachment sites along chromosomes. We discuss how variation in CENH3 loading can drive genome elimination during early cell divisions of plant embryogenesis. We review how epigenetic state may influence centromere identity and discuss evolutionary models that seek to explain the paradoxically rapid change of centromere sequences observed across species, including the potential roles of recombination. We outline putative modes of selection that could act within the centromeres, as well as the role of repeats in driving cycles of centromere evolution. Although our primary focus is on plant genomes, we draw comparisons with animal and fungal centromeres to derive a eukaryote-wide perspective of centromere structure and function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Naish
- Department of Plant Sciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EA, United Kingdom
| | - Ian R Henderson
- Department of Plant Sciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EA, United Kingdom
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5
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Kuo YT, Câmara AS, Schubert V, Neumann P, Macas J, Melzer M, Chen J, Fuchs J, Abel S, Klocke E, Huettel B, Himmelbach A, Demidov D, Dunemann F, Mascher M, Ishii T, Marques A, Houben A. Holocentromeres can consist of merely a few megabase-sized satellite arrays. Nat Commun 2023; 14:3502. [PMID: 37311740 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-38922-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2022] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The centromere is the chromosome region where microtubules attach during cell division. In contrast to monocentric chromosomes with one centromere, holocentric species usually distribute hundreds of centromere units along the entire chromatid. We assembled the chromosome-scale reference genome and analyzed the holocentromere and (epi)genome organization of the lilioid Chionographis japonica. Remarkably, each of its holocentric chromatids consists of only 7 to 11 evenly spaced megabase-sized centromere-specific histone H3-positive units. These units contain satellite arrays of 23 and 28 bp-long monomers capable of forming palindromic structures. Like monocentric species, C. japonica forms clustered centromeres in chromocenters at interphase. In addition, the large-scale eu- and heterochromatin arrangement differs between C. japonica and other known holocentric species. Finally, using polymer simulations, we model the formation of prometaphase line-like holocentromeres from interphase centromere clusters. Our findings broaden the knowledge about centromere diversity, showing that holocentricity is not restricted to species with numerous and small centromere units.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Tzu Kuo
- Leibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research (IPK) Gatersleben, Corrensstrasse 3, 06466, Seeland, Germany.
| | - Amanda Souza Câmara
- Leibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research (IPK) Gatersleben, Corrensstrasse 3, 06466, Seeland, Germany
| | - Veit Schubert
- Leibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research (IPK) Gatersleben, Corrensstrasse 3, 06466, Seeland, Germany
| | - Pavel Neumann
- Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Sciences, Institute of Plant Molecular Biology, Branišovská 31, České Budějovice, CZ-37005, Czech Republic
| | - Jiří Macas
- Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Sciences, Institute of Plant Molecular Biology, Branišovská 31, České Budějovice, CZ-37005, Czech Republic
| | - Michael Melzer
- Leibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research (IPK) Gatersleben, Corrensstrasse 3, 06466, Seeland, Germany
| | - Jianyong Chen
- Leibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research (IPK) Gatersleben, Corrensstrasse 3, 06466, Seeland, Germany
| | - Jörg Fuchs
- Leibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research (IPK) Gatersleben, Corrensstrasse 3, 06466, Seeland, Germany
| | - Simone Abel
- Julius Kühn-Institute (JKI), Institute for Breeding Research on Horticultural Crops, Erwin-Baur-Str. 27, 06484, Quedlinburg, Germany
| | - Evelyn Klocke
- Julius Kühn-Institute (JKI), Institute for Breeding Research on Horticultural Crops, Erwin-Baur-Str. 27, 06484, Quedlinburg, Germany
| | - Bruno Huettel
- Max Planck Genome-Centre Cologne, Max Planck Institute for Plant Breeding Research, Cologne, 50829, Germany
| | - Axel Himmelbach
- Leibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research (IPK) Gatersleben, Corrensstrasse 3, 06466, Seeland, Germany
| | - Dmitri Demidov
- Leibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research (IPK) Gatersleben, Corrensstrasse 3, 06466, Seeland, Germany
| | - Frank Dunemann
- Julius Kühn-Institute (JKI), Institute for Breeding Research on Horticultural Crops, Erwin-Baur-Str. 27, 06484, Quedlinburg, Germany
| | - Martin Mascher
- Leibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research (IPK) Gatersleben, Corrensstrasse 3, 06466, Seeland, Germany
| | - Takayoshi Ishii
- Arid Land Research Center, Tottori University, 1390 Hamasaka, Tottori, 680-0001, Japan
| | - André Marques
- Department of Chromosome Biology, Max Planck Institute for Plant Breeding Research, Cologne, 50829, Germany
| | - Andreas Houben
- Leibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research (IPK) Gatersleben, Corrensstrasse 3, 06466, Seeland, Germany.
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6
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Pungaršek Š, Dolenc Koce J, Bačič M, Barfuss MHJ, Schönswetter P, Frajman B. Disentangling Relationships among the Alpine Species of Luzula Sect. Luzula (Juncaceae) in the Eastern Alps. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 12:973. [PMID: 36840321 PMCID: PMC9960804 DOI: 10.3390/plants12040973] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2023] [Revised: 02/15/2023] [Accepted: 02/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Polyploidisation, agmatoploidy and symploidy have driven the diversification of Luzula sect. Luzula. Several morphologically very similar species with different karyotypes have evolved, but their evolutionary origins and relationships are unknown. In this study, we used a combination of relative genome size and karyotype estimations as well amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) fingerprinting to investigate the relationships among predominately (sub)alpine Luzula alpina, L. exspectata, L multiflora and L. sudetica in the Eastern Alps, including also some samples of L. campestris and L. taurica as outgroup. Our study revealed common co-occurrence of two or three different ploidies (di-, tetra- and hexaploids) at the same localities, and thus also common co-occurrence of different species, of which L. sudetica was morphologically, ecologically and genetically most divergent. Whereas agmatoploid L. exspectata likely originated only once from the Balkan L. taurica, and hexaploid L. multiflora once from tetraploid L. multiflora, the AFLP data suggest multiple origins of tetraploid L. multiflora, from which partly agmatoploid individuals of L. alpina likely originated recurrently by partial fragmentation of the chromosomes. In contrast to common recurrent formation of polyploids in flowering plants, populations of agmatoploids resulting by fission of complete chromosome sets appear to have single origins, whereas partial agmatoploids are formed recurrently. Whether this is a general pattern in Luzula sect. Luzula, and whether segregation of ecological niches supports the frequent co-occurrence of closely related cytotypes in mixed populations, remains the subject of ongoing research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Špela Pungaršek
- Slovenian Museum of Natural History, Prešernova 20, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Department of Botany, University of Innsbruck, Sternwartestraße 15, A-6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Jasna Dolenc Koce
- Department of Biology, Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Jamnikarjeva 101, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Martina Bačič
- Department of Biology, Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Jamnikarjeva 101, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Michael H. J. Barfuss
- Department of Botany and Biodiversity Research, University of Vienna, Rennweg 14, A-1030 Vienna, Austria
| | - Peter Schönswetter
- Department of Botany, University of Innsbruck, Sternwartestraße 15, A-6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Božo Frajman
- Slovenian Museum of Natural History, Prešernova 20, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
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7
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Wang Y, Wu L, Yuen KWY. The roles of transcription, chromatin organisation and chromosomal processes in holocentromere establishment and maintenance. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2022; 127:79-89. [PMID: 35042676 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2022.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2021] [Revised: 01/09/2022] [Accepted: 01/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The centromere is a unique functional region on each eukaryotic chromosome where the kinetochore assembles and orchestrates microtubule attachment and chromosome segregation. Unlike monocentromeres that occupy a specific region on the chromosome, holocentromeres are diffused along the length of the chromosome. Despite being less common, holocentromeres have been verified in almost 800 nematode, insect, and plant species. Understanding of the molecular and epigenetic regulation of holocentromeres is lagging that of monocentromeres. Here we review how permissive locations for holocentromeres are determined across the genome, potentially by chromatin organisation, transcription, and non-coding RNAs, specifically in the nematode C. elegans. In addition, we discuss how holocentric CENP-A or CENP-T-containing nucleosomes are recruited and deposited, through the help of histone chaperones, licensing factors, and condensin complexes, both during de novo holocentromere establishment, and in each mitotic cell cycle. The process of resolving sister centromeres after DNA replication in holocentric organisms is also mentioned. Conservation and diversity between holocentric and monocentric organisms are highlighted, and outstanding questions are proposed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Wang
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Kadoorie Biological Sciences Building, Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong
| | - Lillian Wu
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Kadoorie Biological Sciences Building, Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong; Epigenetics and Genome Stability Team, The Institute of Cancer Research, 237 Fulham Road, London SW3 6JB, United Kingdom
| | - Karen Wing Yee Yuen
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Kadoorie Biological Sciences Building, Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong.
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8
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Senaratne AP, Cortes-Silva N, Drinnenberg IA. Evolution of holocentric chromosomes: Drivers, diversity, and deterrents. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2022; 127:90-99. [PMID: 35031207 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2022.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2021] [Revised: 12/14/2021] [Accepted: 01/05/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Centromeres are specialized chromosomal regions that recruit kinetochore proteins and mediate spindle microtubule attachment to ensure faithful chromosome segregation during mitosis and meiosis. Centromeres can be restricted to one region of the chromosome. Named "monocentromere", this type represents the most commonly found centromere organization across eukaryotes. Alternatively, centromeres can also be assembled at sites chromosome-wide. This second type is called "holocentromere". Despite their early description over 100 years ago, research on holocentromeres has lagged behind that of monocentromeres. Nevertheless, the application of next generation sequencing approaches and advanced microscopic technologies enabled recent advances understanding the molecular organization and regulation of holocentromeres in different organisms. Here we review the current state of research on holocentromeres focusing on evolutionary considerations. First, we provide a brief historical perspective on the discovery of holocentric chromosomes. We then discuss models/drivers that have been proposed over the years to explain the evolutionary transition from mono- to holocentric chromosomes. We continue to review the description of holocentric chromosomes in diverse eukaryotic groups and then focus our discussion on a specific and recently characterized type of holocentromere organization in insects that functions independently of the otherwise essential centromeric marker protein CenH3, thus providing novel insights into holocentromere evolution in insects. Finally, we propose reasons to explain why the holocentric trait is not more frequent across eukaryotes despite putative selective advantages.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Nuria Cortes-Silva
- Wellcome Trust/Cancer Research UK Gurdon Institute, Tennis Court Road, Cambridge CB2 1QN, UK; Department of Genetics, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge CB2 3EH, UK
| | - Ines A Drinnenberg
- Institut Curie, PSL Research University, CNRS, UMR3664, F-75005 Paris, France; Sorbonne Université, Institut Curie, CNRS, UMR3664, F-75005 Paris, France.
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9
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Câmara AS, Schubert V, Mascher M, Houben A. A simple model explains the cell cycle-dependent assembly of centromeric nucleosomes in holocentric species. Nucleic Acids Res 2021; 49:9053-9065. [PMID: 34352103 PMCID: PMC8450114 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkab648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2021] [Revised: 06/24/2021] [Accepted: 07/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Centromeres are essential for chromosome movement. In independent taxa, species with holocentric chromosomes exist. In contrast to monocentric species, where no obvious dispersion of centromeres occurs during interphase, the organization of holocentromeres differs between condensed and decondensed chromosomes. During interphase, centromeres are dispersed into a large number of CENH3-positive nucleosome clusters in a number of holocentric species. With the onset of chromosome condensation, the centromeric nucleosomes join and form line-like holocentromeres. Using polymer simulations, we propose a mechanism relying on the interaction between centromeric nucleosomes and structural maintenance of chromosomes (SMC) proteins. Different sets of molecular dynamic simulations were evaluated by testing four parameters: (i) the concentration of Loop Extruders (LEs) corresponding to SMCs, (ii) the distribution and number of centromeric nucleosomes, (iii) the effect of centromeric nucleosomes on interacting LEs and (iv) the assembly of kinetochores bound to centromeric nucleosomes. We observed the formation of a line-like holocentromere, due to the aggregation of the centromeric nucleosomes when the chromosome was compacted into loops. A groove-like holocentromere structure formed after a kinetochore complex was simulated along the centromeric line. Similar mechanisms may also organize a monocentric chromosome constriction, and its regulation may cause different centromere types during evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda Souza Câmara
- Leibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research (IPK) Gatersleben, 06466 Seeland, Germany
| | - Veit Schubert
- Leibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research (IPK) Gatersleben, 06466 Seeland, Germany
| | - Martin Mascher
- Leibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research (IPK) Gatersleben, 06466 Seeland, Germany
| | - Andreas Houben
- Leibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research (IPK) Gatersleben, 06466 Seeland, Germany
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10
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Baez M, Kuo YT, Dias Y, Souza T, Boudichevskaia A, Fuchs J, Schubert V, Vanzela ALL, Pedrosa-Harand A, Houben A. Analysis of the small chromosomal Prionium serratum (Cyperid) demonstrates the importance of reliable methods to differentiate between mono- and holocentricity. Chromosoma 2020; 129:285-297. [PMID: 33165742 PMCID: PMC7665975 DOI: 10.1007/s00412-020-00745-6] [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: 07/13/2020] [Revised: 10/27/2020] [Accepted: 10/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
For a long time, the Cyperid clade (Thurniceae-Juncaceae-Cyperaceae) was considered a group of species possessing holocentromeres exclusively. The basal phylogenetic position of Prionium serratum (Thunb.) Drège (Thurniceae) within Cyperids makes this species an important specimen to understand the centromere evolution within this clade. In contrast to the expectation, the chromosomal distribution of the centromere-specific histone H3 (CENH3), alpha-tubulin and different centromere-associated post-translational histone modifications (H3S10ph, H3S28ph and H2AT120ph) demonstrate a monocentromeric organisation of P. serratum chromosomes. Analysis of the high-copy repeat composition resulted in the identification of two centromere-localised satellite repeats. Hence, monocentricity was the ancestral condition for the Juncaceae-Cyperaceae-Thurniaceae Cyperid clade, and holocentricity in this clade has independently arisen at least twice after differentiation of the three families, once in Juncaceae and the other one in Cyperaceae. In this context, methods suitable for the identification of holocentromeres are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Baez
- Leibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research (IPK), Gatersleben, 06466, Stadt Seeland, Germany.,Laboratory of Plant Cytogenetics and Evolution, Department of Botany, Federal University of Pernambuco, Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil
| | - Y T Kuo
- Leibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research (IPK), Gatersleben, 06466, Stadt Seeland, Germany
| | - Y Dias
- Leibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research (IPK), Gatersleben, 06466, Stadt Seeland, Germany.,Laboratory of Plant Cytogenetics and Evolution, Department of Botany, Federal University of Pernambuco, Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil
| | - T Souza
- Leibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research (IPK), Gatersleben, 06466, Stadt Seeland, Germany.,Laboratory of Cytogenetics and Plant Diversity, Department of General Biology, Center for Biological Sciences, State University of Londrina, Londrina, Paraná, 86057-970, Brazil
| | - A Boudichevskaia
- Leibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research (IPK), Gatersleben, 06466, Stadt Seeland, Germany.,KWS SAAT SE & Co. KGaA, 37574, Einbeck, Germany
| | - J Fuchs
- Leibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research (IPK), Gatersleben, 06466, Stadt Seeland, Germany
| | - V Schubert
- Leibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research (IPK), Gatersleben, 06466, Stadt Seeland, Germany
| | - A L L Vanzela
- Laboratory of Cytogenetics and Plant Diversity, Department of General Biology, Center for Biological Sciences, State University of Londrina, Londrina, Paraná, 86057-970, Brazil
| | - A Pedrosa-Harand
- Laboratory of Plant Cytogenetics and Evolution, Department of Botany, Federal University of Pernambuco, Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil
| | - A Houben
- Leibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research (IPK), Gatersleben, 06466, Stadt Seeland, Germany.
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11
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Tek AL, Kara Öztürk SD. High allelic diversity of the centromere-specific histone H3 (CENH3) in the legume sainfoin (Onobrychis viciifolia). Mol Biol Rep 2020; 47:8789-8795. [PMID: 33104994 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-020-05926-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2020] [Accepted: 10/16/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The centromere is a structurally and functionally specialized region on each eukaryotic chromosome and is essential for accurate and complete segregation of chromosomes during cell division. Centromeric nucleosomes differ from canonical nucleosomes by replacement of the histone H3 with its centromere-specific variant CENH3. CENH3 is essential for active centromeres in most eukaryotes. Homologs of CENH3 are identified in many organisms. Sainfoin (Onobrychis viciifolia) is an agriculturally important perennial forage and is a legume of the Fabaceae family. There is very limited information on the structure of the sainfoin genome and no data are available on its centromere structure. Here, we aim to characterize the sainfoin CENH3 homolog (OvCENH3). Using a sequence homology-based strategy with gene-specific primers, we were able to clone transcripts from sainfoin total RNA. The amplified clones were sequenced and compared by bioinformatics tools. Four distinct alleles of OvCENH3 were detected. Our study provides the first structural features on sainfoin centromeres with a possible allotetraploid origin for sainfoin. We discuss and compare our findings with that for other important legume species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmet L Tek
- Department of Agricultural Genetic Engineering, Ayhan Şahenk Faculty of Agricultural Sciences and Technologies, Niğde Ömer Halisdemir University, 51240, Niğde, Turkey.
| | - Sevim D Kara Öztürk
- Department of Agricultural Genetic Engineering, Ayhan Şahenk Faculty of Agricultural Sciences and Technologies, Niğde Ömer Halisdemir University, 51240, Niğde, Turkey
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12
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Wear EE, Song J, Zynda GJ, Mickelson-Young L, LeBlanc C, Lee TJ, Deppong DO, Allen GC, Martienssen RA, Vaughn MW, Hanley-Bowdoin L, Thompson WF. Comparing DNA replication programs reveals large timing shifts at centromeres of endocycling cells in maize roots. PLoS Genet 2020; 16:e1008623. [PMID: 33052904 PMCID: PMC7588055 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1008623] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2020] [Revised: 10/26/2020] [Accepted: 08/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Plant cells undergo two types of cell cycles–the mitotic cycle in which DNA replication is coupled to mitosis, and the endocycle in which DNA replication occurs in the absence of cell division. To investigate DNA replication programs in these two types of cell cycles, we pulse labeled intact root tips of maize (Zea mays) with 5-ethynyl-2’-deoxyuridine (EdU) and used flow sorting of nuclei to examine DNA replication timing (RT) during the transition from a mitotic cycle to an endocycle. Comparison of the sequence-based RT profiles showed that most regions of the maize genome replicate at the same time during S phase in mitotic and endocycling cells, despite the need to replicate twice as much DNA in the endocycle and the fact that endocycling is typically associated with cell differentiation. However, regions collectively corresponding to 2% of the genome displayed significant changes in timing between the two types of cell cycles. The majority of these regions are small with a median size of 135 kb, shift to a later RT in the endocycle, and are enriched for genes expressed in the root tip. We found larger regions that shifted RT in centromeres of seven of the ten maize chromosomes. These regions covered the majority of the previously defined functional centromere, which ranged between 1 and 2 Mb in size in the reference genome. They replicate mainly during mid S phase in mitotic cells but primarily in late S phase of the endocycle. In contrast, the immediately adjacent pericentromere sequences are primarily late replicating in both cell cycles. Analysis of CENH3 enrichment levels in 8C vs 2C nuclei suggested that there is only a partial replacement of CENH3 nucleosomes after endocycle replication is complete. The shift to later replication of centromeres and possible reduction in CENH3 enrichment after endocycle replication is consistent with a hypothesis that centromeres are inactivated when their function is no longer needed. In traditional cell division, or mitosis, a cell’s genetic material is duplicated and then split between two daughter cells. In contrast, in some specialized cell types, the DNA is duplicated a second time without an intervening division step, resulting in cells that carry twice as much DNA. This phenomenon, which is called the endocycle, is common during plant development. At each step, DNA replication follows an ordered program in which highly compacted DNA is unraveled and replicated in sections at different times during the synthesis (S) phase. In plants, it is unclear whether traditional and endocycle programs are the same, especially since endocycling cells are typically in the process of differentiation. Using root tips of maize, we found that in comparison to replication in the mitotic cell cycle, there is a small portion of the genome whose replication in the endocycle is shifted in time, usually to later in S phase. Some of these regions are scattered around the genome and mostly coincide with active genes. However, the most prominent shifts occur in centromeres. The shift to later replication in centromeres is noteworthy because they orchestrate the process of separating duplicated chromosomes into daughter cells, a function that is not needed in the endocycle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily E. Wear
- Department of Plant and Microbial Biology, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Jawon Song
- Texas Advanced Computing Center, University of Texas, Austin, Texas, United States of America
| | - Gregory J. Zynda
- Texas Advanced Computing Center, University of Texas, Austin, Texas, United States of America
| | - Leigh Mickelson-Young
- Department of Plant and Microbial Biology, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Chantal LeBlanc
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, New York, United States of America
| | - Tae-Jin Lee
- Department of Plant and Microbial Biology, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - David O. Deppong
- Department of Plant and Microbial Biology, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - George C. Allen
- Department of Horticultural Science, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Robert A. Martienssen
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, New York, United States of America
| | - Matthew W. Vaughn
- Texas Advanced Computing Center, University of Texas, Austin, Texas, United States of America
| | - Linda Hanley-Bowdoin
- Department of Plant and Microbial Biology, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - William F. Thompson
- Department of Plant and Microbial Biology, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, United States of America
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13
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Abstract
Holocentric chromosomes possess multiple kinetochores along their length rather than the single centromere typical of other chromosomes [1]. They have been described for the first time in cytogenetic experiments dating from 1935 and, since this first observation, the term holocentric chromosome has referred to chromosomes that: i. lack the primary constriction corresponding to centromere observed in monocentric chromosomes [2]; ii. possess multiple kinetochores dispersed along the chromosomal axis so that microtubules bind to chromosomes along their entire length and move broadside to the pole from the metaphase plate [3]. These chromosomes are also termed holokinetic, because, during cell division, chromatids move apart in parallel and do not form the classical V-shaped figures typical of monocentric chromosomes [4–6]. Holocentric chromosomes evolved several times during both animal and plant evolution and are currently reported in about eight hundred diverse species, including plants, insects, arachnids and nematodes [7,8]. As a consequence of their diffuse kinetochores, holocentric chromosomes may stabilize chromosomal fragments favouring karyotype rearrangements [9,10]. However, holocentric chromosome may also present limitations to crossing over causing a restriction of the number of chiasma in bivalents [11] and may cause a restructuring of meiotic divisions resulting in an inverted meiosis [12].
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Affiliation(s)
- Mauro Mandrioli
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita, Università di Modena e Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
- * E-mail:
| | - Gian Carlo Manicardi
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita, Università di Modena e Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
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14
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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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15
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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: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [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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16
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Schubert V, Neumann P, Marques A, Heckmann S, Macas J, Pedrosa-Harand A, Schubert I, Jang TS, Houben A. Super-Resolution Microscopy Reveals Diversity of Plant Centromere Architecture. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E3488. [PMID: 32429054 PMCID: PMC7278974 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21103488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2020] [Revised: 05/11/2020] [Accepted: 05/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Centromeres are essential for proper chromosome segregation to the daughter cells during mitosis and meiosis. Chromosomes of most eukaryotes studied so far have regional centromeres that form primary constrictions on metaphase chromosomes. These monocentric chromosomes vary from point centromeres to so-called "meta-polycentromeres", with multiple centromere domains in an extended primary constriction, as identified in Pisum and Lathyrus species. However, in various animal and plant lineages centromeres are distributed along almost the entire chromosome length. Therefore, they are called holocentromeres. In holocentric plants, centromere-specific proteins, at which spindle fibers usually attach, are arranged contiguously (line-like), in clusters along the chromosomes or in bands. Here, we summarize findings of ultrastructural investigations using immunolabeling with centromere-specific antibodies and super-resolution microscopy to demonstrate the structural diversity of plant centromeres. A classification of the different centromere types has been suggested based on the distribution of spindle attachment sites. Based on these findings we discuss the possible evolution and advantages of holocentricity, and potential strategies to segregate holocentric chromosomes correctly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veit Schubert
- Leibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research (IPK) Gatersleben, 06466 Seeland, Germany; (S.H.); (I.S.); (A.H.)
| | - Pavel Neumann
- Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Sciences, 37005 České Budějovice, Czech Republic; (P.N.); (J.M.); (T.-S.J.)
| | - André Marques
- Department of Chromosome Biology, Max Planck Institute for Plant Breeding Research, 50829 Cologne, Germany;
| | - Stefan Heckmann
- Leibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research (IPK) Gatersleben, 06466 Seeland, Germany; (S.H.); (I.S.); (A.H.)
| | - Jiri Macas
- Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Sciences, 37005 České Budějovice, Czech Republic; (P.N.); (J.M.); (T.-S.J.)
| | - Andrea Pedrosa-Harand
- Department of Botany, Federal University of Pernambuco (UFPE), Recife 50670-901, Pernambuco, Brazil;
| | - Ingo Schubert
- Leibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research (IPK) Gatersleben, 06466 Seeland, Germany; (S.H.); (I.S.); (A.H.)
| | - Tae-Soo Jang
- Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Sciences, 37005 České Budějovice, Czech Republic; (P.N.); (J.M.); (T.-S.J.)
- Department of Biological Sciences, Chungnam National University, Daejeon 34134, Korea
| | - Andreas Houben
- Leibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research (IPK) Gatersleben, 06466 Seeland, Germany; (S.H.); (I.S.); (A.H.)
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17
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Talbert PB, Henikoff S. What makes a centromere? Exp Cell Res 2020; 389:111895. [PMID: 32035948 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2020.111895] [Citation(s) in RCA: 101] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2019] [Revised: 01/18/2020] [Accepted: 02/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Centromeres are the eukaryotic chromosomal sites at which the kinetochore forms and attaches to spindle microtubules to orchestrate chromosomal segregation in mitosis and meiosis. Although centromeres are essential for cell division, their sequences are not conserved and evolve rapidly. Centromeres vary dramatically in size and organization. Here we categorize their diversity and explore the evolutionary forces shaping them. Nearly all centromeres favor AT-rich DNA that is gene-free and transcribed at a very low level. Repair of frequent centromere-proximal breaks probably contributes to their rapid sequence evolution. Point centromeres are only ~125 bp and are specified by common protein-binding motifs, whereas short regional centromeres are 1-5 kb, typically have unique sequences, and may have pericentromeric repeats adapted to facilitate centromere clustering. Transposon-rich centromeres are often ~100-300 kb and are favored by RNAi machinery that silences transposons, by suppression of meiotic crossovers at centromeres, and by the ability of some transposons to target centromeres. Megabase-length satellite centromeres arise in plants and animals with asymmetric female meiosis that creates centromere competition, and favors satellite monomers one or two nucleosomes in length that position and stabilize centromeric nucleosomes. Holocentromeres encompass the length of a chromosome and may differ dramatically between mitosis and meiosis. We propose a model in which low level transcription of centromeres facilitates the formation of non-B DNA that specifies centromeres and promotes loading of centromeric nucleosomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul B Talbert
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, 1100 Fairview Ave N, Seattle, WA, 98109, USA
| | - Steven Henikoff
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, 1100 Fairview Ave N, Seattle, WA, 98109, USA.
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18
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Oliveira L, Neumann P, Jang TS, Klemme S, Schubert V, Koblížková A, Houben A, Macas J. Mitotic Spindle Attachment to the Holocentric Chromosomes of Cuscuta europaea Does Not Correlate With the Distribution of CENH3 Chromatin. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2019; 10:1799. [PMID: 32038700 PMCID: PMC6992598 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2019.01799] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2019] [Accepted: 12/23/2019] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
The centromere is the region on a chromosome where the kinetochore assembles and spindle microtubules attach during mitosis and meiosis. In the vast majority of eukaryotes, the centromere position is determined epigenetically by the presence of the centromere-specific histone H3 variant CENH3. In species with monocentric chromosomes, CENH3 is confined to a single chromosomal region corresponding to the primary constriction on metaphase chromosomes. By contrast, in holocentrics, CENH3 (and thus centromere activity) is distributed along the entire chromosome length. Here, we report a unique pattern of CENH3 distribution in the holocentric plant Cuscuta europaea. This species expressed two major variants of CENH3, both of which were deposited into one to three discrete regions per chromosome, whereas the rest of the chromatin appeared to be devoid of CENH3. The two CENH3 variants fully co-localized, and their immunodetection signals overlapped with the positions of DAPI-positive heterochromatic bands containing the highly amplified satellite repeat CUS-TR24. This CENH3 distribution pattern contrasted with the distribution of the mitotic spindle microtubules, which attached at uniform density along the entire chromosome length. This distribution of spindle attachment sites proves the holocentric nature of C. europaea chromosomes and also suggests that, in this species, CENH3 either lost its function or acts in parallel to an additional CENH3-free mechanism of kinetochore positioning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ludmila Oliveira
- Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Sciences, Institute of Plant Molecular Biology, České Budějovice, Czechia
| | - Pavel Neumann
- Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Sciences, Institute of Plant Molecular Biology, České Budějovice, Czechia
| | - Tae-Soo Jang
- Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Sciences, Institute of Plant Molecular Biology, České Budějovice, Czechia
| | - Sonja Klemme
- Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Sciences, Institute of Plant Molecular Biology, České Budějovice, Czechia
| | - Veit Schubert
- Department of Breeding Research, Leibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research, Gatersleben, Germany
| | - Andrea Koblížková
- Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Sciences, Institute of Plant Molecular Biology, České Budějovice, Czechia
| | - Andreas Houben
- Department of Breeding Research, Leibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research, Gatersleben, Germany
| | - Jiří Macas
- Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Sciences, Institute of Plant Molecular Biology, České Budějovice, Czechia
- *Correspondence: Jiří Macas,
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19
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Wang N, Dawe RK. Centromere Size and Its Relationship to Haploid Formation in Plants. MOLECULAR PLANT 2018; 11:398-406. [PMID: 29277426 DOI: 10.1016/j.molp.2017.12.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2017] [Revised: 12/07/2017] [Accepted: 12/12/2017] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
Wide species crosses often result in uniparental genome elimination and visible failures in centromere function. Crosses involving lines with mutated forms of the CENH3 histone variant that organizes the centromere/kinetochore interface have been shown to have similar effects, inducing haploids at high frequencies. Here, we propose a simple centromere size model that endeavors to explain both observations. It is based on the idea of a quantitative centromere architecture where each centromere in an individual is the same size, and the average size is dictated by a natural equilibrium between bound and unbound CENH3 (and its chaperones or binding proteins). While centromere size is determined by the cellular milieu, centromere positions are heritable and defined by the interactions of a small set of proteins that bind to both DNA and CENH3. Lines with defective or mutated CENH3 have a lower loading capacity and support smaller centromeres. In cases where a line with small or defective centromeres is crossed to a line with larger or normal centromeres, the smaller/defective centromeres are selectively degraded or not maintained, resulting in chromosome loss from the small-centromere parent. The model is testable and generalizable, and helps to explain the counterintuitive observation that inducer lines do not induce haploids when crossed to themselves.
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Affiliation(s)
- Na Wang
- Department of Plant Biology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
| | - R Kelly Dawe
- Department of Plant Biology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA; Department of Genetics, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA.
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20
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Mattos VF, Carvalho LS, Carvalho MA, Schneider MC. Insights into the origin of the high variability of multivalent-meiotic associations in holocentric chromosomes of Tityus (Archaeotityus) scorpions. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0192070. [PMID: 29466400 PMCID: PMC5821447 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0192070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2017] [Accepted: 01/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Scorpions represent an intriguing group of animals characterized by a high incidence of heterozygous chromosomal rearrangements. In this work, we examined six species of Tityus (Archaeotityus) from Brazilian fauna with a particular focus on elucidating the rearrangements responsible for the intraspecific variability of diploid number and the presence of long chromosomal chains in meiosis. To access any interpopulation diversity, we also studied individuals from four species representing distinct localities. Most species demonstrated intraspecific polymorphism in diploid number (2n = 19 and 2n = 20 in T. clathratus, T. mattogrossensis, and T. pusillus, 2n = 16, 2n = 17 and 2n = 18 in T. paraguayensis, and 2n = 16 and 2n = 24 in T. silvestris) and multi-chromosomal associations during meiosis I, which differed even among individuals with the same chromosome number. In some species, the heterozygous rearrangements were not fixed, resulting such as in Tityus clathatrus, in 11 different chromosomal configurations recognized within a same population. Based on meiotic chromosome behaviour, we suggested that independent rearrangements (fusion/fission and reciprocal translocations), occurring in different combinations, originated the multi-chromosomal chains. To evaluate the effects of these chromosome chains on meiotic segregation, we applied the chi-square test in metaphase II cells. The non-significant occurrence of aneuploid nuclei indicated that non-disjunction was negligible in specimens bearing heterozygous rearrangements. Finally, based on our analysis of many chromosome characteristics, e.g., holocentricity, achiasmate meiosis, endopolyploidy, ability to segregate heterosynaptic or unsynapsed chromosomes, (TTAGG)n sequence located in terminal regions of rearranged chromosomes, we suggest that the maintenance of multi-chromosomal associations may be evolutionarily advantageous for these species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viviane Fagundes Mattos
- Universidade Estadual Paulista “Júlio de Mesquita Filho”, UNESP, Departamento de Biologia, Rio Claro, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Marcos André Carvalho
- Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso, UFMT, Departamento de Biologia e Zoologia, Cuiabá, Mato Grosso, Brazil
| | - Marielle Cristina Schneider
- Universidade Federal de São Paulo, UNIFESP, Departamento de Ecologia e Biologia Evolutiva, Diadema, São Paulo, Brazil
- * E-mail:
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21
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Evtushenko EV, Elisafenko EA, Gatzkaya SS, Lipikhina YA, Houben A, Vershinin AV. Conserved molecular structure of the centromeric histone CENH3 in Secale and its phylogenetic relationships. Sci Rep 2017; 7:17628. [PMID: 29247163 PMCID: PMC5732303 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-17932-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2017] [Accepted: 12/04/2017] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
It has been repeatedly demonstrated that the centromere-specific histone H3 (CENH3), a key component of the centromere, shows considerable variability between species within taxa. We determined the molecular structure and phylogenetic relationships of CENH3 in 11 Secale species and subspecies that possess distinct pollination systems and are adapted to a wide range of abiotic and biotic stresses. The rye (Secale cereale) genome encodes two paralogous CENH3 genes, which differ in intron-exon structure and are transcribed into two main forms of the protein, αCENH3 and βCENH3. These two forms differ in size and amino acid substitutions. In contrast to the reported differences in CENH3 structure between species within other taxa, the main forms of this protein in Secale species and subspecies have a nearly identical structure except some nonsynonymous substitutions. The CENH3 proteins are strictly controlled by genetic factors responsible for purifying selection. A comparison between Hordeum, Secale and Triticum species demonstrates that the structure of CENH3 in the subtribes Hordeinae and Triticinae evolved at different rates. The assumption that reticulate evolution served as a factor stabilizing the structure and evolutionary rate of CENH3 and that this factor was more powerful within Secale and Triticum than in Hordeum, is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- E V Evtushenko
- Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biology SB RAS, Novosibirsk, 630090, Russia
| | - E A Elisafenko
- Institute of Cytology and Genetics SB RAS, Novosibirsk, 630090, Russia
| | - S S Gatzkaya
- Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biology SB RAS, Novosibirsk, 630090, Russia
| | - Y A Lipikhina
- Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biology SB RAS, Novosibirsk, 630090, Russia
| | - A Houben
- Leibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research (IPK), Gatersleben, 06466, Stadt Seeland, Germany
| | - A V Vershinin
- Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biology SB RAS, Novosibirsk, 630090, Russia.
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Sharma SK, Yamamoto M, Mukai Y. Dual modified antiphospho (Ser10)-acetyl (Lys14)-histone H3 predominantly mark the pericentromeric chromatin during mitosis in monokinetic plants. J Genet 2016; 95:965-973. [PMID: 27994196 DOI: 10.1007/s12041-016-0723-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Epigenetic regulatory posttranslational histone modification marks not only function individually but also capable to act in combination as a unique pattern. A total of 16 plant species belonging to 11 genera of eight families (five dicots and three monocots) including land plants, epiphytes (orchids) and the holokinetic taxa (Drosera spp.) were analysed for chromosomal distribution of dual modified antiphospho (Ser10)-acetyl (K14)-histone H3 (H3S10phK14ac) to understand the combinatorial chromatin dynamics during mitotic cell division in plants. The anti-H3S10phK14ac evidently mark the pericentromeric chromatin on mitotic chromosomes of the plants excluding the holokinetic Drosera species, which revealed the immunolabelling of whole chromosomes all along the arms. The dual modified immunosignals were absent during early stages of mitosis, appeared intensively at metaphase and remained visible until late-anaphase/telophase however, labelled the whole chromosomes during meiotic metaphase I. Colocalization of anti-H3S10phK14ac with an onion's CENH3 antibody on mitotic chromosomes of Allium revealed the chromosomal location of anti-H3S10phK14ac in the region between signals for CENH3 detection. Overall analysis suggests that the unique localization of combinatorial histone modification mark at pericentromeric chromatin might have attributed through 'phospho-acetyl' cross talk that ultimately facilitate the sister chromatid cohesion at pericentromeres following condensation events in mitotic chromosomes. Here, we propose that dual modified H3S10phK14ac histone may serve as an additional cytogenetic landmark to identify pericentromeric chromatin during mitosis in plants. The plausible role of histone cross talk and future perspectives of combinatorial histone modification marks in plant cytogenetics with special reference to chromatin dynamics have been discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Santosh Kumar Sharma
- Laboratory of Plant Molecular Genetics, Division of Natural Sciences, Osaka Kyoiku University, 4-698-1 Asahigaoka, Kashiwara, Osaka 582-8582, Japan.
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Zedek F, Bureš P. Absence of positive selection on CenH3 in Luzula suggests that holokinetic chromosomes may suppress centromere drive. ANNALS OF BOTANY 2016; 118:1347-1352. [PMID: 27616209 PMCID: PMC5155603 DOI: 10.1093/aob/mcw186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2016] [Revised: 07/02/2016] [Accepted: 07/10/2016] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS The centromere drive theory explains diversity of eukaryotic centromeres as a consequence of the recurrent conflict between centromeric repeats and centromeric histone H3 (CenH3), in which selfish centromeres exploit meiotic asymmetry and CenH3 evolves adaptively to counterbalance deleterious consequences of driving centromeres. Accordingly, adaptively evolving CenH3 has so far been observed only in eukaryotes with asymmetric meiosis. However, if such evolution is a consequence of centromere drive, it should depend not only on meiotic asymmetry but also on monocentric or holokinetic chromosomal structure. Selective pressures acting on CenH3 have never been investigated in organisms with holokinetic meiosis despite the fact that holokinetic chromosomes have been hypothesized to suppress centromere drive. Therefore, the present study evaluates selective pressures acting on the CenH3 gene in holokinetic organisms for the first time, specifically in the representatives of the plant genus Luzula (Juncaceae), in which the kinetochore formation is not co-localized with any type of centromeric repeat. METHODS PCR, cloning and sequencing, and database searches were used to obtain coding CenH3 sequences from Luzula species. Codon substitution models were employed to infer selective regimes acting on CenH3 in Luzula KEY RESULTS: In addition to the two previously published CenH3 sequences from L. nivea, 16 new CenH3 sequences have been isolated from 12 Luzula species. Two CenH3 isoforms in Luzula that originated by a duplication event prior to the divergence of analysed species were found. No signs of positive selection acting on CenH3 in Luzula were detected. Instead, evidence was found that selection on CenH3 of Luzula might have been relaxed. CONCLUSIONS The results indicate that holokinetism itself may suppress centromere drive and, therefore, holokinetic chromosomes might have evolved as a defence against centromere drive.
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Affiliation(s)
- František Zedek
- Department of Botany and Zoology, Masaryk University, Kotlarska 2, 611 37 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Petr Bureš
- Department of Botany and Zoology, Masaryk University, Kotlarska 2, 611 37 Brno, Czech Republic
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Ma W, Schubert V, Martis MM, Hause G, Liu Z, Shen Y, Conrad U, Shi W, Scholz U, Taudien S, Cheng Z, Houben A. The distribution of α-kleisin during meiosis in the holocentromeric plant Luzula elegans. Chromosome Res 2016; 24:393-405. [PMID: 27294972 DOI: 10.1007/s10577-016-9529-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2016] [Revised: 05/03/2016] [Accepted: 05/05/2016] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Holocentric chromosomes occur in a number of independent eukaryotic lineages, and they form holokinetic kinetochores along the entire poleward chromatid surfaces. Due to this alternative chromosome structure, Luzula elegans sister chromatids segregate already in anaphase I followed by the segregation of the homologues in anaphase II. However, not yet known is the localization and dynamics of cohesin and the structure of the synaptonemal complex (SC) during meiosis. We show here that the α-kleisin subunit of cohesin localizes at the centromeres of both mitotic and meiotic metaphase chromosomes and that it, thus, may contribute to assemble the centromere in L. elegans. This localization and the formation of a tripartite SC structure indicate that the prophase I behaviour of L. elegans is similar as in monocentric species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Ma
- Leibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research (IPK), Gatersleben, 06466, Stadt Seeland, Germany
| | - Veit Schubert
- Leibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research (IPK), Gatersleben, 06466, Stadt Seeland, Germany
| | - Mihaela Maria Martis
- Institute of Bioinformatics and Systems Biology/Munich Information Center for Protein Sequences, Helmholtz Center Munich, German Research Center for Environmental Health, 85764, Neuherberg, Germany
- Division of Cell Biology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Bioinformatics Infrastructure for Life Sciences, Linköping University, 558185, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Gerd Hause
- Biocenter, Microscopy Unit, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Weinbergweg 22, 06120, Halle, Germany
| | - Zhaojun Liu
- Leibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research (IPK), Gatersleben, 06466, Stadt Seeland, Germany
| | - Yi Shen
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Genomics, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100101, Beijing, China
| | - Udo Conrad
- Leibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research (IPK), Gatersleben, 06466, Stadt Seeland, Germany
| | - Wenqing Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Genomics, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100101, Beijing, China
| | - Uwe Scholz
- Leibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research (IPK), Gatersleben, 06466, Stadt Seeland, Germany
| | - Stefan Taudien
- Leibniz Institute on Aging-Fritz-Lipmann-Institut e.V. (FLI), Beutenbergstraße 11, 07745, Jena, Germany
| | - Zhukuan Cheng
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Genomics, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100101, Beijing, China
| | - Andreas Houben
- Leibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research (IPK), Gatersleben, 06466, Stadt Seeland, Germany.
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Marques A, Pedrosa-Harand A. Holocentromere identity: from the typical mitotic linear structure to the great plasticity of meiotic holocentromeres. Chromosoma 2016; 125:669-81. [PMID: 27530342 DOI: 10.1007/s00412-016-0612-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2016] [Revised: 07/28/2016] [Accepted: 08/02/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The centromere is the chromosomal site of kinetochore assembly and is responsible for the correct chromosome segregation during mitosis and meiosis in eukaryotes. Contrary to monocentrics, holocentric chromosomes lack a primary constriction, what is attributed to a kinetochore activity along almost the entire chromosome length during mitosis. This extended centromere structure imposes a problem during meiosis, since sister holocentromeres are not co-oriented during first meiotic division. Thus, regardless of the relatively conserved somatic chromosome structure of holocentrics, during meiosis holocentric chromosomes show different adaptations to deal with this condition. Recent findings in holocentrics have brought back the discussion of the great centromere plasticity of eukaryotes, from the typical CENH3-based holocentromeres to CENH3-less holocentric organisms. Here, we summarize recent and former findings about centromere/kinetochore adaptations shown by holocentric organisms during mitosis and meiosis and discuss how these adaptations are related to the type of meiosis found.
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Affiliation(s)
- André Marques
- Laboratory of Genetic Resources, Campus Arapiraca, Federal University of Alagoas, Arapiraca, Alagoas, 57309-005, Brazil
| | - Andrea Pedrosa-Harand
- Laboratory of Plant Cytogenetics and Evolution, Department of Botany, Federal University of Pernambuco, Recife, Pernambuco, 50670-420, Brazil.
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Schubert V, Zelkowski M, Klemme S, Houben A. Similar Sister Chromatid Arrangement in Mono- and Holocentric Plant Chromosomes. Cytogenet Genome Res 2016; 149:218-225. [PMID: 27454585 DOI: 10.1159/000447681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/11/2016] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Due to the X-shape formation at somatic metaphase, the arrangement of the sister chromatids is obvious in monocentric chromosomes. In contrast, the sister chromatids of holocentric chromosomes cannot be distinguished even at mitotic metaphase. To clarify their organization, we differentially labelled the sister chromatids of holocentric Luzula and monocentric rye chromosomes by incorporating the base analogue EdU during replication. Using super-resolution structured illumination microscopy (SIM) and 3D rendering, we found that holocentric sister chromatids attach to each other at their contact surfaces similar to those of monocentrics in prometaphase. We found that sister chromatid exchanges (SCEs) are distributed homogeneously along the whole holocentric chromosomes of Luzula, and that their occurrence is increased compared to monocentric rye chromosomes. The SCE frequency of supernumerary B chromosomes, present additionally to the essential A chromosome complement of rye, does not differ from that of A chromosomes. Based on these results, models of the sister chromatid arrangement in mono- and holocentric plant chromosomes are presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veit Schubert
- Leibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research (IPK) Gatersleben, Stadt Seeland, Germany
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27
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Neumann P, Schubert V, Fuková I, Manning JE, Houben A, Macas J. Epigenetic Histone Marks of Extended Meta-Polycentric Centromeres of Lathyrus and Pisum Chromosomes. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2016; 7:234. [PMID: 26973677 PMCID: PMC4771749 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2016.00234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2015] [Accepted: 02/11/2016] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
Species of the legume genera Lathyrus and Pisum possess chromosomes that exhibit a unique structure of their centromeric regions, which is clearly apparent during metaphase by the formation of extended primary constrictions which span up to a third of the length of the chromosome. In addition, these species express two different variants of the CenH3 protein which are co-localized in multiple domains along the poleward surface of the primary constrictions. Here, we show that the constrictions represent a distinct type of chromatin differing from the chromosome arms. In metaphase, histone phosphorylation patterns including H3S10ph, H3S28ph, and H3T3ph were observed along the entire constriction, in a way similar to holocentric chromosomes. On the other hand, distribution of phosphorylated H2AT120 was different from that previously reported from either, holocentric and monocentric chromosomes, occurring at chromatin surrounding but not overlapping CenH3 domains. Since some of these phosphorylations play a role in chromatid cohesion, it can be assumed that they facilitate correct chromosome segregation by ensuring that multiple separate CenH3 domains present on the same chromatid are oriented toward the same pole. The constrictions also displayed distinct patterns of histone methylation marks, being enriched in H3K9me2 and depleted in H3K4me3 and H3K27me2 compared to the chromosome arms. Super-resolution fluorescence microscopy revealed that although both CenH3 protein variants are present in all CenH3 domains detected on metaphase chromosomes, they are only partially co-localized while there are chromatin subdomains which are mostly made of only one CenH3 variant. Taken together, these data revealed specific features of extended primary constrictions of Lathyrus and Pisum and support the idea that they may represent an intermediate stage between monocentric and holocentric chromosomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pavel Neumann
- Laboratory of Molecular Cytogenetics, Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Institute of Plant Molecular BiologyČeské Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Veit Schubert
- Leibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research (IPK)Gatersleben, Germany
| | - Iva Fuková
- Laboratory of Molecular Cytogenetics, Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Institute of Plant Molecular BiologyČeské Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Jasper E. Manning
- Laboratory of Molecular Cytogenetics, Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Institute of Plant Molecular BiologyČeské Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Andreas Houben
- Leibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research (IPK)Gatersleben, Germany
| | - Jiří Macas
- Laboratory of Molecular Cytogenetics, Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Institute of Plant Molecular BiologyČeské Budějovice, Czech Republic
- *Correspondence: Jiří Macas
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Nagaki K, Tanaka K, Yamaji N, Kobayashi H, Murata M. Sunflower centromeres consist of a centromere-specific LINE and a chromosome-specific tandem repeat. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2015; 6:912. [PMID: 26583020 PMCID: PMC4628103 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2015.00912] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2015] [Accepted: 10/12/2015] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
The kinetochore is a protein complex including kinetochore-specific proteins that plays a role in chromatid segregation during mitosis and meiosis. The complex associates with centromeric DNA sequences that are usually species-specific. In plant species, tandem repeats including satellite DNA sequences and retrotransposons have been reported as centromeric DNA sequences. In this study on sunflowers, a cDNA-encoding centromere-specific histone H3 (CENH3) was isolated from a cDNA pool from a seedling, and an antibody was raised against a peptide synthesized from the deduced cDNA. The antibody specifically recognized the sunflower CENH3 (HaCENH3) and showed centromeric signals by immunostaining and immunohistochemical staining analysis. The antibody was also applied in chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP)-Seq to isolate centromeric DNA sequences and two different types of repetitive DNA sequences were identified. One was a long interspersed nuclear element (LINE)-like sequence, which showed centromere-specific signals on almost all chromosomes in sunflowers. This is the first report of a centromeric LINE sequence, suggesting possible centromere targeting ability. Another type of identified repetitive DNA was a tandem repeat sequence with a 187-bp unit that was found only on a pair of chromosomes. The HaCENH3 content of the tandem repeats was estimated to be much higher than that of the LINE, which implies centromere evolution from LINE-based centromeres to more stable tandem-repeat-based centromeres. In addition, the epigenetic status of the sunflower centromeres was investigated by immunohistochemical staining and ChIP, and it was found that centromeres were heterochromatic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kiyotaka Nagaki
- Applied Genomics Unit, Institute of Plant Science and Resources, Okayama UniversityKurashiki, Japan
| | - Keisuke Tanaka
- NODAI Genome Research Center, Tokyo University of AgricultureSetagaya, Japan
| | - Naoki Yamaji
- Applied Genomics Unit, Institute of Plant Science and Resources, Okayama UniversityKurashiki, Japan
| | - Hisato Kobayashi
- NODAI Genome Research Center, Tokyo University of AgricultureSetagaya, Japan
| | - Minoru Murata
- Applied Genomics Unit, Institute of Plant Science and Resources, Okayama UniversityKurashiki, Japan
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Holocentromeres in Rhynchospora are associated with genome-wide centromere-specific repeat arrays interspersed among euchromatin. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2015; 112:13633-8. [PMID: 26489653 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1512255112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Holocentric chromosomes lack a primary constriction, in contrast to monocentrics. They form kinetochores distributed along almost the entire poleward surface of the chromatids, to which spindle fibers attach. No centromere-specific DNA sequence has been found for any holocentric organism studied so far. It was proposed that centromeric repeats, typical for many monocentric species, could not occur in holocentrics, most likely because of differences in the centromere organization. Here we show that the holokinetic centromeres of the Cyperaceae Rhynchospora pubera are highly enriched by a centromeric histone H3 variant-interacting centromere-specific satellite family designated "Tyba" and by centromeric retrotransposons (i.e., CRRh) occurring as genome-wide interspersed arrays. Centromeric arrays vary in length from 3 to 16 kb and are intermingled with gene-coding sequences and transposable elements. We show that holocentromeres of metaphase chromosomes are composed of multiple centromeric units rather than possessing a diffuse organization, thus favoring the polycentric model. A cell-cycle-dependent shuffling of multiple centromeric units results in the formation of functional (poly)centromeres during mitosis. The genome-wide distribution of centromeric repeat arrays interspersing the euchromatin provides a previously unidentified type of centromeric chromatin organization among eukaryotes. Thus, different types of holocentromeres exist in different species, namely with and without centromeric repetitive sequences.
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Jankowska M, Fuchs J, Klocke E, Fojtová M, Polanská P, Fajkus J, Schubert V, Houben A. Holokinetic centromeres and efficient telomere healing enable rapid karyotype evolution. Chromosoma 2015; 124:519-28. [PMID: 26062516 DOI: 10.1007/s00412-015-0524-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2015] [Revised: 05/21/2015] [Accepted: 05/22/2015] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Species with holocentric chromosomes are often characterized by a rapid karyotype evolution. In contrast to species with monocentric chromosomes where acentric fragments are lost during cell division, breakage of holocentric chromosomes creates fragments with normal centromere activity. To decipher the mechanism that allows holocentric species an accelerated karyotype evolution via chromosome breakage, we analyzed the chromosome complements of irradiated Luzula elegans plants. The resulting chromosomal fragments and rearranged chromosomes revealed holocentromere-typical CENH3 and histone H2AThr120ph signals as well as the same mitotic mobility like unfragmented chromosomes. Newly synthesized telomeres at break points become detectable 3 weeks after irradiation. The presence of active telomerase suggests a telomerase-based mechanism of chromosome healing. A successful transmission of holocentric chromosome fragments across different generations was found for most offspring of irradiated plants. Hence, a combination of holokinetic centromere activity and the fast formation of new telomeres at break points enables holocentric species a rapid karyotype evolution involving chromosome fissions and rearrangements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maja Jankowska
- Leibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research (IPK), OT Gatersleben, Correnstrasse 3, D-06466, Stadt Seeland, Germany
| | - Jörg Fuchs
- Leibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research (IPK), OT Gatersleben, Correnstrasse 3, D-06466, Stadt Seeland, Germany
| | - Evelyn Klocke
- Julius Kühn-Institute, Institute for Breeding Research on Horticultural Crops, Erwin-Baur-Straße 27, D-06484, Quedlinburg, Germany
| | - Miloslava Fojtová
- Mendel Centre for Plant Genomics and Proteomics, CEITEC, Masaryk University, Kamenice 5, CZ-625 00, Brno, Czech Republic.,Laboratory of Functional Genomics and Proteomics, NCBR, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Kamenice 5, CZ-625 00, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Pavla Polanská
- Mendel Centre for Plant Genomics and Proteomics, CEITEC, Masaryk University, Kamenice 5, CZ-625 00, Brno, Czech Republic.,Laboratory of Functional Genomics and Proteomics, NCBR, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Kamenice 5, CZ-625 00, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Jiří Fajkus
- Mendel Centre for Plant Genomics and Proteomics, CEITEC, Masaryk University, Kamenice 5, CZ-625 00, Brno, Czech Republic.,Laboratory of Functional Genomics and Proteomics, NCBR, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Kamenice 5, CZ-625 00, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Veit Schubert
- Leibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research (IPK), OT Gatersleben, Correnstrasse 3, D-06466, Stadt Seeland, Germany
| | - Andreas Houben
- Leibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research (IPK), OT Gatersleben, Correnstrasse 3, D-06466, Stadt Seeland, Germany.
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Wanner G, Schroeder-Reiter E, Ma W, Houben A, Schubert V. The ultrastructure of mono- and holocentric plant centromeres: an immunological investigation by structured illumination microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. Chromosoma 2015; 124:503-17. [DOI: 10.1007/s00412-015-0521-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2015] [Revised: 05/12/2015] [Accepted: 05/18/2015] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Monen J, Hattersley N, Muroyama A, Stevens D, Oegema K, Desai A. Separase Cleaves the N-Tail of the CENP-A Related Protein CPAR-1 at the Meiosis I Metaphase-Anaphase Transition in C. elegans. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0125382. [PMID: 25919583 PMCID: PMC4412405 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0125382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2014] [Accepted: 03/23/2015] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Centromeres are defined epigenetically in the majority of eukaryotes by the presence of chromatin containing the centromeric histone H3 variant CENP-A. Most species have a single gene encoding a centromeric histone variant whereas C. elegans has two: HCP-3 (also known as CeCENP-A) and CPAR-1. Prior RNAi replacement experiments showed that HCP-3 is the functionally dominant isoform, consistent with CPAR-1 not being detectable in embryos. GFP::CPAR-1 is loaded onto meiotic chromosomes in diakinesis and is enriched on bivalents until meiosis I. Here we show that GFP::CPAR-1 signal loss from chromosomes precisely coincides with homolog segregation during anaphase I. This loss of GFP::CPAR-1 signal reflects proteolytic cleavage between GFP and the histone fold of CPAR-1, as CPAR-1::GFP, in which GFP is fused to the C-terminus of CPAR-1, does not exhibit any loss of GFP signal. A focused candidate screen implicated separase, the protease that initiates anaphase by cleaving the kleisin subunit of cohesin, in this cleavage reaction. Examination of the N-terminal tail sequence of CPAR-1 revealed a putative separase cleavage site and mutation of the signature residues in this site eliminated the cleavage reaction, as visualized by retention of GFP::CPAR-1 signal on separating homologous chromosomes at the metaphase-anaphase transition of meiosis I. Neither cleaved nor uncleavable CPAR-1 were centromere-localized in mitosis and instead localized throughout chromatin, indicating that centromere activity has not been retained in CPAR-1. Although the functions of CPAR-1 and of its separase-dependent cleavage remain to be elucidated, this effort reveals a new substrate of separase and provides an in vivo biosensor to monitor separase activity at the onset of meiosis I anaphase.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joost Monen
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research & Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States of America
| | - Neil Hattersley
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research & Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States of America
| | - Andrew Muroyama
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research & Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States of America
| | - Deanna Stevens
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research & Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States of America
| | - Karen Oegema
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research & Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States of America
| | - Arshad Desai
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research & Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Neumann P, Pavlíková Z, Koblížková A, Fuková I, Jedličková V, Novák P, Macas J. Centromeres Off the Hook: Massive Changes in Centromere Size and Structure Following Duplication of CenH3 Gene in Fabeae Species. Mol Biol Evol 2015; 32:1862-79. [PMID: 25771197 PMCID: PMC4476163 DOI: 10.1093/molbev/msv070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
In most eukaryotes, centromere is determined by the presence of the centromere-specific histone variant CenH3. Two types of chromosome morphology are generally recognized with respect to centromere organization. Monocentric chromosomes possess a single CenH3-containing domain in primary constriction, whereas holocentric chromosomes lack the primary constriction and display dispersed distribution of CenH3. Recently, metapolycentric chromosomes have been reported in Pisum sativum, representing an intermediate type of centromere organization characterized by multiple CenH3-containing domains distributed across large parts of chromosomes that still form a single constriction. In this work, we show that this type of centromere is also found in other Pisum and closely related Lathyrus species, whereas Vicia and Lens genera, which belong to the same legume tribe Fabeae, possess only monocentric chromosomes. We observed extensive variability in the size of primary constriction and the arrangement of CenH3 domains both between and within individual Pisum and Lathyrus species, with no obvious correlation to genome or chromosome size. Search for CenH3 gene sequences revealed two paralogous variants, CenH3-1 and CenH3-2, which originated from a duplication event in the common ancestor of Fabeae species. The CenH3-1 gene was subsequently lost or silenced in the lineage leading to Vicia and Lens, whereas both genes are retained in Pisum and Lathyrus. Both of these genes appear to have evolved under purifying selection and produce functional CenH3 proteins which are fully colocalized. The findings described here provide the first evidence for a highly dynamic centromere structure within a group of closely related species, challenging previous concepts of centromere evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pavel Neumann
- Biology Centre of the Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Institute of Plant Molecular Biology, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Zuzana Pavlíková
- Biology Centre of the Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Institute of Plant Molecular Biology, České Budějovice, Czech Republic Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Andrea Koblížková
- Biology Centre of the Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Institute of Plant Molecular Biology, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Iva Fuková
- Biology Centre of the Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Institute of Plant Molecular Biology, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Veronika Jedličková
- Biology Centre of the Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Institute of Plant Molecular Biology, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Petr Novák
- Biology Centre of the Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Institute of Plant Molecular Biology, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Jiří Macas
- Biology Centre of the Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Institute of Plant Molecular Biology, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
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Sharma SK, Yamamoto M, Mukai Y. Immuno-cytogenetic manifestation of epigenetic chromatin modification marks in plants. PLANTA 2015; 241:291-301. [PMID: 25539867 DOI: 10.1007/s00425-014-2233-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2014] [Accepted: 12/16/2014] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Histone proteins and the nucleosomes along with DNA are the essential components of eukaryotic chromatin. Post-translational histone-DNA interactions and modifications eventually offer significant alteration in the chromatin environment and potentially influence diverse fundamental biological processes, some of which are known to be epigenetically inherited and constitute the "epigenetic code". Such chromatin modifications evidently uncover remarkable diversity and biological specificity associated with distinct patterns of covalent histone marks. The past few years have witnessed major breakthroughs in plant biology research by utilizing chromatin modification-specific antibodies through molecular cytogenetic tools to ascertain hallmark signatures of chromatin domains on the chromosomes. Here, we survey current information on chromosomal distribution patterns of chromatin modifications with special emphasis on histone methylation, acetylation, phosphorylation, and centromere-specific histone 3 (CENH3) marks in plants using immuno-FISH as a basic tool. Major available information has been classified under typical and comparative cytogenetic detection of chromatin modifications in plants. Further, spatial distribution of chromatin environment that exists between different cell types such as angiosperm/gymnosperm, monocot/dicot, diploid/polyploids, vegetative/generative cells, as well as different stages, i.e., mitosis versus meiosis has also been discussed in detail. Several challenges and future perspectives of molecular cytogenetics in the grooming field of plant chromatin dynamics have also been addressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Santosh Kumar Sharma
- Division of Natural Sciences, Laboratory of Plant Molecular Genetics, Osaka Kyoiku University, 4-698-1 Asahigaoka, Kashiwara, Osaka 582-8582, Japan,
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Cuacos M, H. Franklin FC, Heckmann S. Atypical centromeres in plants-what they can tell us. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2015; 6:913. [PMID: 26579160 PMCID: PMC4620154 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2015.00913] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2015] [Accepted: 10/12/2015] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
The centromere, visible as the primary constriction of condensed metaphase chromosomes, is a defined chromosomal locus essential for genome stability. It mediates transient assembly of a multi-protein complex, the kinetochore, which enables interaction with spindle fibers and thus faithful segregation of the genetic information during nuclear divisions. Centromeric DNA varies in extent and sequence composition among organisms, but a common feature of almost all active eukaryotic centromeres is the presence of the centromeric histone H3 variant cenH3 (a.k.a. CENP-A). These typical centromere features apply to most studied species. However, a number of species display "atypical" centromeres, such as holocentromeres (centromere extension along almost the entire chromatid length) or neocentromeres (ectopic centromere activity). In this review, we provide an overview of different atypical centromere types found in plants including holocentromeres, de novo formed centromeres and terminal neocentromeres as well as di-, tri- and metapolycentromeres (more than one centromere per chromosomes). We discuss their specific and common features and compare them to centromere types found in other eukaryotic species. We also highlight new insights into centromere biology gained in plants with atypical centromeres such as distinct mechanisms to define a holocentromere, specific adaptations in species with holocentromeres during meiosis or various scenarios leading to neocentromere formation.
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Alternative meiotic chromatid segregation in the holocentric plant Luzula elegans. Nat Commun 2014; 5:4979. [PMID: 25296379 PMCID: PMC4214429 DOI: 10.1038/ncomms5979] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2014] [Accepted: 08/12/2014] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Holocentric chromosomes occur in a number of independent eukaryotic lineages. They form holokinetic kinetochores along the entire poleward chromatid surfaces, and owing to this alternative chromosome structure, species with holocentric chromosomes cannot use the two-step loss of cohesion during meiosis typical for monocentric chromosomes. Here we show that the plant Luzula elegans maintains a holocentric chromosome architecture and behaviour throughout meiosis, and in contrast to monopolar sister centromere orientation, the unfused holokinetic sister centromeres behave as two distinct functional units during meiosis I, resulting in sister chromatid separation. Homologous non-sister chromatids remain terminally linked after metaphase I, by satellite DNA-enriched chromatin threads, until metaphase II. They then separate at anaphase II. Thus, an inverted sequence of meiotic sister chromatid segregation occurs. This alternative meiotic process is most likely one possible adaptation to handle a holocentric chromosome architecture and behaviour during meiosis.
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Schubert V, Lermontova I, Schubert I. Loading of the centromeric histone H3 variant during meiosis-how does it differ from mitosis? Chromosoma 2014; 123:491-7. [PMID: 24806806 DOI: 10.1007/s00412-014-0466-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2014] [Revised: 04/16/2014] [Accepted: 04/28/2014] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
In eukaryotic phyla studied so far, the essential centromeric histone H3 variant (CENH3) is loaded to centromeric nucleosomes after S-phase (except for yeast) but before mitotic segregation (except for metazoan). While the C-terminal part of CENH3 seems to be sufficient for mitotic centromere function in plants, meiotic centromeres neither load nor tolerate impaired CENH3 molecules. However, details about CENH3 deposition in meiocytes are unknown (except for Drosophila). Therefore, we quantified fluorescence signals after the immunostaining of CENH3 along meiotic and mitotic nuclear division cycles of rye, a monocotyledonous plant. One peak of fluorescence intensity appeared in the early meiotic prophase of pollen mother cells and a second one during interkinesis, both followed by a decrease of CENH3. Then, the next loading occurred in the male gametophyte before its first mitotic division. These data indicate that CENH3 loading differs between mitotic and meiotic nuclei. Contrary to the situation in mitotic cycles, CENH3 deposition is biphasic during meiosis and apparently linked with a quality check, a removal of impaired CENH3 molecules, and a general loss of CENH3 after each loading phase. These steps ensure an endowment of centromeres with a sufficient amount of correct CENH3 molecules as a prerequisite for centromere maintenance during mitotic cycles of the microgametophyte and the progeny. From a comparison with data available for Drosophila, we hypothesise that the post-divisional mitotic CENH3 loading in metazoans is evolutionarily derived from the post-divisional meiotic loading phase, while the pre-divisional first meiotic loading has been conserved among eukaryotes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veit Schubert
- Leibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research (IPK), 06466, Gatersleben, Germany,
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Centromere identity from the DNA point of view. Chromosoma 2014; 123:313-25. [PMID: 24763964 PMCID: PMC4107277 DOI: 10.1007/s00412-014-0462-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 135] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2013] [Revised: 03/28/2014] [Accepted: 04/01/2014] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
The centromere is a chromosomal locus responsible for the faithful segregation of genetic material during cell division. It has become evident that centromeres can be established literally on any DNA sequence, and the possible synergy between DNA sequences and the most prominent centromere identifiers, protein components, and epigenetic marks remains uncertain. However, some evolutionary preferences seem to exist, and long-term established centromeres are frequently formed on long arrays of satellite DNAs and/or transposable elements. Recent progress in understanding functional centromere sequences is based largely on the high-resolution DNA mapping of sequences that interact with the centromere-specific histone H3 variant, the most reliable marker of active centromeres. In addition, sequence assembly and mapping of large repetitive centromeric regions, as well as comparative genome analyses offer insight into their complex organization and evolution. The rapidly advancing field of transcription in centromere regions highlights the functional importance of centromeric transcripts. Here, we comprehensively review the current state of knowledge on the composition and functionality of DNA sequences underlying active centromeres and discuss their contribution to the functioning of different centromere types in higher eukaryotes.
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Demidov D, Schubert V, Kumke K, Weiss O, Karimi-Ashtiyani R, Buttlar J, Heckmann S, Wanner G, Dong Q, Han F, Houben A. Anti-phosphorylated histone H2AThr120: a universal microscopic marker for centromeric chromatin of mono- and holocentric plant species. Cytogenet Genome Res 2014; 143:150-6. [PMID: 24642790 DOI: 10.1159/000360018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Based on the analysis of 20 different monocot and eudicot species, we propose that the centromeric distribution of the phosphorylated histone H2AThr120 is evolutionary highly conserved across species with mono- and holocentric chromosomes. Therefore, antibodies recognizing the phosphorylated threonine 120 of the histone H2A can serve as a universal marker for the cytological detection of centromeres of mono- and holokinetic plant species. In addition, super resolution microscopy of signals specific to the centromere-specific histone H3 variant CENH3 and to H2AThr120ph revealed that these histone variants are incorporated into different nucleosomes, which form distinct, partly intermingled chromatin domains. This specific arrangement of both histone variants suggests different centromeric functions during the cell cycle.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Demidov
- Leibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research (IPK), Gatersleben, Germany
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Mon H, Lee JM, Mita K, Goldsmith MR, Kusakabe T. Chromatin-induced spindle assembly plays an important role in metaphase congression of silkworm holocentric chromosomes. INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2014; 45:40-50. [PMID: 24291286 DOI: 10.1016/j.ibmb.2013.11.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2013] [Revised: 11/19/2013] [Accepted: 11/21/2013] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
The kinetochore plays important roles in cell cycle progression. Interactions between chromosomes and spindle microtubules allow chromosomes to congress to the middle of the cell and to segregate the sister chromatids into daughter cells in mitosis. The chromosome passenger complex (CPC), composed of the Aurora B kinase and its regulatory subunits INCENP, Survivin, and Borealin, plays multiple roles in these chromosomal events. In the genome of the silkworm, Bombyx mori, which has holocentric chromosomes, the CPC components and their molecular interactions were highly conserved. In contrast to monocentric species, however, the silkworm CPC co-localized with the chromatin-driven spindles on the upper side of prometaphase chromosomes without forming bipolar mitotic spindles. Depletion of the CPC by RNAi arrested the cell cycle progression at prometaphase and disrupted the microtubule network of the chromatin-driven spindles. Interestingly, depletion of mitotic centromere-associated kinesin (MCAK) recovered formation of the microtubule network but did not overcome the cell cycle arrest at prometaphase. These results suggest that the CPC modulates the chromatin-induced spindle assembly and metaphase congression of silkworm holocentric chromosomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroaki Mon
- Laboratory of Silkworm Science, Kyushu University Graduate School of Bioresource and Bioenvironmental Sciences, Hakozaki 6-10-1, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka 812-8581, Japan
| | - Jae Man Lee
- Laboratory of Silkworm Science, Kyushu University Graduate School of Bioresource and Bioenvironmental Sciences, Hakozaki 6-10-1, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka 812-8581, Japan
| | - Kazuei Mita
- Laboratory of Molecular Genetics, Centre for DNA Fingerprinting and Diagnostics, Hyderabad 500001, India
| | - Marian R Goldsmith
- Biological Sciences Department, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI 02881, USA
| | - Takahiro Kusakabe
- Laboratory of Silkworm Science, Kyushu University Graduate School of Bioresource and Bioenvironmental Sciences, Hakozaki 6-10-1, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka 812-8581, Japan.
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Yin H, Liu J, Xu Y, Liu X, Zhang S, Ma J, Du J. TARE1, a mutated Copia-like LTR retrotransposon followed by recent massive amplification in tomato. PLoS One 2013; 8:e68587. [PMID: 23861922 PMCID: PMC3701649 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0068587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2013] [Accepted: 06/05/2013] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Long terminal repeat retrotransposons (LTR-RTs) are the major DNA components in flowering plants. Most LTR-RTs contain dinucleotides ‘TG’ and ‘CA’ at the ends of the two LTRs. Here we report the structure, evolution, and propensity of a tomato atypical retrotransposon element (TARE1) with both LTRs starting as ‘TA’. This family is also characterized by high copy numbers (354 copies), short LTR size (194 bp), extremely low ratio of solo LTRs to intact elements (0.05∶1), recent insertion (most within 0.75∼1.75 million years, Mys), and enrichment in pericentromeric region. The majority (83%) of the TARE1 elements are shared between S. lycopersicum and its wild relative S. pimpinellifolium, but none of them are found in potato. In the present study, we used shared LTR-RTs as molecular markers and estimated the divergence time between S. lycopersicum and S. pimpinellifolium to be <0.5 Mys. Phylogenetic analysis showed that the TARE1 elements, together with two closely related families, TARE2 and TGRE1, have formed a sub-lineage belonging to a Copia-like Ale lineage. Although TARE1 and TARE2 shared similar structural characteristics, the timing, scale, and activity of their amplification were found to be substantially different. We further propose a model wherein a single mutation from ‘G’ to ‘A’ in 3′ LTR followed by amplification is responsible for the origin of TARE1, thus providing evidence that the proliferation of a spontaneous mutation can be mediated by the amplification of LTR-RTs at the level of RNA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Yin
- Bioinformatics Group, Institute of Industrial Crops, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanjing, China
- Center of Pear Engineering Technology Research, State Key Laboratory of Crop Genetics and Germplasm Enhancement, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jing Liu
- Bioinformatics Group, Institute of Industrial Crops, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanjing, China
| | - Yingxiu Xu
- Bioinformatics Group, Institute of Industrial Crops, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanjing, China
| | - Xing Liu
- Bioinformatics Group, Institute of Industrial Crops, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanjing, China
- Center of Pear Engineering Technology Research, State Key Laboratory of Crop Genetics and Germplasm Enhancement, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Shaoling Zhang
- Center of Pear Engineering Technology Research, State Key Laboratory of Crop Genetics and Germplasm Enhancement, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jianxin Ma
- Department of Agronomy, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, United States of America
| | - Jianchang Du
- Bioinformatics Group, Institute of Industrial Crops, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanjing, China
- * E-mail:
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Heckmann S, Macas J, Kumke K, Fuchs J, Schubert V, Ma L, Novák P, Neumann P, Taudien S, Platzer M, Houben A. The holocentric species Luzula elegans shows interplay between centromere and large-scale genome organization. THE PLANT JOURNAL : FOR CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2013; 73:555-65. [PMID: 23078243 DOI: 10.1111/tpj.12054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2012] [Revised: 10/11/2012] [Accepted: 10/16/2012] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
In higher plants, the large-scale structure of monocentric chromosomes consists of distinguishable eu- and heterochromatic regions, the proportions and organization of which depend on a species' genome size. To determine whether the same interplay is maintained for holocentric chromosomes, we investigated the distribution of repetitive sequences and epigenetic marks in the woodrush Luzula elegans (3.81 Gbp/1C). Sixty-one per cent of the L. elegans genome is characterized by highly repetitive DNA, with over 30 distinct sequence families encoding an exceptionally high diversity of satellite repeats. Over 33% of the genome is composed of the Angela clade of Ty1/copia LTR retrotransposons, which are uniformly dispersed along the chromosomes, while the satellite repeats occur as bands whose distribution appears to be biased towards the chromosome termini. No satellite showed an almost chromosome-wide distribution pattern as expected for a holocentric chromosome and no typical centromere-associated LTR retrotransposons were found either. No distinguishable large-scale patterns of eu- and heterochromatin-typical epigenetic marks or early/late DNA replicating domains were found along mitotic chromosomes, although super-high-resolution light microscopy revealed distinguishable interspersed units of various chromatin types. Our data suggest a correlation between the centromere and overall genome organization in species with holocentric chromosomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefan Heckmann
- Leibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research (IPK), Corrensstrasse 3, 06466, Gatersleben, Germany
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Nagaki K, Yamamoto M, Yamaji N, Mukai Y, Murata M. Chromosome dynamics visualized with an anti-centromeric histone H3 antibody in Allium. PLoS One 2012; 7:e51315. [PMID: 23236469 PMCID: PMC3517398 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0051315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2012] [Accepted: 10/30/2012] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Due to the ease with which chromosomes can be observed, the Allium species, and onion in particular, have been familiar materials employed in cytogenetic experiments in biology. In this study, centromeric histone H3 (CENH3)-coding cDNAs were identified in four Allium species (onion, welsh onion, garlic and garlic chives) and cloned. Anti-CENH3 antibody was then raised against a deduced amino acid sequence of CENH3 of welsh onion. The antibody recognized all CENH3 orthologs of the Allium species tested. Immunostaining with the antibody enabled clear visualization of chromosome behavior during mitosis in the species. Furthermore, three-dimensional (3D) observation of mitotic cell division was achieved by subjecting root sections to immunohistochemical techniques. The 3D dynamics of the cells and position of cell-cycle marker proteins (CENH3 and α-tubulin) were clearly revealed by immunohistochemical staining with the antibodies. The immunohistochemical analysis made it possible to establish an overview of the location of dividing cells in the root tissues. This breakthrough in technique, in addition to the two centromeric DNA sequences isolated from welsh onion by chromatin immuno-precipitation using the antibody, should lead to a better understanding of plant cell division. A phylogenetic analysis of Allium CENH3s together with the previously reported plant CENH3s showed two separate clades for monocot species tested. One clade was made from CENH3s of the Allium species with those of Poaceae species, and the other from CENH3s of a holocentric species (Luzula nivea). These data may imply functional differences of CENH3s between holocentric and monocentric species. Centromeric localization of DNA sequences isolated from welsh onion by chromatin immuno-precipitation (ChIP) using the antibody was confirmed by fluorescence in situ hybridization and ChIP-quantitative PCR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kiyotaka Nagaki
- Institute of Plant Science and Resources, Okayama University, Kurashiki, Japan.
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45
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Melters DP, Paliulis LV, Korf IF, Chan SWL. Holocentric chromosomes: convergent evolution, meiotic adaptations, and genomic analysis. Chromosome Res 2012; 20:579-93. [PMID: 22766638 DOI: 10.1007/s10577-012-9292-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 196] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
In most eukaryotes, the kinetochore protein complex assembles at a single locus termed the centromere to attach chromosomes to spindle microtubules. Holocentric chromosomes have the unusual property of attaching to spindle microtubules along their entire length. Our mechanistic understanding of holocentric chromosome function is derived largely from studies in the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans, but holocentric chromosomes are found over a broad range of animal and plant species. In this review, we describe how holocentricity may be identified through cytological and molecular methods. By surveying the diversity of organisms with holocentric chromosomes, we estimate that the trait has arisen at least 13 independent times (four times in plants and at least nine times in animals). Holocentric chromosomes have inherent problems in meiosis because bivalents can attach to spindles in a random fashion. Interestingly, there are several solutions that have evolved to allow accurate meiotic segregation of holocentric chromosomes. Lastly, we describe how extensive genome sequencing and experiments in nonmodel organisms may allow holocentric chromosomes to shed light on general principles of chromosome segregation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniël P Melters
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology and Genome Center, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
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Neumann P, Navrátilová A, Schroeder-Reiter E, Koblížková A, Steinbauerová V, Chocholová E, Novák P, Wanner G, Macas J. Stretching the rules: monocentric chromosomes with multiple centromere domains. PLoS Genet 2012; 8:e1002777. [PMID: 22737088 PMCID: PMC3380829 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1002777] [Citation(s) in RCA: 100] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2012] [Accepted: 05/05/2012] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The centromere is a functional chromosome domain that is essential for faithful chromosome segregation during cell division and that can be reliably identified by the presence of the centromere-specific histone H3 variant CenH3. In monocentric chromosomes, the centromere is characterized by a single CenH3-containing region within a morphologically distinct primary constriction. This region usually spans up to a few Mbp composed mainly of centromere-specific satellite DNA common to all chromosomes of a given species. In holocentric chromosomes, there is no primary constriction; the centromere is composed of many CenH3 loci distributed along the entire length of a chromosome. Using correlative fluorescence light microscopy and high-resolution electron microscopy, we show that pea (Pisum sativum) chromosomes exhibit remarkably long primary constrictions that contain 3-5 explicit CenH3-containing regions, a novelty in centromere organization. In addition, we estimate that the size of the chromosome segment delimited by two outermost domains varies between 69 Mbp and 107 Mbp, several factors larger than any known centromere length. These domains are almost entirely composed of repetitive DNA sequences belonging to 13 distinct families of satellite DNA and one family of centromeric retrotransposons, all of which are unevenly distributed among pea chromosomes. We present the centromeres of Pisum as novel "meta-polycentric" functional domains. Our results demonstrate that the organization and DNA composition of functional centromere domains can be far more complex than previously thought, do not require single repetitive elements, and do not require single centromere domains in order to segregate properly. Based on these findings, we propose Pisum as a useful model for investigation of centromere architecture and the still poorly understood role of repetitive DNA in centromere evolution, determination, and function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pavel Neumann
- Biology Centre of the Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Institute of Plant Molecular Biology, České Budějovice, Czech Republic.
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Abstract
The parabasalid protist Trichomonas vaginalis is a widespread parasite that affects humans, frequently causing vaginitis in infected women. Trichomonad mitosis is marked by the persistence of the nuclear membrane and the presence of an asymmetric extranuclear spindle with no obvious direct connection to the chromosomes. No centromeric markers have been described in T. vaginalis, which has prevented a detailed analysis of mitotic events in this organism. In other eukaryotes, nucleosomes of centromeric chromatin contain the histone H3 variant CenH3. The principal aim of this work was to identify a CenH3 homolog in T. vaginalis. We performed a screen of the T. vaginalis genome to retrieve sequences of canonical and variant H3 histones. Three variant histone H3 proteins were identified, and the subcellular localization of their epitope-tagged variants was determined. The localization of the variant TVAG_185390 could not be distinguished from that of the canonical H3 histone. The sequence of the variant TVAG_087830 closely resembled that of histone H3. The tagged protein colocalized with sites of active transcription, indicating that the variant TVAG_087830 represented H3.3 in T. vaginalis. The third H3 variant (TVAG_224460) was localized to 6 or 12 distinct spots at the periphery of the nucleus, corresponding to the number of chromosomes in G(1) phase and G(2) phase, respectively. We propose that this variant represents the centromeric marker CenH3 and thus can be employed as a tool to study mitosis in T. vaginalis. Furthermore, we suggest that the peripheral distribution of CenH3 within the nucleus results from the association of centromeres with the nuclear envelope throughout the cell cycle.
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Sotero-Caio CG, de Souza MJ, Cabral-de-Mello DC, Brasileiro-Vidal AC, Guerra M. Phosphorylation of histone H3S10 in animal chromosomes: is there a uniform pattern? Cytogenet Genome Res 2011; 135:111-7. [PMID: 21893968 DOI: 10.1159/000330918] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/04/2011] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Phosphorylation of serine 10 in histone H3 (H3S10ph) has been extensively analyzed and appears to be a conserved chromatin change associated with chromosome condensation in different eukaryotic organisms. In this work, we report the distribution of H3S10ph during meiosis in monocentric and holokinetic chromosomes of 6 insect species and in mitotic chromosomes of 7 mammalian species, aiming to investigate the labeling patterns in phylogenetically distant groups. The results indicated a very similar phosphorylation timing and distribution pattern among insects. The sex chromosomes of insects analyzed were always undercondensed and hypophosphorylated. Similarly, the micro chromosomes of the bug Pachylis aff pharaonis were also undercondensed and hypophosphorylated. Holokinetic chromosomes of bugs and monocentric chromosomes of grasshoppers and beetles displayed identical phosphorylation pattern in spite of the difference in the centromere type. Among mammals, a uniform chromosome phosphorylation was observed in marsupials, whereas bat chromosomes displayed a longitudinal banding pattern. These data indicate that, in general, the intensity of H3S10 phosphorylation in animal chromosomes is variable among the distinct chromosome types and associated with the degree of chromatin condensation at metaphase, but it may vary between different groups of animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- C G Sotero-Caio
- Departamento de Genética, Centro de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Recife, Brazil
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Sousa A, Barros e Silva A, Cuadrado A, Loarce Y, Alves M, Guerra M. Distribution of 5S and 45S rDNA sites in plants with holokinetic chromosomes and the “chromosome field” hypothesis. Micron 2011; 42:625-31. [DOI: 10.1016/j.micron.2011.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2010] [Revised: 02/25/2011] [Accepted: 03/01/2011] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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Loss of centromeric histone H3 (CENH3) from centromeres precedes uniparental chromosome elimination in interspecific barley hybrids. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2011; 108:E498-505. [PMID: 21746892 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1103190108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 174] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Uniparental chromosome elimination occurs in several interspecific hybrids of plants. We studied the mechanism underlying selective elimination of the paternal chromosomes during the early development of Hordeum vulgare × Hordeum bulbosum embryos. The following conclusions regarding the role of the centromere-specific histone H3 variant (CENH3) in the process of chromosome elimination were drawn: (i) centromere inactivity of H. bulbosum chromosomes triggers the mitosis-dependent process of uniparental chromosome elimination in unstable H. vulgare × H. bulbosum hybrids; (ii) centromeric loss of CENH3 protein rather than uniparental silencing of CENH3 genes causes centromere inactivity; (iii) in stable species combinations, cross-species incorporation of CENH3 occurs despite centromere-sequence differences, and not all CENH3 variants get incorporated into centromeres if multiple CENH3s are present in species combinations; and (iv) diploid barley species encode two CENH3 variants, the proteins of which are intermingled within centromeres throughout mitosis and meiosis.
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