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Chang X, He X, Li J, Liu Z, Pi R, Luo X, Wang R, Hu X, Lu S, Zhang X, Wang M. High-quality Gossypium hirsutum and Gossypium barbadense genome assemblies reveal the landscape and evolution of centromeres. PLANT COMMUNICATIONS 2024; 5:100722. [PMID: 37742072 PMCID: PMC10873883 DOI: 10.1016/j.xplc.2023.100722] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2023] [Revised: 06/16/2023] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 09/25/2023]
Abstract
Centromere positioning and organization are crucial for genome evolution; however, research on centromere biology is largely influenced by the quality of available genome assemblies. Here, we combined Oxford Nanopore and Pacific Biosciences technologies to de novo assemble two high-quality reference genomes for Gossypium hirsutum (TM-1) and Gossypium barbadense (3-79). Compared with previously published reference genomes, our assemblies show substantial improvements, with the contig N50 improved by 4.6-fold and 5.6-fold, respectively, and thus represent the most complete cotton genomes to date. These high-quality reference genomes enable us to characterize 14 and 5 complete centromeric regions for G. hirsutum and G. barbadense, respectively. Our data revealed that the centromeres of allotetraploid cotton are occupied by members of the centromeric repeat for maize (CRM) and Tekay long terminal repeat families, and the CRM family reshapes the centromere structure of the At subgenome after polyploidization. These two intertwined families have driven the convergent evolution of centromeres between the two subgenomes, ensuring centromere function and genome stability. In addition, the repositioning and high sequence divergence of centromeres between G. hirsutum and G. barbadense have contributed to speciation and centromere diversity. This study sheds light on centromere evolution in a significant crop and provides an alternative approach for exploring the evolution of polyploid plants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xing Chang
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Xin He
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Jianying Li
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Zhenping Liu
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Ruizhen Pi
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Xuanxuan Luo
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Ruipeng Wang
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiubao Hu
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Sifan Lu
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Xianlong Zhang
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Maojun Wang
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China.
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Liu C, Huang Y, Guo X, Yi C, Liu Q, Zhang K, Zhu C, Liu Y, Han F. Young retrotransposons and non-B DNA structures promote the establishment of dominant rye centromere in the 1RS.1BL fused centromere. THE NEW PHYTOLOGIST 2024; 241:607-622. [PMID: 37897058 DOI: 10.1111/nph.19359] [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: 06/12/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023]
Abstract
The fine centromere structure in Robertsonian wheat-rye translocation chromosomes exhibits variation among different translocation genotypes. Within extensively employed wheat-rye 1RS.1BL translocation lines in wheat breeding, their translocated chromosomes frequently display fused centromere. Nevertheless, the mechanism governing the functionality of the fused centromere in 1RS.1BL translocated chromosomes remains to be clarified. In this study, we investigated the fine centromere structure of the 1RS.1BL translocated chromosome through a combination of cytological and genomics methods. We found that only the rye-derived centromere exhibits functional activity, whether in breeding applications or artificially synthesized translocation chromosomes. The active rye-derived centromere had higher proportion of young full-length long terminal repeat retrotransposons (flLTR-RTs) and more stable non-B DNA structures, which may be beneficial toward transcription of centromeric repeats and CENH3 loading to maintain the activity of rye centromeres. High levels of DNA methylation and H3K9me2 were found in the inactive wheat-derived centromeres, suggesting that it may play a crucial role in maintaining the inactive status of the wheat centromere. Our works elucidate the fine structure of 1RS.1BL translocations and the potential mechanism of centromere inactivation in the fused centromere, contributing knowledge to the application of fused centromere in wheat breeding formation of new wheat-rye translocation lines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chang Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Cell and Chromosome Engineering, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Yuhong Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Cell and Chromosome Engineering, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Xianrui Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Cell and Chromosome Engineering, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Congyang Yi
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Cell and Chromosome Engineering, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Qian Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Cell and Chromosome Engineering, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Kaibiao Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Cell and Chromosome Engineering, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Congle Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Cell and Chromosome Engineering, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Yang Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Cell and Chromosome Engineering, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Fangpu Han
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Cell and Chromosome Engineering, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
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Ma H, Ding W, Chen Y, Zhou J, Chen W, Lan C, Mao H, Li Q, Yan W, Su H. Centromere Plasticity With Evolutionary Conservation and Divergence Uncovered by Wheat 10+ Genomes. Mol Biol Evol 2023; 40:msad176. [PMID: 37541261 PMCID: PMC10422864 DOI: 10.1093/molbev/msad176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2023] [Revised: 06/26/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Centromeres (CEN) are the chromosomal regions that play a crucial role in maintaining genomic stability. The underlying highly repetitive DNA sequences can evolve quickly in most eukaryotes, and promote karyotype evolution. Despite their variability, it is not fully understood how these widely variable sequences ensure the homeostasis of centromere function. In this study, we investigated the genetics and epigenetics of CEN in a population of wheat lines from global breeding programs. We captured a high degree of sequences, positioning, and epigenetic variations in the large and complex wheat CEN. We found that most CENH3-associated repeats are Cereba element of retrotransposons and exhibit phylogenetic homogenization across different wheat lines, but the less-associated repeat sequences diverge on their own way in each wheat line, implying specific mechanisms for selecting certain repeat types as functional core CEN. Furthermore, we observed that CENH3 nucleosome structures display looser wrapping of DNA termini on complex centromeric repeats, including the repositioned CEN. We also found that strict CENH3 nucleosome positioning and intrinsic DNA features play a role in determining centromere identity among different lines. Specific non-B form DNAs were substantially associated with CENH3 nucleosomes for the repositioned centromeres. These findings suggest that multiple mechanisms were involved in the adaptation of CENH3 nucleosomes that can stabilize CEN. Ultimately, we proposed a remarkable epigenetic plasticity of centromere chromatin within the diverse genomic context, and the high robustness is crucial for maintaining centromere function and genome stability in wheat 10+ lines as a result of past breeding selections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huan Ma
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Shenzhen Institute of Nutrition and Health, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Wentao Ding
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Shenzhen Institute of Nutrition and Health, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yiqian Chen
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Shenzhen Institute of Nutrition and Health, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Jingwei Zhou
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Shenzhen Institute of Nutrition and Health, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Wei Chen
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Shenzhen Institute of Nutrition and Health, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Caixia Lan
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Shenzhen Institute of Nutrition and Health, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Hailiang Mao
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Shenzhen Institute of Nutrition and Health, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Qiang Li
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Shenzhen Institute of Nutrition and Health, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Wenhao Yan
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Shenzhen Institute of Nutrition and Health, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Handong Su
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Shenzhen Institute of Nutrition and Health, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
- Shenzhen Branch, Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Genome Analysis Laboratory of the Ministry of Agriculture, Agricultural Genomics Institute at Shenzhen, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shenzhen, China
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Zhou J, Liu Y, Guo X, Birchler JA, Han F, Su H. Centromeres: From chromosome biology to biotechnology applications and synthetic genomes in plants. PLANT BIOTECHNOLOGY JOURNAL 2022; 20:2051-2063. [PMID: 35722725 PMCID: PMC9616519 DOI: 10.1111/pbi.13875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2022] [Revised: 06/13/2022] [Accepted: 06/15/2022] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
Centromeres are the genomic regions that organize and regulate chromosome behaviours during cell cycle, and their variations are associated with genome instability, karyotype evolution and speciation in eukaryotes. The highly repetitive and epigenetic nature of centromeres were documented during the past half century. With the aid of rapid expansion in genomic biotechnology tools, the complete sequence and structural organization of several plant and human centromeres were revealed recently. Here, we systematically summarize the current knowledge of centromere biology with regard to the DNA compositions and the histone H3 variant (CENH3)-dependent centromere establishment and identity. We discuss the roles of centromere to ensure cell division and to maintain the three-dimensional (3D) genomic architecture in different species. We further highlight the potential applications of manipulating centromeres to generate haploids or to induce polyploids offspring in plant for breeding programs, and of targeting centromeres with CRISPR/Cas for chromosome engineering and speciation. Finally, we also assess the challenges and strategies for de novo design and synthesis of centromeres in plant artificial chromosomes. The biotechnology applications of plant centromeres will be of great potential for the genetic improvement of crops and precise synthetic breeding in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingwei Zhou
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, Hubei Hongshan LaboratoryShenzhen Institute of Nutrition and Health, Huazhong Agricultural UniversityWuhanChina
| | - Yang Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Cell and Chromosome Engineering, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Innovation Academy for Seed DesignChinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
| | - Xianrui Guo
- Laboratory of Plant Chromosome Biology and Genomic Breeding, School of Life SciencesLinyi UniversityLinyiChina
| | - James A. Birchler
- Division of Biological SciencesUniversity of MissouriColumbiaMissouriUSA
| | - Fangpu Han
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Cell and Chromosome Engineering, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Innovation Academy for Seed DesignChinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
| | - Handong Su
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, Hubei Hongshan LaboratoryShenzhen Institute of Nutrition and Health, Huazhong Agricultural UniversityWuhanChina
- Shenzhen Branch, Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Genome Analysis Laboratory of the Ministry of Agriculture, Agricultural Genomics Institute at ShenzhenChinese Academy of Agricultural SciencesShenzhenChina
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Garrido-Ramos MA. The Genomics of Plant Satellite DNA. PROGRESS IN MOLECULAR AND SUBCELLULAR BIOLOGY 2021; 60:103-143. [PMID: 34386874 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-74889-0_5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
Abstract
The twenty-first century began with a certain indifference to the research of satellite DNA (satDNA). Neither genome sequencing projects were able to accurately encompass the study of satDNA nor classic methodologies were able to go further in undertaking a better comprehensive study of the whole set of satDNA sequences of a genome. Nonetheless, knowledge of satDNA has progressively advanced during this century with the advent of new analytical techniques. The enormous advantages that genome-wide approaches have brought to its analysis have now stimulated a renewed interest in the study of satDNA. At this point, we can look back and try to assess more accurately many of the key questions that were left unsolved in the past about this enigmatic and important component of the genome. I review here the understanding gathered on plant satDNAs over the last few decades with an eye on the near future.
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DeBose-Scarlett EM, Sullivan BA. Genomic and Epigenetic Foundations of Neocentromere Formation. Annu Rev Genet 2021; 55:331-348. [PMID: 34496611 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-genet-071719-020924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Centromeres are essential to genome inheritance, serving as the site of kinetochore assembly and coordinating chromosome segregation during cell division. Abnormal centromere function is associated with birth defects, infertility, and cancer. Normally, centromeres are assembled and maintained at the same chromosomal location. However, ectopic centromeres form spontaneously at new genomic locations and contribute to genome instability and developmental defects as well as to acquired and congenital human disease. Studies in model organisms have suggested that certain regions of the genome, including pericentromeres, heterochromatin, and regions of open chromatin or active transcription, support neocentromere activation. However, there is no universal mechanism that explains neocentromere formation. This review focuses on recent technological and intellectual advances in neocentromere research and proposes future areas of study. Understanding neocentromere biology will provide a better perspective on chromosome and genome organization and functional context for information generated from the Human Genome Project, ENCODE, and other large genomic consortia. Expected final online publication date for the Annual Review of Genetics, Volume 55 is November 2021. Please see http://www.annualreviews.org/page/journal/pubdates for revised estimates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evon M DeBose-Scarlett
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina 27710, USA;
| | - Beth A Sullivan
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina 27710, USA;
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Liu Y, Liu Q, Su H, Liu K, Xiao X, Li W, Sun Q, Birchler JA, Han F. Genome-wide mapping reveals R-loops associated with centromeric repeats in maize. Genome Res 2021; 31:1409-1418. [PMID: 34244230 PMCID: PMC8327920 DOI: 10.1101/gr.275270.121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2021] [Accepted: 06/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
R-loops are stable chromatin structures comprising a DNA:RNA hybrid and a displaced single-stranded DNA. R-loops have been implicated in gene expression and chromatin structure, as well as in replication blocks and genome instability. Here, we conducted a genome-wide identification of R-loops and identified more than 700,000 R-loop peaks in the maize (Zea mays) genome. We found that sense R-loops were mainly enriched in promoters and transcription termination sites and relatively less enriched in gene bodies, which is different from the main gene-body localization of sense R-loops in Arabidopsis and Oryza sativa. At the chromosome scale, maize R-loops were enriched in pericentromeric heterochromatin regions, and a significant portion of R-loops were derived from transposable elements. In centromeres, R-loops preferentially formed within the binding regions of the centromere-specific histone CENH3, and centromeric retrotransposons were strongly associated with R-loop formation. Furthermore, centromeric retrotransposon R-loops were observed by applying the single-molecule imaging technique of atomic force microscopy. These findings elucidate the fundamental character of R-loops in the maize genome and reveal the potential role of R-loops in centromeres.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Cell and Chromosome Engineering, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Qian Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Cell and Chromosome Engineering, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Handong Su
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Cell and Chromosome Engineering, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China.,College of Plant Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Kunpeng Liu
- Tsinghua-Peking Joint Center for Life Sciences and Center for Plant Biology, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Xue Xiao
- National Laboratory for Condensed Matter Physics and Key Laboratory of Soft Matter Physics, Institute of Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
| | - Wei Li
- National Laboratory for Condensed Matter Physics and Key Laboratory of Soft Matter Physics, Institute of Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
| | - Qianwen Sun
- Tsinghua-Peking Joint Center for Life Sciences and Center for Plant Biology, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - James A Birchler
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri 65211-7400, USA
| | - Fangpu Han
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Cell and Chromosome Engineering, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
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Vangelisti A, Simoni S, Usai G, Ventimiglia M, Natali L, Cavallini A, Mascagni F, Giordani T. LTR-retrotransposon dynamics in common fig (Ficus carica L.) genome. BMC PLANT BIOLOGY 2021; 21:221. [PMID: 34000996 PMCID: PMC8127270 DOI: 10.1186/s12870-021-02991-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2020] [Accepted: 04/15/2021] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Long Terminal Repeat retrotransposons (LTR-REs) are repetitive DNA sequences that constitute a large part of the genome. The improvement of sequencing technologies and sequence assembling strategies has achieved genome sequences with much greater reliability than those of the past, especially in relation to repetitive DNA sequences. RESULTS In this study, we analysed the genome of Ficus carica L., obtained using third generation sequencing technologies and recently released, to characterise the complete complement of full-length LTR-REs to study their dynamics during fig genome evolution. A total of 1867 full-length elements were identified. Those belonging to the Gypsy superfamily were the most abundant; among these, the Chromovirus/Tekay lineage was the most represented. For the Copia superfamily, Ale was the most abundant lineage. Measuring the estimated insertion time of each element showed that, on average, Ivana and Chromovirus/Tekay were the youngest lineages of Copia and Gypsy superfamilies, respectively. Most elements were inactive in transcription, both constitutively and in leaves of plants exposed to an abiotic stress, except for some elements, mostly belonging to the Copia/Ale lineage. A relationship between the inactivity of an element and inactivity of genes lying in close proximity to it was established. CONCLUSIONS The data reported in this study provide one of the first sets of information on the genomic dynamics related to LTR-REs in a plant species with highly reliable genome sequence. Fig LTR-REs are highly heterogeneous in abundance and estimated insertion time, and only a few elements are transcriptionally active. In general, the data suggested a direct relationship between estimated insertion time and abundance of an element and an inverse relationship between insertion time (or abundance) and transcription, at least for Copia LTR-REs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Vangelisti
- Dipartimento di Scienze Agrarie, Alimentari e Agro-ambientali, Università di Pisa, Via del Borghetto 80, 56124, Pisa, Italy
| | - Samuel Simoni
- Dipartimento di Scienze Agrarie, Alimentari e Agro-ambientali, Università di Pisa, Via del Borghetto 80, 56124, Pisa, Italy
| | - Gabriele Usai
- Dipartimento di Scienze Agrarie, Alimentari e Agro-ambientali, Università di Pisa, Via del Borghetto 80, 56124, Pisa, Italy
| | - Maria Ventimiglia
- Dipartimento di Scienze Agrarie, Alimentari e Agro-ambientali, Università di Pisa, Via del Borghetto 80, 56124, Pisa, Italy
| | - Lucia Natali
- Dipartimento di Scienze Agrarie, Alimentari e Agro-ambientali, Università di Pisa, Via del Borghetto 80, 56124, Pisa, Italy
| | - Andrea Cavallini
- Dipartimento di Scienze Agrarie, Alimentari e Agro-ambientali, Università di Pisa, Via del Borghetto 80, 56124, Pisa, Italy.
| | - Flavia Mascagni
- Dipartimento di Scienze Agrarie, Alimentari e Agro-ambientali, Università di Pisa, Via del Borghetto 80, 56124, Pisa, Italy.
| | - Tommaso Giordani
- Dipartimento di Scienze Agrarie, Alimentari e Agro-ambientali, Università di Pisa, Via del Borghetto 80, 56124, Pisa, Italy
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Emerging roles of centromeric RNAs in centromere formation and function. Genes Genomics 2021; 43:217-226. [PMID: 33523401 DOI: 10.1007/s13258-021-01041-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2020] [Accepted: 01/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Centromeres are specialized chromosomal domains involved in kinetochore formation and faithful chromosome segregation. Despite a high level of functional conservation, centromeres are not identified by DNA sequences, but by epigenetic means. Universally, centromeres are typically formed on highly repetitive DNA, which were previously considered to be silent. However, recent studies have shown that transcription occurs in this region, known as centromeric-derived RNAs (cenRNAs). CenRNAs that contribute to fundamental aspects of centromere function have been recently investigated in detail. However, the distribution, behavior and contributions of centromeric transcripts are still poorly understood. OBJECTIVE The aim of this article is to provide an overview of the roles of cenRNAs in centromere formation and function. METHODS We describe the structure and DNA sequence of centromere from yeast to human. In addition, we briefly introduce the roles of cenRNAs in centromere formation and function, kinetochore structure, accurate chromosome segregation, and pericentromeric heterochromatin assembly. Centromeric circular RNAs (circRNAs) and R-loops are rising stars in centromere function. CircRNAs have been successfully identified in various species with the assistance of high-throughput sequencing and novel computational approaches for non-polyadenylated RNA transcripts. Centromeric R-loops can be identified by the single-strand DNA ligation-based library preparation technique. But the molecular features and function of these centromeric R-loops and circRNAs are still being investigated. CONCLUSION In this review, we summarize recent findings on the epigenetic regulation of cenRNAs across species, which would provide useful information about cenRNAs and interesting hints for further studies.
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Liu Y, Su H, Zhang J, Shi L, Liu Y, Zhang B, Bai H, Liang S, Gao Z, Birchler JA, Han F. Rapid Birth or Death of Centromeres on Fragmented Chromosomes in Maize. THE PLANT CELL 2020; 32:3113-3123. [PMID: 32817254 PMCID: PMC7534475 DOI: 10.1105/tpc.20.00389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2020] [Revised: 07/17/2020] [Accepted: 08/18/2020] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Comparative genomics has revealed common occurrences in karyotype evolution such as chromosomal end-to-end fusions and insertions of one chromosome into another near the centromere, as well as many cases of de novo centromeres that generate positional polymorphisms. However, how rearrangements such as dicentrics and acentrics persist without being destroyed or lost remains unclear. Here, we sought experimental evidence for the frequency and timeframe for inactivation and de novo formation of centromeres in maize (Zea mays). The pollen from plants with supernumerary B chromosomes was gamma-irradiated and then applied to normal maize silks of a line without B chromosomes. In ∼8,000 first-generation seedlings, we found many B-A translocations, centromere expansions, and ring chromosomes. We also found many dicentric chromosomes, but a fraction of these show only a single primary constriction, which suggests inactivation of one centromere. Chromosomal fragments were found without canonical centromere sequences, revealing de novo centromere formation over unique sequences; these were validated by immunolocalization with Thr133-phosphorylated histone H2A, a marker of active centromeres, and chromatin immunoprecipitation-sequencing with the CENH3 antibody. These results illustrate the regular occurrence of centromere birth and death after chromosomal rearrangement during a narrow window of one to potentially only a few cell cycles for the rearranged chromosomes to be recognized in this experimental regime.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yalin Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Cell and Chromosome Engineering, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Innovation Academy for Seed Design, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Handong Su
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Cell and Chromosome Engineering, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Innovation Academy for Seed Design, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Jing Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Cell and Chromosome Engineering, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Innovation Academy for Seed Design, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Lindan Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Cell and Chromosome Engineering, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Innovation Academy for Seed Design, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Yang Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Cell and Chromosome Engineering, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Innovation Academy for Seed Design, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Bing Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Cell and Chromosome Engineering, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Innovation Academy for Seed Design, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Han Bai
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Cell and Chromosome Engineering, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Innovation Academy for Seed Design, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Shuang Liang
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Cell and Chromosome Engineering, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Innovation Academy for Seed Design, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Zhi Gao
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of Missouri-Columbia, Columbia, Missouri 65211-7400
| | - James A Birchler
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of Missouri-Columbia, Columbia, Missouri 65211-7400
| | - Fangpu Han
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Cell and Chromosome Engineering, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Innovation Academy for Seed Design, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
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Kirov I, Odintsov S, Omarov M, Gvaramiya S, Merkulov P, Dudnikov M, Ermolaev A, Van Laere K, Soloviev A, Khrustaleva L. Functional Allium fistulosum Centromeres Comprise Arrays of a Long Satellite Repeat, Insertions of Retrotransposons and Chloroplast DNA. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2020; 11:562001. [PMID: 33193489 PMCID: PMC7644871 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2020.562001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2020] [Accepted: 10/07/2020] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
The centromere is a unique part of the chromosome combining a conserved function with an extreme variability in its DNA sequence. Most of our knowledge about the functional centromere organization is obtained from species with small and medium genome/chromosome sizes while the progress in plants with big genomes and large chromosomes is lagging behind. Here, we studied the genomic organization of the functional centromere in Allium fistulosum and A. cepa, both species with a large genome (13 Gb and 16 Gb/1C, 2n = 2x = 16) and large-sized chromosomes. Using low-depth DNA sequencing for these two species and previously obtained CENH3 immunoprecipitation data we identified two long (1.2 Kb) and high-copy repeats, AfCen1K and AcCen1K. FISH experiments showed that AfCen1K is located in all centromeres of A. fistulosum chromosomes while no AcCen1K FISH signals were identified on A. cepa chromosomes. Our molecular cytogenetic and bioinformatics survey demonstrated that these repeats are partially similar but differ in chromosomal location, sequence structure and genomic organization. In addition, we could conclude that the repeats are transcribed and their RNAs are not polyadenylated. We also observed that these repeats are associated with insertions of retrotransposons and plastidic DNA and the landscape of A. cepa and A. fistulosum centromeric regions possess insertions of plastidic DNA. Finally, we carried out detailed comparative satellitome analysis of A. cepa and A. fistulosum genomes and identified a new chromosome- and A. cepa-specific tandem repeat, TR2CL137, located in the centromeric region. Our results shed light on the Allium centromere organization and provide unique data for future application in Allium genome annotation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilya Kirov
- Laboratory of Marker-assisted and genomic selection of plants, All-Russia Research Institute of Agricultural Biotechnology, Moscow, Russia
- Kurchatov Genomics Center of ARRIAB, All-Russia Research Institute of Agricultural Biotechnology, Moscow, Russia
- *Correspondence: Ilya Kirov,
| | - Sergey Odintsov
- Center of Molecular Biotechnology, Russian State Agrarian University-Moscow Timiryazev Agricultural Academy, Moscow, Russia
| | - Murad Omarov
- Laboratory of Marker-assisted and genomic selection of plants, All-Russia Research Institute of Agricultural Biotechnology, Moscow, Russia
- National Research University Higher School of Economics, Moscow, Russia
| | - Sofya Gvaramiya
- Laboratory of Marker-assisted and genomic selection of plants, All-Russia Research Institute of Agricultural Biotechnology, Moscow, Russia
| | - Pavel Merkulov
- Laboratory of Marker-assisted and genomic selection of plants, All-Russia Research Institute of Agricultural Biotechnology, Moscow, Russia
| | - Maxim Dudnikov
- Laboratory of Marker-assisted and genomic selection of plants, All-Russia Research Institute of Agricultural Biotechnology, Moscow, Russia
| | - Alexey Ermolaev
- Center of Molecular Biotechnology, Russian State Agrarian University-Moscow Timiryazev Agricultural Academy, Moscow, Russia
| | - Katrijn Van Laere
- Flanders Research Institute for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (ILVO), Plant Sciences Unit, Melle, Belgium
| | - Alexander Soloviev
- Laboratory of Marker-assisted and genomic selection of plants, All-Russia Research Institute of Agricultural Biotechnology, Moscow, Russia
| | - Ludmila Khrustaleva
- Center of Molecular Biotechnology, Russian State Agrarian University-Moscow Timiryazev Agricultural Academy, Moscow, Russia
- Plant Cell Engineering Laboratory, All-Russia Research Institute of Agricultural Biotechnology, Moscow, Russia
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Fernandes JB, Wlodzimierz P, Henderson IR. Meiotic recombination within plant centromeres. CURRENT OPINION IN PLANT BIOLOGY 2019; 48:26-35. [PMID: 30954771 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbi.2019.02.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2018] [Revised: 01/21/2019] [Accepted: 02/28/2019] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
Meiosis is a conserved eukaryotic cell division that increases genetic diversity in sexual populations. During meiosis homologous chromosomes pair and undergo recombination that can result in reciprocal genetic exchange, termed crossover. The frequency of crossover is highly variable along chromosomes, with hot spots and cold spots. For example, the centromeres that contain the kinetochore, which attach chromosomes to the microtubular spindle, are crossover cold spots. Plant centromeres typically consist of large tandemly repeated arrays of satellite sequences and retrotransposons, a subset of which assemble CENH3-variant nucleosomes, which bind to kinetochore proteins. Although crossovers are suppressed in centromeres, there is abundant evidence for gene conversion and homologous recombination between repeats, which plays a role in satellite array change. We review the evidence for recombination within plant centromeres and the implications for satellite sequence evolution. We speculate on the genetic and epigenetic features of centromeres that may influence meiotic recombination in these regions. We also highlight unresolved questions relating to centromere function and sequence change and how the advent of new technologies promises to provide insights.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joiselle B Fernandes
- Department of Plant Sciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Piotr Wlodzimierz
- Department of Plant Sciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Ian R Henderson
- Department of Plant Sciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom.
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The Behavior of the Maize B Chromosome and Centromere. Genes (Basel) 2018; 9:genes9100476. [PMID: 30275397 PMCID: PMC6210970 DOI: 10.3390/genes9100476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2018] [Revised: 09/16/2018] [Accepted: 09/25/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The maize B chromosome is a non-essential chromosome with an accumulation mechanism. The dispensable nature of the B chromosome facilitates many types of genetic studies in maize. Maize lines with B chromosomes have been widely used in studies of centromere functions. Here, we discuss the maize B chromosome alongside the latest progress of B centromere activities, including centromere misdivision, inactivation, reactivation, and de novo centromere formation. The meiotic features of the B centromere, related to mini-chromosomes and the control of the size of the maize centromere, are also discussed.
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Heterochromatin and RNAi regulate centromeres by protecting CENP-A from ubiquitin-mediated degradation. PLoS Genet 2018; 14:e1007572. [PMID: 30089114 PMCID: PMC6101405 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1007572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2017] [Revised: 08/20/2018] [Accepted: 07/18/2018] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Centromere is a specialized chromatin domain that plays a vital role in chromosome segregation. In most eukaryotes, centromere is surrounded by the epigenetically distinct heterochromatin domain. Heterochromatin has been shown to contribute to centromere function, but the precise role of heterochromatin in centromere specification remains elusive. Centromeres in most eukaryotes, including fission yeast (Schizosaccharomyces pombe), are defined epigenetically by the histone H3 (H3) variant CENP-A. In contrast, the budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae has genetically-defined point centromeres. The transition between regional centromeres and point centromeres is considered as one of the most dramatic evolutionary events in centromere evolution. Here we demonstrated that Cse4, the budding yeast CENP-A homolog, can localize to centromeres in fission yeast and partially substitute fission yeast CENP-ACnp1. But overexpression of Cse4 results in its localization to heterochromatic regions. Cse4 is subject to efficient ubiquitin-dependent degradation in S. pombe, and its N-terminal domain dictates its centromere distribution via ubiquitination. Notably, without heterochromatin and RNA interference (RNAi), Cse4 fails to associate with centromeres. We showed that RNAi-dependent heterochromatin mediates centromeric localization of Cse4 by protecting Cse4 from ubiquitin-dependent degradation. Heterochromatin also contributes to the association of native CENP-ACnp1 with centromeres via the same mechanism. These findings suggest that protection of CENP-A from degradation by heterochromatin is a general mechanism used for centromere assembly, and also provide novel insights into centromere evolution.
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Chromosome Evolution in Connection with Repetitive Sequences and Epigenetics in Plants. Genes (Basel) 2017; 8:genes8100290. [PMID: 29064432 PMCID: PMC5664140 DOI: 10.3390/genes8100290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2017] [Revised: 10/16/2017] [Accepted: 10/18/2017] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Chromosome evolution is a fundamental aspect of evolutionary biology. The evolution of chromosome size, structure and shape, number, and the change in DNA composition suggest the high plasticity of nuclear genomes at the chromosomal level. Repetitive DNA sequences, which represent a conspicuous fraction of every eukaryotic genome, particularly in plants, are found to be tightly linked with plant chromosome evolution. Different classes of repetitive sequences have distinct distribution patterns on the chromosomes. Mounting evidence shows that repetitive sequences may play multiple generative roles in shaping the chromosome karyotypes in plants. Furthermore, recent development in our understanding of the repetitive sequences and plant chromosome evolution has elucidated the involvement of a spectrum of epigenetic modification. In this review, we focused on the recent evidence relating to the distribution pattern of repetitive sequences in plant chromosomes and highlighted their potential relevance to chromosome evolution in plants. We also discussed the possible connections between evolution and epigenetic alterations in chromosome structure and repatterning, such as heterochromatin formation, centromere function, and epigenetic-associated transposable element inactivation.
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Comai L, Maheshwari S, Marimuthu MPA. Plant centromeres. CURRENT OPINION IN PLANT BIOLOGY 2017; 36:158-167. [PMID: 28411416 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbi.2017.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2017] [Revised: 03/09/2017] [Accepted: 03/10/2017] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Plant centromeres, which are determined epigenetically by centromeric histone 3 (CENH3) have revealed surprising structural diversity, ranging from the canonical monocentric seen in vertebrates, to polycentric, and holocentric. Normally stable, centromeres can change position over evolutionary times or upon genomic stress, such as when chromosomes are broken. At the DNA level, centromeres can be based on single copy DNA or more commonly on repeats. Rapid evolution of centromeric sequences and of CENH3 protein remains a mystery, as evidence of co-adaptation is lacking. Epigenetic differences between parents can trigger uniparental centromere failure and genome elimination, contributing to postzygotic hybridization barriers..
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Comai
- Department of Plant Biology and Genome Center, University of California Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA.
| | - Shamoni Maheshwari
- Department of Plant Biology and Genome Center, University of California Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Mohan P A Marimuthu
- Department of Plant Biology and Genome Center, University of California Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA
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