1
|
Andrade Ruiz L, Kops GJPL, Sacristan C. Vertebrate centromere architecture: from chromatin threads to functional structures. Chromosoma 2024; 133:169-181. [PMID: 38856923 PMCID: PMC11266386 DOI: 10.1007/s00412-024-00823-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2024] [Revised: 05/21/2024] [Accepted: 05/27/2024] [Indexed: 06/11/2024]
Abstract
Centromeres are chromatin structures specialized in sister chromatid cohesion, kinetochore assembly, and microtubule attachment during chromosome segregation. The regional centromere of vertebrates consists of long regions of highly repetitive sequences occupied by the Histone H3 variant CENP-A, and which are flanked by pericentromeres. The three-dimensional organization of centromeric chromatin is paramount for its functionality and its ability to withstand spindle forces. Alongside CENP-A, key contributors to the folding of this structure include components of the Constitutive Centromere-Associated Network (CCAN), the protein CENP-B, and condensin and cohesin complexes. Despite its importance, the intricate architecture of the regional centromere of vertebrates remains largely unknown. Recent advancements in long-read sequencing, super-resolution and cryo-electron microscopy, and chromosome conformation capture techniques have significantly improved our understanding of this structure at various levels, from the linear arrangement of centromeric sequences and their epigenetic landscape to their higher-order compaction. In this review, we discuss the latest insights on centromere organization and place them in the context of recent findings describing a bipartite higher-order organization of the centromere.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lorena Andrade Ruiz
- Hubrecht Institute, Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences, Utrecht, Netherlands
- University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
- Oncode Institute, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Geert J P L Kops
- Hubrecht Institute, Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences, Utrecht, Netherlands
- University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
- Oncode Institute, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Carlos Sacristan
- Hubrecht Institute, Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences, Utrecht, Netherlands.
- University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands.
- Oncode Institute, Utrecht, Netherlands.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Bloom K. Chromosome segregation: Brushing up on centromeres. Curr Biol 2024; 34:R565-R567. [PMID: 38889676 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2024.04.074] [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: 06/20/2024]
Abstract
Turning centromere DNA into a mechanical spring is central to the fidelity of chromosome segregation. A recent study shows how centromere DNA loops and partitioning cohesin and condensin convert centromeres and pericentromeres into bipartite bottlebrushes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kerry Bloom
- Department of Biology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Sacristan C, Samejima K, Ruiz LA, Deb M, Lambers MLA, Buckle A, Brackley CA, Robertson D, Hori T, Webb S, Kiewisz R, Bepler T, van Kwawegen E, Risteski P, Vukušić K, Tolić IM, Müller-Reichert T, Fukagawa T, Gilbert N, Marenduzzo D, Earnshaw WC, Kops GJPL. Vertebrate centromeres in mitosis are functionally bipartite structures stabilized by cohesin. Cell 2024; 187:3006-3023.e26. [PMID: 38744280 PMCID: PMC11164432 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2024.04.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2023] [Revised: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 04/14/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
Centromeres are scaffolds for the assembly of kinetochores that ensure chromosome segregation during cell division. How vertebrate centromeres obtain a three-dimensional structure to accomplish their primary function is unclear. Using super-resolution imaging, capture-C, and polymer modeling, we show that vertebrate centromeres are partitioned by condensins into two subdomains during mitosis. The bipartite structure is found in human, mouse, and chicken cells and is therefore a fundamental feature of vertebrate centromeres. Super-resolution imaging and electron tomography reveal that bipartite centromeres assemble bipartite kinetochores, with each subdomain binding a distinct microtubule bundle. Cohesin links the centromere subdomains, limiting their separation in response to spindle forces and avoiding merotelic kinetochore-spindle attachments. Lagging chromosomes during cancer cell divisions frequently have merotelic attachments in which the centromere subdomains are separated and bioriented. Our work reveals a fundamental aspect of vertebrate centromere biology with implications for understanding the mechanisms that guarantee faithful chromosome segregation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carlos Sacristan
- Oncode Institute, Hubrecht Institute, Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (KNAW), and University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands.
| | - Kumiko Samejima
- Wellcome Centre for Cell Biology, Institute of Cell Biology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.
| | - Lorena Andrade Ruiz
- Oncode Institute, Hubrecht Institute, Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (KNAW), and University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Moonmoon Deb
- Wellcome Centre for Cell Biology, Institute of Cell Biology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Maaike L A Lambers
- Oncode Institute, Hubrecht Institute, Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (KNAW), and University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Adam Buckle
- MRC Human Genetics Unit, Institute of Genetics & Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Chris A Brackley
- SUPA School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Daniel Robertson
- Wellcome Centre for Cell Biology, Institute of Cell Biology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Tetsuya Hori
- Laboratory of Chromosome Biology, Graduate School of Frontier Biosciences, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Shaun Webb
- Wellcome Centre for Cell Biology, Institute of Cell Biology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Robert Kiewisz
- Simons Machine Learning Center, New York Structural Biology Center, New York, NY 10027, USA; Biocomputing Unit, Centro Nacional de Biotecnologia (CNB-CSIC), Darwin, 3, Campus Universidad Autonoma, Cantoblanco, Madrid 28049, Spain
| | - Tristan Bepler
- Simons Machine Learning Center, New York Structural Biology Center, New York, NY 10027, USA
| | - Eloïse van Kwawegen
- Oncode Institute, Hubrecht Institute, Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (KNAW), and University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | | | | | | | - Thomas Müller-Reichert
- Experimental Center, Faculty of Medicine Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Tatsuo Fukagawa
- Laboratory of Chromosome Biology, Graduate School of Frontier Biosciences, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Nick Gilbert
- MRC Human Genetics Unit, Institute of Genetics & Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Davide Marenduzzo
- SUPA School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - William C Earnshaw
- Wellcome Centre for Cell Biology, Institute of Cell Biology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.
| | - Geert J P L Kops
- Oncode Institute, Hubrecht Institute, Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (KNAW), and University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Cook D, Kozmin SG, Yeh E, Petes TD, Bloom K. Dicentric chromosomes are resolved through breakage and repair at their centromeres. Chromosoma 2024; 133:117-134. [PMID: 38165460 PMCID: PMC11180013 DOI: 10.1007/s00412-023-00814-6] [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: 11/07/2023] [Revised: 11/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
Chromosomes with two centromeres provide a unique opportunity to study chromosome breakage and DNA repair using completely endogenous cellular machinery. Using a conditional transcriptional promoter to control the second centromere, we are able to activate the dicentric chromosome and follow the appearance of DNA repair products. We find that the rate of appearance of DNA repair products resulting from homology-based mechanisms exceeds the expected rate based on their limited centromere homology (340 bp) and distance from one another (up to 46.3 kb). In order to identify whether DNA breaks originate in the centromere, we introduced 12 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) into one of the centromeres. Analysis of the distribution of SNPs in the recombinant centromeres reveals that recombination was initiated with about equal frequency within the conserved centromere DNA elements CDEII and CDEIII of the two centromeres. The conversion tracts range from about 50 bp to the full length of the homology between the two centromeres (340 bp). Breakage and repair events within and between the centromeres can account for the efficiency and distribution of DNA repair products. We propose that in addition to providing a site for kinetochore assembly, the centromere may be a point of stress relief in the face of genomic perturbations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Diana Cook
- Department of Biology, University of North Carolina Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599-3280, USA
| | - Stanislav G Kozmin
- Department of Molecular Genetics & Microbiology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, 27710, USA
| | - Elaine Yeh
- Department of Biology, University of North Carolina Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599-3280, USA
| | - Thomas D Petes
- Department of Molecular Genetics & Microbiology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, 27710, USA
| | - Kerry Bloom
- Department of Biology, University of North Carolina Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599-3280, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Scelfo A, Angrisani A, Grillo M, Barnes BM, Muyas F, Sauer CM, Leung CWB, Dumont M, Grison M, Mazaud D, Garnier M, Guintini L, Nelson L, Esashi F, Cortés-Ciriano I, Taylor SS, Déjardin J, Wilhelm T, Fachinetti D. Specialized replication mechanisms maintain genome stability at human centromeres. Mol Cell 2024; 84:1003-1020.e10. [PMID: 38359824 DOI: 10.1016/j.molcel.2024.01.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2023] [Revised: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 02/17/2024]
Abstract
The high incidence of whole-arm chromosome aneuploidy and translocations in tumors suggests instability of centromeres, unique loci built on repetitive sequences and essential for chromosome separation. The causes behind this fragility and the mechanisms preserving centromere integrity remain elusive. We show that replication stress, hallmark of pre-cancerous lesions, promotes centromeric breakage in mitosis, due to spindle forces and endonuclease activities. Mechanistically, we unveil unique dynamics of the centromeric replisome distinct from the rest of the genome. Locus-specific proteomics identifies specialized DNA replication and repair proteins at centromeres, highlighting them as difficult-to-replicate regions. The translesion synthesis pathway, along with other factors, acts to sustain centromere replication and integrity. Prolonged stress causes centromeric alterations like ruptures and translocations, as observed in ovarian cancer models experiencing replication stress. This study provides unprecedented insights into centromere replication and integrity, proposing mechanistic insights into the origins of centromere alterations leading to abnormal cancerous karyotypes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Scelfo
- Institut Curie, PSL Research University, Sorbonne Université, CNRS, UMR144, 26 rue d'Ulm, Paris 75005, France
| | - Annapaola Angrisani
- Institut Curie, PSL Research University, Sorbonne Université, CNRS, UMR144, 26 rue d'Ulm, Paris 75005, France
| | - Marco Grillo
- Institut Curie, PSL Research University, Sorbonne Université, CNRS, UMR144, 26 rue d'Ulm, Paris 75005, France
| | - Bethany M Barnes
- Division of Cancer Sciences, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Cancer Research Centre, Wilmslow Road, Manchester M20 4GJ, UK
| | - Francesc Muyas
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory, European Bioinformatics Institute, Hinxton, Cambridge CB10 1SD, UK
| | - Carolin M Sauer
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory, European Bioinformatics Institute, Hinxton, Cambridge CB10 1SD, UK
| | | | - Marie Dumont
- Institut Curie, PSL Research University, Sorbonne Université, CNRS, UMR144, 26 rue d'Ulm, Paris 75005, France
| | - Marine Grison
- Institut Curie, PSL Research University, Sorbonne Université, CNRS, UMR144, 26 rue d'Ulm, Paris 75005, France
| | - David Mazaud
- Plateforme Imagerie PICT-IBiSA, Institut Curie, PSL Research University, Paris 75005, France; Institut Curie, PSL Research University, Sorbonne Université, CNRS, UMR3664, 26 rue d'Ulm, Paris 75005, France
| | - Mickaël Garnier
- Plateforme Imagerie PICT-IBiSA, Institut Curie, PSL Research University, Paris 75005, France; Institut Curie, PSL Research University, Sorbonne Université, CNRS, UMR3664, 26 rue d'Ulm, Paris 75005, France
| | - Laetitia Guintini
- Institute of Human Genetics, CNRS-Université de Montpellier, Montpellier 34396, France
| | - Louisa Nelson
- Division of Cancer Sciences, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Cancer Research Centre, Wilmslow Road, Manchester M20 4GJ, UK
| | - Fumiko Esashi
- Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3RE, UK
| | - Isidro Cortés-Ciriano
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory, European Bioinformatics Institute, Hinxton, Cambridge CB10 1SD, UK
| | - Stephen S Taylor
- Division of Cancer Sciences, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Cancer Research Centre, Wilmslow Road, Manchester M20 4GJ, UK
| | - Jérôme Déjardin
- Institute of Human Genetics, CNRS-Université de Montpellier, Montpellier 34396, France
| | - Therese Wilhelm
- Institut Curie, PSL Research University, Sorbonne Université, CNRS, UMR144, 26 rue d'Ulm, Paris 75005, France; Institut Curie, PSL Research University, Sorbonne Université, CNRS, UMR3664, 26 rue d'Ulm, Paris 75005, France.
| | - Daniele Fachinetti
- Institut Curie, PSL Research University, Sorbonne Université, CNRS, UMR144, 26 rue d'Ulm, Paris 75005, France; Institut Curie, PSL Research University, Sorbonne Université, CNRS, UMR3664, 26 rue d'Ulm, Paris 75005, France.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Kolbin D, Walker BL, Hult C, Stanton JD, Adalsteinsson D, Forest MG, Bloom K. Polymer Modeling Reveals Interplay between Physical Properties of Chromosomal DNA and the Size and Distribution of Condensin-Based Chromatin Loops. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:2193. [PMID: 38137015 PMCID: PMC10742461 DOI: 10.3390/genes14122193] [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: 10/23/2023] [Revised: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Transient DNA loops occur throughout the genome due to thermal fluctuations of DNA and the function of SMC complex proteins such as condensin and cohesin. Transient crosslinking within and between chromosomes and loop extrusion by SMCs have profound effects on high-order chromatin organization and exhibit specificity in cell type, cell cycle stage, and cellular environment. SMC complexes anchor one end to DNA with the other extending some distance and retracting to form a loop. How cells regulate loop sizes and how loops distribute along chromatin are emerging questions. To understand loop size regulation, we employed bead-spring polymer chain models of chromatin and the activity of an SMC complex on chromatin. Our study shows that (1) the stiffness of the chromatin polymer chain, (2) the tensile stiffness of chromatin crosslinking complexes such as condensin, and (3) the strength of the internal or external tethering of chromatin chains cooperatively dictate the loop size distribution and compaction volume of induced chromatin domains. When strong DNA tethers are invoked, loop size distributions are tuned by condensin stiffness. When DNA tethers are released, loop size distributions are tuned by chromatin stiffness. In this three-way interaction, the presence and strength of tethering unexpectedly dictates chromatin conformation within a topological domain.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Kolbin
- Department of Biology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA; (D.K.); (J.D.S.)
| | - Benjamin L. Walker
- Department of Mathematics, University of California-Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA;
| | - Caitlin Hult
- Department of Mathematics, Gettysburg College, Gettysburg, PA 17325, USA
| | - John Donoghue Stanton
- Department of Biology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA; (D.K.); (J.D.S.)
| | - David Adalsteinsson
- Department of Mathematics and Carolina Center for Interdisciplinary Applied Mathematics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA; (D.A.); (M.G.F.)
| | - M. Gregory Forest
- Department of Mathematics and Carolina Center for Interdisciplinary Applied Mathematics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA; (D.A.); (M.G.F.)
- Applied Physical Sciences, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Kerry Bloom
- Department of Biology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA; (D.K.); (J.D.S.)
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Sen Gupta A, Seidel C, Tsuchiya D, McKinney S, Yu Z, Smith SE, Unruh JR, Gerton JL. Defining a core configuration for human centromeres during mitosis. Nat Commun 2023; 14:7947. [PMID: 38040722 PMCID: PMC10692335 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-42980-2] [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: 03/13/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 12/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The centromere components cohesin, CENP-A, and centromeric DNA are essential for biorientation of sister chromatids on the mitotic spindle and accurate sister chromatid segregation. Insight into the 3D organization of centromere components would help resolve how centromeres function on the mitotic spindle. We use ChIP-seq and super-resolution microscopy with single particle averaging to examine the geometry of essential centromeric components on human chromosomes. Both modalities suggest cohesin is enriched at pericentromeric DNA. CENP-A localizes to a subset of the α-satellite DNA, with clusters separated by ~562 nm and a perpendicular intervening ~190 nM wide axis of cohesin in metaphase chromosomes. Differently sized α-satellite arrays achieve a similar core structure. Here we present a working model for a common core configuration of essential centromeric components that includes CENP-A nucleosomes, α-satellite DNA and pericentromeric cohesion. This configuration helps reconcile how centromeres function and serves as a foundation to add components of the chromosome segregation machinery.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Chris Seidel
- Stowers Institute for Medical Research, Kansas City, MO, USA
| | - Dai Tsuchiya
- Stowers Institute for Medical Research, Kansas City, MO, USA
| | - Sean McKinney
- Stowers Institute for Medical Research, Kansas City, MO, USA
| | - Zulin Yu
- Stowers Institute for Medical Research, Kansas City, MO, USA
| | - Sarah E Smith
- Stowers Institute for Medical Research, Kansas City, MO, USA
| | - Jay R Unruh
- Stowers Institute for Medical Research, Kansas City, MO, USA
| | - Jennifer L Gerton
- Stowers Institute for Medical Research, Kansas City, MO, USA.
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Kansas, Kansas City, KS, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Vasquez PA, Walker B, Bloom K, Kolbin D, Caughman N, Freeman R, Lysy M, Hult C, Newhall KA, Papanikolas M, Edelmaier C, Forest MG. The power of weak, transient interactions across biology: A paradigm of emergent behavior. PHYSICA D. NONLINEAR PHENOMENA 2023; 454:133866. [PMID: 38274029 PMCID: PMC10806540 DOI: 10.1016/j.physd.2023.133866] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2024]
Abstract
A growing list of diverse biological systems and their equally diverse functionalities provides realizations of a paradigm of emergent behavior. In each of these biological systems, pervasive ensembles of weak, short-lived, spatially local interactions act autonomously to convey functionalities at larger spatial and temporal scales. In this article, a range of diverse systems and functionalities are presented in a cursory manner with literature citations for further details. Then two systems and their properties are discussed in more detail: yeast chromosome biology and human respiratory mucus.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Paula A. Vasquez
- Department of Mathematics, University of South Carolina, United States of America
| | - Ben Walker
- Department of Mathematics, University of California at Irvine, United States of America
| | - Kerry Bloom
- Department of Biology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, United States of America
| | - Daniel Kolbin
- Department of Biology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, United States of America
| | - Neall Caughman
- Department of Mathematics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, United States of America
| | - Ronit Freeman
- Department of Applied Physical Sciences, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, United States of America
| | - Martin Lysy
- Department of Statistics and Actuarial Science, University of Waterloo, Canada
| | - Caitlin Hult
- Department of Mathematics, Gettysburg College, United States of America
| | - Katherine A. Newhall
- Department of Mathematics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, United States of America
| | - Micah Papanikolas
- Department of Applied Physical Sciences, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, United States of America
| | - Christopher Edelmaier
- Department of Applied Physical Sciences, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, United States of America
- Center for Computational Biology, Flatiron Institute, United States of America
| | - M. Gregory Forest
- Department of Mathematics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, United States of America
- Department of Applied Physical Sciences, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Lauer S, Luo J, Lazar-Stefanita L, Zhang W, McCulloch LH, Fanfani V, Lobzaev E, Haase MA, Easo N, Zhao Y, Yu F, Cai J, Bader JS, Stracquadanio G, Boeke JD. Context-dependent neocentromere activity in synthetic yeast chromosome VIII. CELL GENOMICS 2023; 3:100437. [PMID: 38020969 PMCID: PMC10667555 DOI: 10.1016/j.xgen.2023.100437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2023] [Revised: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023]
Abstract
Pioneering advances in genome engineering, and specifically in genome writing, have revolutionized the field of synthetic biology, propelling us toward the creation of synthetic genomes. The Sc2.0 project aims to build the first fully synthetic eukaryotic organism by assembling the genome of Saccharomyces cerevisiae. With the completion of synthetic chromosome VIII (synVIII) described here, this goal is within reach. In addition to writing the yeast genome, we sought to manipulate an essential functional element: the point centromere. By relocating the native centromere sequence to various positions along chromosome VIII, we discovered that the minimal 118-bp CEN8 sequence is insufficient for conferring chromosomal stability at ectopic locations. Expanding the transplanted sequence to include a small segment (∼500 bp) of the CDEIII-proximal pericentromere improved chromosome stability, demonstrating that minimal centromeres display context-dependent functionality.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie Lauer
- Institute for Systems Genetics and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, NYU Langone Health, New York, NY, USA
| | - Jingchuan Luo
- Institute for Systems Genetics and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, NYU Langone Health, New York, NY, USA
| | - Luciana Lazar-Stefanita
- Institute for Systems Genetics and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, NYU Langone Health, New York, NY, USA
| | - Weimin Zhang
- Institute for Systems Genetics and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, NYU Langone Health, New York, NY, USA
| | - Laura H. McCulloch
- Institute for Systems Genetics and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, NYU Langone Health, New York, NY, USA
| | - Viola Fanfani
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Evgenii Lobzaev
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- School of Informatics, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Max A.B. Haase
- Institute for Systems Genetics and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, NYU Langone Health, New York, NY, USA
| | - Nicole Easo
- Institute for Systems Genetics and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, NYU Langone Health, New York, NY, USA
| | - Yu Zhao
- Institute for Systems Genetics and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, NYU Langone Health, New York, NY, USA
| | - Fangzhou Yu
- Institute for Systems Genetics and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, NYU Langone Health, New York, NY, USA
| | - Jitong Cai
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Whiting School of Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Joel S. Bader
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Whiting School of Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | | | - Jef D. Boeke
- Institute for Systems Genetics and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, NYU Langone Health, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, NYU Tandon School of Engineering, Brooklyn, NY, USA
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Sen Gupta A, Seidel C, Tsuchiya D, McKinney S, Yu Z, Smith S, Unruh J, Gerton JL. Defining a core configuration for human centromeres during mitosis. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.05.10.539634. [PMID: 37214893 PMCID: PMC10197669 DOI: 10.1101/2023.05.10.539634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
The biorientation of sister chromatids on the mitotic spindle, essential for accurate sister chromatid segregation, relies on critical centromere components including cohesin, the centromere-specific H3 variant CENP-A, and centromeric DNA. Centromeric DNA is highly variable between chromosomes yet must accomplish a similar function. Moreover, how the 50 nm cohesin ring, proposed to encircle sister chromatids, accommodates inter-sister centromeric distances of hundreds of nanometers on the metaphase spindle is a conundrum. Insight into the 3D organization of centromere components would help resolve how centromeres function on the mitotic spindle. We used ChIP-seq and super-resolution microscopy to examine the geometry of essential centromeric components on human chromosomes. ChIP-seq demonstrates that cohesin subunits are depleted in α-satellite arrays where CENP-A nucleosomes and kinetochores assemble. Cohesin is instead enriched at pericentromeric DNA. Structured illumination microscopy of sister centromeres is consistent, revealing a non-overlapping pattern of CENP-A and cohesin. We used single particle averaging of hundreds of mitotic sister chromatids to develop an average centromere model. CENP-A clusters on sister chromatids, connected by α-satellite, are separated by ~562 nm with a perpendicular intervening ~190 nM wide axis of cohesin. Two differently sized α-satellite arrays on chromosome 7 display similar inter-sister CENP-A cluster distance, demonstrating different sized arrays can achieve a common spacing. Our data suggest a working model for a common core configuration of essential centromeric components that includes CENP-A nucleosomes at the outer edge of extensible α-satellite DNA and pericentromeric cohesion. This configuration helps reconcile how centromeres function and serves as a foundation for future studies of additional components required for centromere function.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Chris Seidel
- Stowers Institute for Medical Research, Kansas City, MO, USA
| | - Dai Tsuchiya
- Stowers Institute for Medical Research, Kansas City, MO, USA
| | - Sean McKinney
- Stowers Institute for Medical Research, Kansas City, MO, USA
| | - Zulin Yu
- Stowers Institute for Medical Research, Kansas City, MO, USA
| | - Sarah Smith
- Stowers Institute for Medical Research, Kansas City, MO, USA
| | - Jay Unruh
- Stowers Institute for Medical Research, Kansas City, MO, USA
| | - Jennifer L. Gerton
- Stowers Institute for Medical Research, Kansas City, MO, USA
- University of Kansas Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Kansas City, KS, USA
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Bunning AR, Gupta Jr. ML. The importance of microtubule-dependent tension in accurate chromosome segregation. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1096333. [PMID: 36755973 PMCID: PMC9899852 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1096333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2022] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Accurate chromosome segregation is vital for cell and organismal viability. The mitotic spindle, a bipolar macromolecular machine composed largely of dynamic microtubules, is responsible for chromosome segregation during each cell replication cycle. Prior to anaphase, a bipolar metaphase spindle must be formed in which each pair of chromatids is attached to microtubules from opposite spindle poles. In this bipolar configuration pulling forces from the dynamic microtubules can generate tension across the sister kinetochores. The tension status acts as a signal that can destabilize aberrant kinetochore-microtubule attachments and reinforces correct, bipolar connections. Historically it has been challenging to isolate the specific role of tension in mitotic processes due to the interdependency of attachment and tension status at kinetochores. Recent technical and experimental advances have revealed new insights into how tension functions during mitosis. Here we summarize the evidence that tension serves as a biophysical signal that unifies multiple aspects of kinetochore and centromere function to ensure accurate chromosome segregation.
Collapse
|
12
|
Choudhary K, Kupiec M. The cohesin complex of yeasts: sister chromatid cohesion and beyond. FEMS Microbiol Rev 2023; 47:6825453. [PMID: 36370456 DOI: 10.1093/femsre/fuac045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2022] [Revised: 11/07/2022] [Accepted: 11/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Each time a cell divides, it needs to duplicate the genome and then separate the two copies. In eukaryotes, which usually have more than one linear chromosome, this entails tethering the two newly replicated DNA molecules, a phenomenon known as sister chromatid cohesion (SCC). Cohesion ensures proper chromosome segregation to separate poles during mitosis. SCC is achieved by the presence of the cohesin complex. Besides its canonical function, cohesin is essential for chromosome organization and DNA damage repair. Surprisingly, yeast cohesin is loaded in G1 before DNA replication starts but only acquires its binding activity during DNA replication. Work in microorganisms, such as Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Schizosaccharomyces pombe has greatly contributed to the understanding of cohesin composition and functions. In the last few years, much progress has been made in elucidating the role of cohesin in chromosome organization and compaction. Here, we discuss the different functions of cohesin to ensure faithful chromosome segregation and genome stability during the mitotic cell division in yeast. We describe what is known about its composition and how DNA replication is coupled with SCC establishment. We also discuss current models for the role of cohesin in chromatin loop extrusion and delineate unanswered questions about the activity of this important, conserved complex.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Karan Choudhary
- The Shmunis School of Biomedicine and Cancer Research, Tel Aviv University, Ramat Aviv 69978, Israel
| | - Martin Kupiec
- The Shmunis School of Biomedicine and Cancer Research, Tel Aviv University, Ramat Aviv 69978, Israel
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Salzberg LI, Martos AAR, Lombardi L, Jermiin LS, Blanco A, Byrne KP, Wolfe KH. A widespread inversion polymorphism conserved among Saccharomyces species is caused by recurrent homogenization of a sporulation gene family. PLoS Genet 2022; 18:e1010525. [PMID: 36441813 PMCID: PMC9731477 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1010525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2022] [Revised: 12/08/2022] [Accepted: 11/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Saccharomyces genomes are highly collinear and show relatively little structural variation, both within and between species of this yeast genus. We investigated the only common inversion polymorphism known in S. cerevisiae, which affects a 24-kb 'flip/flop' region containing 15 genes near the centromere of chromosome XIV. The region exists in two orientations, called reference (REF) and inverted (INV). Meiotic recombination in this region is suppressed in crosses between REF and INV orientation strains such as the BY x RM cross. We find that the inversion polymorphism is at least 17 million years old because it is conserved across the genus Saccharomyces. However, the REF and INV isomers are not ancient alleles but are continually being re-created by re-inversion of the region within each species. Inversion occurs due to continual homogenization of two almost identical 4-kb sequences that form an inverted repeat (IR) at the ends of the flip/flop region. The IR consists of two pairs of genes that are specifically and strongly expressed during the late stages of sporulation. We show that one of these gene pairs, YNL018C/YNL034W, codes for a protein that is essential for spore formation. YNL018C and YNL034W are the founder members of a gene family, Centroid, whose members in other Saccharomycetaceae species evolve fast, duplicate frequently, and are preferentially located close to centromeres. We tested the hypothesis that Centroid genes are a meiotic drive system, but found no support for this idea.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Letal I. Salzberg
- Conway Institute, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
- School of Medicine, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Alexandre A. R. Martos
- Conway Institute, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
- School of Medicine, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Lisa Lombardi
- Conway Institute, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
- School of Biomolecular and Biomedical Science, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Lars S. Jermiin
- School of Medicine, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
- School of Biology and Environmental Science, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
- Earth Institute, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
- Research School of Biology, Australian National University, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
| | - Alfonso Blanco
- Conway Institute, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Kevin P. Byrne
- Conway Institute, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
- School of Medicine, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Kenneth H. Wolfe
- Conway Institute, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
- School of Medicine, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Matityahu A, Onn I. It's all in the numbers: Cohesin stoichiometry. Front Mol Biosci 2022; 9:1010894. [PMID: 36330215 PMCID: PMC9623059 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2022.1010894] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2022] [Accepted: 10/05/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Cohesin, a structural maintenance of chromosome (SMC) complex, organizes chromatin into three-dimensional structures by threading chromatin into loops and stabilizing long-range chromatin interactions. Four subunits in a 1:1:1:1 ratio compose the cohesin core, which is regulated by auxiliary factors that interact with or modify the core subunits. An ongoing debate about cohesin's mechanism of action regards its stoichiometry. Namely, is cohesin activity mediated by a single complex or cooperation between several complexes that organize into dimers or oligomers? Several investigations that used various experimental approaches have tried to resolve this dispute. Some have convincingly demonstrated that the cohesin monomer is the active unit. However, others have revealed the formation of cohesin dimers and higher-order clusters on and off chromosomes. Elucidating the biological function of cohesin clusters and determining what regulates their formation are just two of the many new questions raised by these findings. We briefly review the history of the argument about cohesin stoichiometry and the central evidence for cohesin activity as a monomer vs. an oligomer. Finally, we discuss the possible biological significance of cohesin oligomerization and present open questions that remain to be answered.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Itay Onn
- The Azrieli Faculty of Medicine, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Safed, Israel
| |
Collapse
|