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Kuo YT, Schubert V, Marques A, Schubert I, Houben A. Centromere diversity: How different repeat-based holocentromeres may have evolved. Bioessays 2024; 46:e2400013. [PMID: 38593286 DOI: 10.1002/bies.202400013] [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: 01/16/2024] [Revised: 03/26/2024] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
In addition to monocentric eukaryotes, which have a single localized centromere on each chromosome, there are holocentric species, with extended repeat-based or repeat-less centromeres distributed over the entire chromosome length. At least two types of repeat-based holocentromeres exist, one composed of many small repeat-based centromere units (small unit-type), and another one characterized by a few large centromere units (large unit-type). We hypothesize that the transposable element-mediated dispersal of hundreds of short satellite arrays formed the small centromere unit-type holocentromere in Rhynchospora pubera. The large centromere unit-type of the plant Chionographis japonica is likely a product of simultaneous DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs), which initiated the de novo formation of repeat-based holocentromeres via insertion of satellite DNA, derived from extra-chromosomal circular DNAs (eccDNAs). The number of initial DSBs along the chromosomes must be higher than the number of centromere units since only a portion of the breaks will have incorporated eccDNA at an appropriate position to serve as future centromere unit sites. Subsequently, preferential incorporation of the centromeric histone H3 variant at these positions is assumed. The identification of repeat-based holocentromeres across lineages will unveil the centromere plasticity and elucidate the mechanisms underlying the diverse formation of holocentromeres.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Tzu Kuo
- Leibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research (IPK) Gatersleben, Seeland, Germany
| | - Veit Schubert
- Leibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research (IPK) Gatersleben, Seeland, Germany
| | - André Marques
- Department of Chromosome Biology, Max Planck Institute for Plant Breeding Research, Cologne, Germany
| | - Ingo Schubert
- Leibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research (IPK) Gatersleben, Seeland, Germany
| | - Andreas Houben
- Leibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research (IPK) Gatersleben, Seeland, Germany
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Câmara AS, Kubalová I, Schubert V. Helical chromonema coiling is conserved in eukaryotes. THE PLANT JOURNAL : FOR CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2024; 118:1284-1300. [PMID: 37840457 DOI: 10.1111/tpj.16484] [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: 01/27/2023] [Revised: 09/07/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 10/17/2023]
Abstract
Efficient chromatin condensation is required to transport chromosomes during mitosis and meiosis, forming daughter cells. While it is well accepted that these processes follow fundamental rules, there has been a controversial debate for more than 140 years on whether the higher-order chromatin organization in chromosomes is evolutionarily conserved. Here, we summarize historical and recent investigations based on classical and modern methods. In particular, classical light microscopy observations based on living, fixed, and treated chromosomes covering a wide range of plant and animal species, and even in single-cell eukaryotes suggest that the chromatids of large chromosomes are formed by a coiled chromatin thread, named the chromonema. More recently, these findings were confirmed by electron and super-resolution microscopy, oligo-FISH, molecular interaction data, and polymer simulation. Altogether, we describe common and divergent features of coiled chromonemata in different species. We hypothesize that chromonema coiling in large chromosomes is a fundamental feature established early during the evolution of eukaryotes to handle increasing genome sizes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda Souza Câmara
- Leibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research (IPK) Gatersleben, D-06466, Seeland, Germany
| | - Ivona Kubalová
- Leibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research (IPK) Gatersleben, D-06466, Seeland, Germany
| | - Veit Schubert
- Leibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research (IPK) Gatersleben, D-06466, Seeland, Germany
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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: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 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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Consistencies and contradictions in different polymer models of chromatin architecture. Comput Struct Biotechnol J 2023; 21:1084-1091. [PMID: 36789261 PMCID: PMC9900451 DOI: 10.1016/j.csbj.2023.01.033] [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: 11/30/2022] [Revised: 01/23/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Genetic information is stored in very long DNA molecules, which are folded to form chromatin, a similarly long polymer fibre that is ultimately organised into chromosomes. The organisation of chromatin is fundamental to many cellular functions, from the expression of the genetic information to cell division. As a long polymer, chromatin is very flexible and may adopt a myriad of shapes. Globally, the polymer physics governing chromatin dynamics is very well understood. But chromatin is not uniform and regions of it, with chemical modifications and bound effectors, form domains and compartments through mechanisms not yet clear. Polymer models have been successfully used to investigate these mechanisms to explain cytological observations and build hypothesis for experimental validation. Many different approaches to conceptualise chromatin in polymer models can be envisioned and each reflects different aspects. Here, we compare recent approaches that aim at reproducing prominent features of interphase chromatin organisation: the compartmentalisation into eu- and heterochromatin compartments, the formation of a nucleolus, chromatin loops and the rosette and Rabl conformations of interphase chromosomes. We highlight commonalities and contradictions that point to a modulation of the mechanisms involved to fine degree. Consolidating models will require the inclusion of yet hidden or neglected parameters.
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Super-resolution microscopy reveals the number and distribution of topoisomerase IIα and CENH3 molecules within barley metaphase chromosomes. Chromosoma 2023; 132:19-29. [PMID: 36719450 PMCID: PMC9981516 DOI: 10.1007/s00412-023-00785-8] [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: 06/30/2022] [Revised: 10/25/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Topoisomerase IIα (Topo IIα) and the centromere-specific histone H3 variant CENH3 are key proteins involved in chromatin condensation and centromere determination, respectively. Consequently, they are required for proper chromosome segregation during cell divisions. We combined two super-resolution techniques, structured illumination microscopy (SIM) to co-localize Topo IIα and CENH3, and photoactivated localization microscopy (PALM) to determine their molecule numbers in barley metaphase chromosomes. We detected a dispersed Topo IIα distribution along chromosome arms but an accumulation at centromeres, telomeres, and nucleolus-organizing regions. With a precision of 10-50 nm, we counted ~ 20,000-40,000 Topo IIα molecules per chromosome, 28% of them within the (peri)centromere. With similar precision, we identified ~13,500 CENH3 molecules per centromere where Topo IIα proteins and CENH3-containing chromatin intermingle. In short, we demonstrate PALM as a useful method to count and localize single molecules with high precision within chromosomes. The ultrastructural distribution and the detected amount of Topo IIα and CENH3 are instrumental for a better understanding of their functions during chromatin condensation and centromere determination.
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Hofstatter PG, Thangavel G, Lux T, Neumann P, Vondrak T, Novak P, Zhang M, Costa L, Castellani M, Scott A, Toegelová H, Fuchs J, Mata-Sucre Y, Dias Y, Vanzela AL, Huettel B, Almeida CC, Šimková H, Souza G, Pedrosa-Harand A, Macas J, Mayer KF, Houben A, Marques A. Repeat-based holocentromeres influence genome architecture and karyotype evolution. Cell 2022; 185:3153-3168.e18. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2022.06.045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2022] [Revised: 05/24/2022] [Accepted: 06/24/2022] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
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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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Ishii M, Akiyoshi B. Plasticity in centromere organization and kinetochore composition: Lessons from diversity. Curr Opin Cell Biol 2022; 74:47-54. [PMID: 35108654 PMCID: PMC9089191 DOI: 10.1016/j.ceb.2021.12.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2021] [Revised: 12/27/2021] [Accepted: 12/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Kinetochores are the macromolecular protein complexes that govern chromosome movement by binding spindle microtubules during mitosis and meiosis. Centromeres are the specific chromosomal regions that serve as the platform on which kinetochores assemble. Despite their essentiality for proper chromosome segregation, the size and organization of centromeres vary dramatically between species, while different compositions of kinetochores are found among eukaryotes. Here we discuss recent progress in understanding centromeres and kinetochores in non-traditional model eukaryotes. We specifically focus on select lineages (holocentric insects, early diverging fungi, and kinetoplastids) that lack CENP-A, a centromere-specific histone H3 variant that is critical for kinetochore specification and assembly in many eukaryotes. We also highlight some organisms that might have hitherto unknown types of kinetochore proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Midori Ishii
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Oxford, UK
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