Abstract
The centromere is a specialized chromosomal region identified as the major constriction, upon which the kinetochore complex is formed, ensuring accurate chromosome orientation and segregation during cell division. The rapid evolution of centromere DNA sequence and the conserved centromere function are two contradictory aspects of centromere biology. Indeed, the sole presence of genetic sequence is not sufficient for centromere formation. Various dicentric chromosomes with one inactive centromere have been recognized. It has also been found that de novo centromere formation is common on fragments in which centromeric DNA sequences are lost. Epigenetic factors play important roles in centromeric chromatin assembly and maintenance. Non-disjunction of the supernumerary B chromosome centromere is independent of centromere function, but centromere pairing during early prophase of meiosis I requires an active centromere. This review discusses recent studies in maize about genetic and epigenetic elements regulating formation and maintenance of centromere chromatin, as well as centromere behavior in meiosis.
Highlights
Dynamic epigenetic states of maize centromeresEdited by: Ingo Schubert, IPK Gatersleben – Leibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research, Germany
The centromeres are the control centers of chromosomes and are essential for correct orientation and segregation in cell division
At the second pollen mitosis, the maize B sister centromeres are held together so that they are transferred to the same pole at anaphase
Summary
Edited by: Ingo Schubert, IPK Gatersleben – Leibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research, Germany. Reviewed by: Jiri Macas, Biology Centre CAS, Czech Republic Michael Sandmann, IPK Gatersleben – Leibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research, Germany. The rapid evolution of centromere DNA sequence and the conserved centromere function are two contradictory aspects of centromere biology. The sole presence of genetic sequence is not sufficient for centromere formation. It has been found that de novo centromere formation is common on fragments in which centromeric DNA sequences are lost. Epigenetic factors play important roles in centromeric chromatin assembly and maintenance. This review discusses recent studies in maize about genetic and epigenetic elements regulating formation and maintenance of centromere chromatin, as well as centromere behavior in meiosis
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