Repeat sequence corresponding to the nucleosome length at the opposite end of the pairing center on autosomes in C. elegans.

Abstract

Many repeat sequences in genomes have unknown functions, but some have features that are suggestive of one. I found a repeat sequence that has 185 base pairs as the basic unit, which is the same as the length of a nucleosome repeat. The chromosomal location of this repeat sequence is opposite the pairing center of each autosomal chromosome. I named this repeat sequence Nucleosome Length Autosomal Repeat (NLAR). The NLAR regions reveal a low level of H3K79me, which is required for chromosome pairing. I hypothesize that NLAR inhibits chromosome pairing of autosomes from inappropriate ends during meiosis.