The role of alphoid higher order repeats (HORs) in the centromere folding

Abstract

Understanding the folding of centromere DNA in the maximally condensed methaphase chromosome remains a basic challenge in cell biology. We propose here a set of structural models with a graphical presentation of alphoid higher order repeat (HOR) distribution in the centromere folding, based on the assumption of encryption key for microtubule–centromere interaction which arises from chromosome-specific crystal-like structure of HORs. Specific HOR leads to a characteristic geometrical pattern which may be responsible for individual microtubule to recognize a specific structure of centromere in each chromosome.