Centromere Type Research Articles

Dramatic difference in rate of chromosome number evolution among sundew (Drosera L., Droseraceae) lineages.

Chromosome number change is a driver of speciation in eukaryotic organisms. Carnivorous sundews in the plant genus Drosera L. exhibit single chromosome number variation both among and within species, especially in the Australian Drosera subg. Ergaleium D.C., potentially linked to atypical centromeres that span much of the length of the chromosomes. We critically reviewed literature on chromosome counts in Drosera, verified the taxonomy and quality of the original counts, and reconstructed dated phylogenies. We used the BiChrom model to test whether rates of single chromosome number increase, decrease, and chromosome number doubling differed between D. subg. Ergaleium and the other subgenera and between self-compatible and self-incompatible lineages. The best model for chromosome evolution among subgenera had equal rates of chromosome number doubling but higher rates of single chromosome number change in D. subg. Ergaleium than the other subgenera. Contrary to expectation, self-incompatible lineages had a significantly higher rate of single chromosome loss than self-compatible lineages. We found no evidence for an association between differences in single chromosome number changes and diploidization after polyploidy or centromere type. This study presents an exemplar for critically examining published cytological data and rigorously testing factors that may impact the rates of chromosome number evolution.

Repeat-based holocentromeres influence genome architecture and karyotype evolution

The centromere represents a single region in most eukaryotic chromosomes. However, several plant andanimal lineages assemble holocentromeres along the entire chromosome length. Here, we compare genome organization and evolution as a function of centromere type by assembling chromosome-scale holocentric genomes with repeat-based holocentromeres from three beak-sedge (Rhynchospora pubera, R.breviuscula, and R.tenuis) and their closest monocentric relative, Juncus effusus. We demonstrate that transition to holocentricity affected 3D genome architecture by redefining genomic compartments, while distributing centromere function to thousands of repeat-based centromere units genome-wide. We uncover a complex genome organization in R.pubera that hides its unexpected octoploidy and describe a marked reduction in chromosome number for R.tenuis, which has only two chromosomes. We show that chromosome fusions, facilitated by repeat-based holocentromeres, promoted karyotype evolution and diploidization. Our study thus sheds light on several important aspects of genome architecture and evolution influenced by centromere organization.

Centromere size scales with genome size across Eukaryotes

Previous studies on grass species suggested that the total centromere size (sum of all centromere sizes in a cell) may be determined by the genome size, possibly because stable scaling is important for proper cell division. However, it is unclear whether this relationship is universal. Here we analyze the total centromere size using the CenH3-immunofluorescence area as a proxy in 130 taxa including plants, animals, fungi, and protists. We verified the reliability of our methodological approach by comparing our measurements with available ChIP-seq-based measurements of the size of CenH3-binding domains. Data based on these two independent methods showed the same positive relationship between the total centromere size and genome size. Our results demonstrate that the genome size is a strong predictor (R-squared = 0.964) of the total centromere size universally across Eukaryotes. We also show that this relationship is independent of phylogenetic relatedness and centromere type (monocentric, metapolycentric, and holocentric), implying a common mechanism maintaining stable total centromere size in Eukaryotes.

A simple model explains the cell cycle-dependent assembly of centromeric nucleosomes in holocentric species.

Centromeres are essential for chromosome movement. In independent taxa, species with holocentric chromosomes exist. In contrast to monocentric species, where no obvious dispersion of centromeres occurs during interphase, the organization of holocentromeres differs between condensed and decondensed chromosomes. During interphase, centromeres are dispersed into a large number of CENH3-positive nucleosome clusters in a number of holocentric species. With the onset of chromosome condensation, the centromeric nucleosomes join and form line-like holocentromeres. Using polymer simulations, we propose a mechanism relying on the interaction between centromeric nucleosomes and structural maintenance of chromosomes (SMC) proteins. Different sets of molecular dynamic simulations were evaluated by testing four parameters: (i) the concentration of Loop Extruders (LEs) corresponding to SMCs, (ii) the distribution and number of centromeric nucleosomes, (iii) the effect of centromeric nucleosomes on interacting LEs and (iv) the assembly of kinetochores bound to centromeric nucleosomes. We observed the formation of a line-like holocentromere, due to the aggregation of the centromeric nucleosomes when the chromosome was compacted into loops. A groove-like holocentromere structure formed after a kinetochore complex was simulated along the centromeric line. Similar mechanisms may also organize a monocentric chromosome constriction, and its regulation may cause different centromere types during evolution.

Mode and Tempo of Microsatellite Evolution across 300 Million Years of Insect Evolution.

Microsatellites are short, repetitive DNA sequences that can rapidly expand and contract due to slippage during DNA replication. Despite their impacts on transcription, genome structure, and disease, relatively little is known about the evolutionary dynamics of these short sequences across long evolutionary periods. To address this gap in our knowledge, we performed comparative analyses of 304 available insect genomes. We investigated the impact of sequence assembly methods and assembly quality on the inference of microsatellite content, and we explored the influence of chromosome type and number on the tempo and mode of microsatellite evolution across one of the most speciose clades on the planet. Diploid chromosome number had no impact on the rate of microsatellite evolution or the amount of microsatellite content in genomes. We found that centromere type (holocentric or monocentric) is not associated with a difference in the amount of microsatellite content; however, in those species with monocentric chromosomes, microsatellite content tends to evolve faster than in species with holocentric chromosomes.

Spatial inter-centromeric interactions facilitated the emergence of evolutionary new centromeres.

Centromeres of Candida albicans form on unique and different DNA sequences but a closely related species, Candida tropicalis, possesses homogenized inverted repeat (HIR)-associated centromeres. To investigate the mechanism of centromere type transition, we improved the fragmented genome assembly and constructed a chromosome-level genome assembly of C. tropicalis by employing PacBio sequencing, chromosome conformation capture sequencing (3C-seq), chromoblot, and genetic analysis of engineered aneuploid strains. Further, we analyzed the 3D genome organization using 3C-seq data, which revealed spatial proximity among the centromeres as well as telomeres of seven chromosomes in C. tropicalis. Intriguingly, we observed evidence of inter-centromeric translocations in the common ancestor of C. albicans and C. tropicalis. Identification of putative centromeres in closely related Candida sojae, Candida viswanathii and Candida parapsilosis indicates loss of ancestral HIR-associated centromeres and establishment of evolutionary new centromeres (ENCs) in C. albicans. We propose that spatial proximity of the homologous centromere DNA sequences facilitated karyotype rearrangements and centromere type transitions in human pathogenic yeasts of the CUG-Ser1 clade.

Super-Resolution Microscopy Reveals Diversity of Plant Centromere Architecture.

Centromeres are essential for proper chromosome segregation to the daughter cells during mitosis and meiosis. Chromosomes of most eukaryotes studied so far have regional centromeres that form primary constrictions on metaphase chromosomes. These monocentric chromosomes vary from point centromeres to so-called “meta-polycentromeres”, with multiple centromere domains in an extended primary constriction, as identified in Pisum and Lathyrus species. However, in various animal and plant lineages centromeres are distributed along almost the entire chromosome length. Therefore, they are called holocentromeres. In holocentric plants, centromere-specific proteins, at which spindle fibers usually attach, are arranged contiguously (line-like), in clusters along the chromosomes or in bands. Here, we summarize findings of ultrastructural investigations using immunolabeling with centromere-specific antibodies and super-resolution microscopy to demonstrate the structural diversity of plant centromeres. A classification of the different centromere types has been suggested based on the distribution of spindle attachment sites. Based on these findings we discuss the possible evolution and advantages of holocentricity, and potential strategies to segregate holocentric chromosomes correctly.

Monocentric chromosomes in Juncus (Juncaceae) and implications for the chromosome evolution of the family

AbstractHolocentric chromosomes are rare among angiosperms, but have been suggested to be shared by all or most of the species of Cyperaceae and Juncaceae. However, no clear demonstration of the centromere type in Juncus, the largest genus of Juncaceae, has so far been published. Thus, we conducted a detailed chromosomal investigation of four Juncus spp. aiming to identify their centromere type. Mitotic chromosomes were analysed using the fluorochromes CMA and DAPI, fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) with rDNA probes and immunodetection of histones H3 phosphorylated at serine 10 (H3-S10ph) and H2A phosphorylated at threonine 133 (H2A-T133ph). DAPI-stained chromosomes of all species displayed typical primary constrictions, which were not related to AT-poor CMA+ heterochromatin or rDNA sites (usually negatively stained with DAPI). Immunodetection with H3-S10ph and H2A-T133ph revealed hyperphosphorylation of pericentromeric and centromeric regions, respectively, in a restricted area, as observed in monocentric chromosomes. Meiotic analyses in J. microcephalus showed no indication of inverted meiosis, commonly found in plants with holocentric chromosomes. Since the species investigated here belong to four different sections of Juncus and all of them display typical monocentric chromosomes, it seems that this kind of centromere is common in the genus and may represent the standard centromere organization for Juncus. If Juncus has monocentric chromosomes, there is no reason to hypothesize that other genera of Juncaceae for which centromeres have not been carefully investigated have holocentric chromosomes.

Chromosomal Karyotype Analysis of Four Varieties of Green Petioles Leaf Beet

Chromosome analysis of four varieties of green petioles leaf beet was performed by pressing plate’s method. The results revealed the chromosome numbers of all four varieties of green petioles leaf beet was 2n = 2x = 18. And their centromere type was mainly composed by metacentric chromosomes (m) and sub metacentric chromosomes (sm), while the number of m was more than sm. However, evident variation among varieties was presented on their karyotype formula, karyotype type, satellitic position, and arm ratio, ratio of chromosome length (L/S) and index of karyotypic asymmetry. Although they all had one pair of satellites, the location of the satellites was different. The karyotype type contained 1A from ‘Zhongnong’, ‘Huaxianzi’ and 2A from ‘Lifeng’, ‘Huaguan’. Statistically ratio of chromosome length for tested varieties ranged from 1.20 in ‘Lifeng’ to 1.52 in ‘Zhongnong’, and average arm ratio ranged from 1.42 in ‘Zhongnong’ to 1.62 in ‘Huaguan’. The index of karyotypic asymmetry of ‘Zhongnong’, ‘Huaxianzi’, ‘Lifeng’, ‘Huaguan’ were 58.50%, 59.21%, 58.79% and 61.32%, respectively. This study revealed the karyotypic characteristics of leaf beet from the cytogenetic aspect, and provided a reference for variety breeding of leaf beet.

Atypical centromeres in plants-what they can tell us.

The centromere, visible as the primary constriction of condensed metaphase chromosomes, is a defined chromosomal locus essential for genome stability. It mediates transient assembly of a multi-protein complex, the kinetochore, which enables interaction with spindle fibers and thus faithful segregation of the genetic information during nuclear divisions. Centromeric DNA varies in extent and sequence composition among organisms, but a common feature of almost all active eukaryotic centromeres is the presence of the centromeric histone H3 variant cenH3 (a.k.a. CENP-A). These typical centromere features apply to most studied species. However, a number of species display “atypical” centromeres, such as holocentromeres (centromere extension along almost the entire chromatid length) or neocentromeres (ectopic centromere activity). In this review, we provide an overview of different atypical centromere types found in plants including holocentromeres, de novo formed centromeres and terminal neocentromeres as well as di-, tri- and metapolycentromeres (more than one centromere per chromosomes). We discuss their specific and common features and compare them to centromere types found in other eukaryotic species. We also highlight new insights into centromere biology gained in plants with atypical centromeres such as distinct mechanisms to define a holocentromere, specific adaptations in species with holocentromeres during meiosis or various scenarios leading to neocentromere formation.

Centromere identity from the DNA point of view.

The centromere is a chromosomal locus responsible for the faithful segregation of genetic material during cell division. It has become evident that centromeres can be established literally on any DNA sequence, and the possible synergy between DNA sequences and the most prominent centromere identifiers, protein components, and epigenetic marks remains uncertain. However, some evolutionary preferences seem to exist, and long-term established centromeres are frequently formed on long arrays of satellite DNAs and/or transposable elements. Recent progress in understanding functional centromere sequences is based largely on the high-resolution DNA mapping of sequences that interact with the centromere-specific histone H3 variant, the most reliable marker of active centromeres. In addition, sequence assembly and mapping of large repetitive centromeric regions, as well as comparative genome analyses offer insight into their complex organization and evolution. The rapidly advancing field of transcription in centromere regions highlights the functional importance of centromeric transcripts. Here, we comprehensively review the current state of knowledge on the composition and functionality of DNA sequences underlying active centromeres and discuss their contribution to the functioning of different centromere types in higher eukaryotes.

Repeatless and Repeat-Based Centromeres in Potato: Implications for Centromere Evolution

Centromeres in most higher eukaryotes are composed of long arrays of satellite repeats. By contrast, most newly formed centromeres (neocentromeres) do not contain satellite repeats and instead include DNA sequences representative of the genome. An unknown question in centromere evolution is how satellite repeat-based centromeres evolve from neocentromeres. We conducted a genome-wide characterization of sequences associated with CENH3 nucleosomes in potato (Solanum tuberosum). Five potato centromeres (Cen4, Cen6, Cen10, Cen11, and Cen12) consisted primarily of single- or low-copy DNA sequences. No satellite repeats were identified in these five centromeres. At least one transcribed gene was associated with CENH3 nucleosomes. Thus, these five centromeres structurally resemble neocentromeres. By contrast, six potato centromeres (Cen1, Cen2, Cen3, Cen5, Cen7, and Cen8) contained megabase-sized satellite repeat arrays that are unique to individual centromeres. The satellite repeat arrays likely span the entire functional cores of these six centromeres. At least four of the centromeric repeats were amplified from retrotransposon-related sequences and were not detected in Solanum species closely related to potato. The presence of two distinct types of centromeres, coupled with the boom-and-bust cycles of centromeric satellite repeats in Solanum species, suggests that repeat-based centromeres can rapidly evolve from neocentromeres by de novo amplification and insertion of satellite repeats in the CENH3 domains.

Phosphorylation of Histone H3S10 in Animal Chromosomes: Is There a Uniform Pattern?

Phosphorylation of serine 10 in histone H3 (H3S10ph) has been extensively analyzed and appears to be a conserved chromatin change associated with chromosome condensation in different eukaryotic organisms. In this work, we report the distribution of H3S10ph during meiosis in monocentric and holokinetic chromosomes of 6 insect species and in mitotic chromosomes of 7 mammalian species, aiming to investigate the labeling patterns in phylogenetically distant groups. The results indicated a very similar phosphorylation timing and distribution pattern among insects. The sex chromosomes of insects analyzed were always undercondensed and hypophosphorylated. Similarly, the micro chromosomes of the bug Pachylis aff pharaonis were also undercondensed and hypophosphorylated. Holokinetic chromosomes of bugs and monocentric chromosomes of grasshoppers and beetles displayed identical phosphorylation pattern in spite of the difference in the centromere type. Among mammals, a uniform chromosome phosphorylation was observed in marsupials, whereas bat chromosomes displayed a longitudinal banding pattern. These data indicate that, in general, the intensity of H3S10 phosphorylation in animal chromosomes is variable among the distinct chromosome types and associated with the degree of chromatin condensation at metaphase, but it may vary between different groups of animals.

The karyotype analysis of Pistacia vera L. from Turkey

A detailed karyotype analysis was developed for Pistacia vera L. grown in Turkey. In vitro roots obtained from mature seeds were used as plant material. The chromosome number of P. vera L. was found to be 2n = 30 at c-metaphase of mitosis cell investigated for all of the materials. Centromere type of all chromosomes were determinated as median, submedian, subtelocentric, telocentric and total lengths of chromosome pairs were found between 35.4 and 5.97 µm. An idiogram was constructed from the average chromosome length, arm ratio and centomere type for each of the chromosome pairs.

Primary investigation on GISH-NOR in cotton

Six loci of nucleolar organizer region (NOR) were detected in genomicin situ hybridization (GISH) of cotton (Gossypium). NOR was the characteristic of 45S rDNA but could be generated by genomic DNA (gDNA) extracted fromGossypium species as probe. With twice FISH to the same mitotic cell ofG. herbaceum orG. hirsutum, number, position and size for NORs generated from 45S rDNA and gDNA were identified largely similar or even the same. The NORs with gDNA as probe were therefore permanently defined as GISH-NORs. GISH-NORs fromG. hirsutum andG. raimondii mitotic images were all terminal types. Four and two GISH-NORs fromG. herbaceum (var.africanum) were terminal and centromere types, respectively. Six GISH-NORs inG. hirsutum were chromosome mapped with two in A- and four in D-subgenomes. There were also GISH-NORs in mitotic image ofG. raimondii with its own gDNA as probe. From mitotic image ofG. herbaceum with its own gDNA as probe, GISH-NOR could not be observed but non-whole-recovery of hybridized signals was distinguished. These non-whole-recovery of hybridized signals were detected on long arm terminals of most chromosomes and especially existed in nearly half long arm of a pair of chromosomes inG. herbaceum gDNA probed itself GISH image, which may be possibly induced by low copy genes within the regions rather than inter-subgenomic segment translocations. GISH-NORs in G.hirsutum mitotic images were dominantly observed when gDNAs from D and A genome species were used as probes and block, respectively, but not when the reverse probe and block gDNA from the two diploid progenitor genomes were designed. There may be two speculations to this special phenomenon: rDNA concerted evolution; content of rDNA in genome D more than genome A.

口腔乾燥を主訴とした不完全型ＣＲＥＳＴ症候群の１例

The CREST syndrome is a variant of progressive systemic sclerosis (PSS), characterized by calcinosis (C), Raynaud's phenomenon (R), esophageal dysfunction (E), sclerodactyly (5), and telangiectasia (T). A case of incomplete CREST syndrome associated with Sjogren's syndrome is reported.The patient was a 60-year-old Japanese woman suffering from dry mouth for 3 years and dry eyes for a year. Her initial diagnosis was sicca syndrome, but laboratory data and Raynaud's phenomenon without symptoms indicated a connective tissue disorder. Immunological data demonstrated positive values for rheumatoid factor (372U/ml) and antinuclear antibody (1: 640, centromere type). The 99mTc scintigram showed reduced uptake in both the parotid and submandibular glands. Histological examination of a lip biopsy specimen revealed perivascular and periductal lymphocytic infiltration in the labial salivary glands. For further evaluation, she was referred to the department of internal medicine. The diagnosis was incomplete CREST syndrome (CRES) with intramuscular calcification of the deltoid portion, Raynaud's phenomenon, esophageal dysfunction, and sclerodactyly.

Parental genome separation and asynchronous centromere division in interspecific F1 hybrids inLathyrus

Chromosomes were studied in root-tip metaphase cells of several F1 interspecific Lathyrus hybrids including: L. hirsutus x L. cassius (H x C), L. cassius x L. hirsutus (C x H), L. cassius x L. odoratus (C x O), and their parents, all with 2n = 2x = 14. Two types of morphologically distinct centromeres were identified in the hybrids on the basis of the degree of contraction of the primary constriction. At least 12 well-defined centromeres were seen in all cells of L. hirsutus, L. cassius and L. odoratus, and about 80% of cells had 14. The hybrids were more variable than the species. H x O contained between six and 14 well-defined centromeres, while cells of H x C, C x H and C x O all had seven well-defined and seven weakly defined centromeres. These were used as markers to plot their spatial disposition in two dimensions on metaphase spreads. In H x C, C x H and C x O the two types of centromeres showed a significant tendency to occupy two spatially distinct and concentrically arranged domains on the metaphase plate (P < 0.005). Owing to shortage of material subsequent work was restricted to H x C and C x H. Six or seven chromosomes of one parental genome were selectively labelled by in situ hybridization using biotinylated total genomic DNA from either parent as a probe. Moreover, there was a very strong correlation between centromere type and genomic origin (P < 0.001).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Further Observations on the Chromosome Morphology of Some &lt;i&gt;Solidago&lt;/i&gt; Species

The author presents the chromosome numbers and detailed chromosome morphology of 7 species of the genus Solidago (Asteraceae), the majority of which were collected from the Province of Nova Scotia in Eastern Canada.The somatic chromosomes of Solidago are uniformly characterized by small size (range in length: 2.02 to 2.93 microns) and possess predominantly sub-median to median types of centromeres. The karyotype is generally of the asymmetrical type in which chromosome form a graded series without exhibiting a marked break.Meiotic chromosomes show a regular bivalent formation during diakinesis and at other stages and a normal disjunction at anaphase, suggesting a lack of, or a low degree of interbreeding among these and related species of Solidago. The high degree of pollen fertility observed in these species corroborates this statement.It is concluded that owing to its general uniformity, chromosome morphological data is likely to be of greater value in clarifying the taxonomic status of the higher categories of the family Asteraceae than in differentiating related diploid or polyploid species.

Diffuse centromere, and other cytological observations on two desmids.

CYTOLOGICAL studies of the Desmidiaceae now in progress in this department have shown that the chromosomes of Cosmarium botrytis and Pleurotœnium kallis have a polycentric or diffuse centromere type of organization, which results in the parallel separation of the chromatids at anaphase (Fig. 1). This type of organization has been previously described in Spirogyra1, and among the higher plants in Luzula2 and Carex3.