Replicating centromeric chromatin: spatial and temporal control of CENP-A assembly

Exp Cell Res. 2012 Jul 15;318(12):1353-60. doi: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2012.04.007. Epub 2012 Apr 27.

Abstract

The centromere is the fundamental unit for insuring chromosome inheritance. This complex region has a distinct type of chromatin in which histone H3 is replaced by a structurally different homologue identified in humans as CENP-A. In metazoans, specific DNA sequences are neither required nor sufficient for centromere identity. Rather, an epigenetic mark comprised of CENP-A containing chromatin is thought to be the major determinant of centromere identity. In this view, CENP-A deposition and chromatin assembly are fundamental processes for the maintenance of centromeric identity across mitotic and meiotic divisions. Several lines of evidence support CENP-A deposition in metazoans occurring at only one time in the cell cycle. Such cell cycle-dependent loading of CENP-A is found in divergent species from human to fission yeast, albeit with differences in the cell cycle point at which CENP-A is assembled. Cell cycle dependent CENP-A deposition requires multiple assembly factors for its deposition and maintenance. This review discusses the regulation of new CENP-A deposition and its relevance to centromere identity and inheritance.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Autoantigens / metabolism*
  • Autoantigens / physiology
  • Centromere / genetics*
  • Centromere / metabolism
  • Centromere Protein A
  • Chromatin / genetics*
  • Chromatin / metabolism
  • Chromosomal Proteins, Non-Histone / metabolism*
  • Chromosomal Proteins, Non-Histone / physiology
  • DNA Replication / genetics
  • DNA Replication / physiology*
  • Humans
  • Models, Biological
  • Protein Multimerization / genetics*
  • Protein Multimerization / physiology
  • Signal Transduction / genetics
  • Signal Transduction / physiology
  • Time Factors
  • Tissue Distribution

Substances

  • Autoantigens
  • CENPA protein, human
  • Centromere Protein A
  • Chromatin
  • Chromosomal Proteins, Non-Histone