Work

Structure and Function of Centromeric and Pericentromeric Heterochromatin in Arabidopsis thaliana

Year: 2015

Type: review

Abstract: The centromere is a specific chromosomal region where the kinetochore assembles to ensure the faithful segregation of sister chromatids during mitosis and meiosis. Centromeres are defined by a local enrichment of the specific histone variant CenH3 mostly at repetitive satellite sequences. A larger pericentromeric region containing repetitive sequences and transposable elements surrounds the centromere that adopts a particular chromatin state characterized by specific histone variants and post-translational modifications and forms a transcriptionally repressive chromosomal environment. In the model organism Arabidopsis thaliana centromeric and pericentromeric domains form conspicuous heterochromatin clusters called chromocenters in interphase. Here we discuss, using Arabidopsis as example, recent insight into mechanisms involved in maintenance and establishment of centromeric and pericentromeric chromatin signatures as well as in chromocenter formation.

Source: Frontiers in Plant Science

DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2015.01049

Authors: Lauriane Simon, Maxime Voisin, Christophe Tatout, Aline V. Probst

Institutions: Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Inserm, Institut Génétique, Reproduction et Développement

Language: English

Topic: Chromosomal and Genetic Variations

Subfield: Genetics

Field: Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology

Domain: Life Sciences

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,801

Funders: Agence Nationale de la Recherche, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Conseil Régional d'Auvergne