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Structure of the human centromere at metaphase
A F Pluta1, C A Cooke, W C Earnshaw
1Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205.
Trends in Biochemical Sciences
|May 1, 1990
Summary
The centromere, previously viewed as simple, is now understood to be a complex region in eukaryotes. This complex structure contains key elements for chromosome segregation during cell division.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Genetics
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- The centromere was historically considered a homogeneous region of heterochromatin.
- It was thought to possess a single kinetochore domain for mitotic spindle attachment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the complex domain structure of the centromere in higher eukaryotes.
- To identify the location of factors controlling sister chromatid disjunction and chromosome motor proteins.
Main Methods:
- Utilized antibody probes to identify distinct centromeric domains.
- Investigated the functional roles of identified centromeric domains.
Main Results:
- Revealed that the centromere of higher eukaryotes comprises multiple identifiable domains.
- Indicated the presence of sister chromatid disjunction factors and motor proteins within these domains.
Conclusions:
- The centromere is a functionally and structurally complex region, not a homogeneous entity.
- These domains are crucial for accurate chromosome segregation during cell division.