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Histone Variants at the Centromere

Histone Variants at the Centromere

Histone variants are the histone proteins with structural and sequence variations. These variants may be regarded as “mutant” forms that replace their canonical histone counterparts in the nucleosomes. Specific post-translational modifications on the histone variants enable further chromatin complexity and regulate tissue-specific gene expression. The most common histone variants are from histone H2A, H2B, and linker histone H1 families. However, several variants of histone H3 variants are also...

Inheritance of Chromatin Structures

Inheritance of Chromatin Structures

Epigenetics is the study of inherited changes in a cell's phenotype without changing the DNA sequences. It provides a form of memory for the differential gene expression pattern to maintain cell lineage, position-effect variegation, dosage compensation, and maintenance of chromatin structures such as telomeres and centromeres. For example, the structure and location of the centromere on chromosomes are epigenetically inherited. Its functionality is not dictated or ensured by the underlying DNA...

Epigenetic Regulation

Epigenetic Regulation

Epigenetic mechanisms play an essential role in healthy development. Conversely, precisely regulated epigenetic mechanisms are disrupted in diseases like cancer.

Epigenetic Regulation

Epigenetic Regulation

Epigenetic changes alter the physical structure of the DNA without changing the genetic sequence and often regulate whether genes are turned on or off. This regulation ensures that each cell produces only proteins necessary for its function. For example, proteins that promote bone growth are not produced in muscle cells. Epigenetic mechanisms play an essential role in healthy development. Conversely, precisely regulated epigenetic mechanisms are disrupted in diseases like cancer.
X-chromosome...

Epigenetic Regulation

Epigenetic Regulation

Epigenetic mechanisms play an essential role in healthy development. Conversely, precisely regulated epigenetic mechanisms are disrupted in diseases like cancer.

Spreading of Chromatin Modifications

Spreading of Chromatin Modifications

The histone proteins in the nucleosomes are post-translationally modified (PTM) to increase or decrease access to DNA. The commonly observed PTMs are methylation, acetylation, phosphorylation, and ubiquitination of lysine amino acids in the histone H3 tail region. These histone modifications have specific meaning for the cell. Hence, they are called "histone code". The protein complex involved in histone modification is termed as "reader-writer" complex.
Writers
The writer is an enzyme that can...

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Repressing Gene Transcription by Redirecting Cellular Machinery with Chemical Epigenetic Modifiers

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Temporal control of epigenetic centromere specification.

Luis P Valente¹, Mariana C C Silva, Lars E T Jansen

¹Instituto Gulbenkian de Ciência, 2780-156 Oeiras, Portugal.

Chromosome Research : an International Journal on the Molecular, Supramolecular and Evolutionary Aspects of Chromosome Biology

|June 29, 2012

Summary

Accurate inheritance of genetic material relies on centromeres, which use epigenetic mechanisms and Centromere protein A (CENP-A) for faithful cell division. Recent insights reveal how CENP-A assembly is controlled and timed for centromere inheritance.

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Area of Science:

Cell Biology
Genetics
Epigenetics

Background:

Faithful inheritance of genetic material during cell division is crucial for all living organisms.
The centromere is a specialized chromosomal region supporting the kinetochore, essential for chromosome-microtubule attachment and segregation during mitosis.
Centromere identity and function are epigenetically maintained, primarily through the histone H3 variant, Centromere protein A (CENP-A).

Purpose of the Study:

To review recent advancements in understanding the molecular mechanisms governing CENP-A assembly.
To discuss the cell cycle-coupled regulation of centromere inheritance.
To highlight the importance of CENP-A in epigenetic maintenance of centromere function.

Main Methods:

Literature review of recent studies on CENP-A assembly and centromere inheritance.
Analysis of epigenetic chromatin-based mechanisms defining centromere function.
Discussion of cell cycle coupling in centromere inheritance.

Main Results:

Centromere identity is epigenetically determined, not by DNA sequence.
Centromere protein A (CENP-A) chromatin is essential for centromere complex assembly and epigenetic maintenance.
Recent studies have provided new insights into the molecular mechanisms controlling CENP-A assembly timing and specificity.

Conclusions:

Tight control over CENP-A assembly is vital for its centromeric specificity and cell cycle timing.
Understanding CENP-A regulation is key to comprehending faithful chromosome segregation.
Recent molecular insights advance our knowledge of cell cycle-coupled centromere inheritance.