Distinct modes of centromere protein dynamics during cell cycle progression in Drosophila S2R+ cells

Centromeres are specified epigenetically in animal cells. Therefore, faithful chromosome inheritance requires accurate maintenance of epigenetic centromere marks during progression through the cell cycle. Clarification of the mechanisms that control centromere protein behavior during the cell cycle should profit from the relatively simple protein composition of Drosophila centromeres. Thus we have analyzed the dynamics of the three key players Cid/Cenp-A, Cenp-C and Cal1 in S2R+ cells using quantitative microscopy and fluorescence recovery after photobleaching, in combination with novel fluorescent cell cycle markers. As revealed by the observed protein abundances and mobilities, centromeres proceed through at least five distinct states during the cell cycle, distinguished in part by unexpected Cid behavior. In addition to the predominant Cid loading onto centromeres during G1, a considerable but transient increase was detected during early mitosis. A low level of Cid loading was detected in late S and G2, starting at the reported time of centromere DNA replication. Our results reveal the complexities of Drosophila centromere protein dynamics and its intricate coordination with cell cycle progression.