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Updated: Dec 2, 2025

Genome-wide Analysis of Histone Modifications Distribution using the Chromatin Immunoprecipitation Sequencing Method in Magnaporthe oryzae
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Phosphorylation of histone H3 by Haspin regulates chromosome alignment and segregation during mitosis in maize

Yang Liu1,2, Chunhui Wang1,2, Handong Su1

  • 1State Key Laboratory of Plant Cell and Chromosome Engineering, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.

Journal of Experimental Botany
|November 1, 2020
PubMed

Insights

In maize, Haspin is crucial for accurate chromosome segregation during mitosis by phosphorylating histone H3 threonine 3 (H3T3). This study reveals conserved but distinct roles for Haspin in plant and animal cell division.

Area of Science:

  • Cell Biology
  • Genetics
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • Haspin-mediated histone H3 threonine 3 (H3T3) phosphorylation is vital for centromeric localization of the chromosomal passenger complex in human cells, ensuring correct kinetochore-microtubule attachment.
  • Haspin also interacts with Pds5B, inhibiting Wapl-mediated release of centromeric cohesion during mitosis.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the role of Haspin in plant chromosome segregation during mitosis and meiosis.
  • To elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying Haspin function in maize (Zea mays).

Main Methods:

  • Localization studies of ZmHaspin in maize mitotic and meiotic cells.
  • Analysis of ZmHaspin knockout mutants to assess effects on histone phosphorylation, chromosome alignment, and segregation.
  • Comparative analysis of plant and animal Haspin protein motifs.

Main Results:

  • ZmHaspin localizes to centromeres during mitosis and telomeres during meiosis, suggesting distinct roles.
  • ZmHaspin knockout leads to reduced H3T3 and H3S10 phosphorylation, causing mitotic chromosome alignment and segregation defects.
  • Maize Haspin lacks motifs for Pds5B and heterochromatin protein 1 binding, and no significant cohesion defects were observed.

Conclusions:

  • Haspin regulates plant chromosome segregation through H3T3 phosphorylation, similar to humans.
  • Plant and animal Haspin proteins exhibit conserved functions in cell division but with notable differences, particularly in cohesion regulation.
Keywords:
CentromereH3T3phHaspinchromosome alignment and segregationcohesionmitosis

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