Asymmetric centromere and gene locus positioning in Drosophila neural stem cells

Chromatin organization is important for cell division, epigenetic memory, and gene regulation. It is often reflected in the non-random positioning of centromeres, but the underlying mechanisms and functions remain largely unknown. Here, we demonstrate that asymmetrically dividing Drosophila neural stem cells cluster centromeres near the nuclear envelope, adjacent to the apical centrosome. This asymmetric centromere positioning is regulated through microtubules, originating from the apical centrosome that connect to apical nuclear pore complexes. The minus-end directed motor protein Dynein, its binding partner Mushroom body defect, and Lamin are also required. Asymmetric centromere positioning persists throughout interphase in neural stem cells but is lost in more differentiated progeny. We also reveal that the genes hunchback (hb) and pendulin (pen) occupy specific nuclear regions, correlating with polarized centromere localization. We propose that fly neural stem cells translate their inherent polarity into stereotypical chromatin organization, potentially influencing cell fate decisions and stem cell behavior.