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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...

Heterochromatin

Heterochromatin

The extent of chromatin compaction can be studied by staining chromatin using specific DNA binding dyes. Under the microscope, the dense-compacted regions that take up more dye are called heterochromatin. Heterochromatin is further classified into two forms – constitutive heterochromatin and facultative heterochromatin.
Constitutive heterochromatin: It is a highly compact region of chromatin that is mostly concentrated in the centromere and telomere. Unlike euchromatin, the amino acid at 9th...

Heterochromatin

Heterochromatin

The extent of chromatin compaction can be studied by staining chromatin using specific DNA binding dyes. Under the microscope, the dense-compacted regions that take up more dye are called heterochromatin. Heterochromatin is further classified into two forms – constitutive heterochromatin and facultative heterochromatin.
Constitutive heterochromatin: It is a highly compact region of chromatin that is mostly concentrated in the centromere and telomere. Unlike euchromatin, the amino acid at 9th...

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...

Euchromatin

Euchromatin

The extent of chromatin compaction can be studied by staining chromatin using specific DNA binding dyes. Under the microscope, the dense-compacted regions take up more dye, appearing darker, while the less-compact areas take up less dye and appear lighter. Based on the compaction level, chromatins are classified into two primary forms – euchromatin and heterochromatin.
Euchromatin is the less dense region of the chromatin and stains lighter. Euchromatin contains histone H3 extensively...

Chromatin Position Affects Gene Expression

Chromatin Position Affects Gene Expression

Chromatin is the massive complex of DNA and proteins packaged inside the nucleus. The complexity of chromatin folding and how it is packaged inside the nucleus greatly influences access to genetic information. Generally, the nucleus' periphery is considered transcriptionally repressive, while the cell's interior is considered a transcriptionally active area.
Topologically Associated Domains (TADs)
The 3-dimensional positioning of chromatin in the nucleus influences the timing and level of...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 17, 2026

Immunofluorescence Analysis of Endogenous and Exogenous Centromere-kinetochore Proteins

Immunofluorescence Analysis of Endogenous and Exogenous Centromere-kinetochore Proteins

Published on: March 3, 2016

Satellite DNA sequence dictates pericentromere heterochromatin formation and function.

Piero Lamelza¹, Malena Parrado¹, Kathleen Leara²

¹Department of Biology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.

Science Advances

|July 15, 2026

Summary

Satellite DNA sequence evolution impacts chromosome segregation. Rapid changes in A/T-rich satellite DNA affect heterochromatin, protein recruitment, and mitotic spindle interactions during early embryogenesis.

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Last Updated: Jul 17, 2026

Immunofluorescence Analysis of Endogenous and Exogenous Centromere-kinetochore Proteins

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Mass Spectrometry Analysis to Identify Ubiquitylation of EYFP-tagged CENP-A (EYFP-CENP-A)

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A Multilabel Single Molecule Localization Microscopy Protocol for Investigation of Chromatin in the Dense Nuclear Environment

A Multilabel Single Molecule Localization Microscopy Protocol for Investigation of Chromatin in the Dense Nuclear Environment

Published on: June 5, 2026

Area of Science:

Genetics and Epigenetics
Developmental Biology
Molecular Cell Biology

Background:

Pericentromeres are essential for accurate chromosome segregation.
These regions contain rapidly evolving, A/T-rich satellite DNA.
The functional impact of satellite DNA sequence evolution is not well understood.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate the functional consequences of satellite DNA sequence evolution.
To model divergent satellite arrays in a common cellular environment using hybrid mouse embryos.
To link satellite DNA composition to mitotic chromosome behavior.

Main Methods:

Creation of hybrid mouse embryos to compare divergent satellite arrays.
Analysis of heterochromatin formation.
Assessment of Chromosome Passenger Complex (CPC) and Polycomb Repressive Complex 1 (PRC1) recruitment.
Evaluation of mitotic spindle interactions.

Main Results:

Satellite DNA sequence variation alters heterochromatin formation and CPC recruitment.
PRC1 packaging is influenced by specific A/T sequences within satellite arrays.
PRC1-mediated heterochromatin inhibits CPC recruitment, increasing microtubule forces on kinetochores.
Early embryogenesis is sensitive to satellite DNA evolution.

Conclusions:

Satellite DNA sequence directly influences pericentromere function and mitotic chromosome behavior.
Evolutionary changes in satellite DNA have functional consequences for chromosome segregation.
Early development is a critical window for observing the impact of satellite DNA evolution.