Centromeric chromatin regulation: a balancing act to maintain genome stability

5 April 2019 - 13:30 PM

Sylvia Erhardt, ZMBH, DKFZ-ZMBH Alliance, CellNetworks, Heidelberg University, Germany

Localisation: Astier Amphitheater, Esclangon Building, Pierre et Marie Curie Campus

Abstract: "Chromosome segregation during mitosis and meiosis is essential for any living organisms to propagate its genetic information to the next generation. Even though the aim of mitosis is always the same, its precise regulation varies in different cells types and metabolic states, from very fast embryonic division to slow asymmetric division of stem cells. Condensed chromosomes need to be attached to the microtubule spindle, which is mediated by a large protein structure called the kinetochore that arranges itself at centromeric chromatin at the onset of mitosis. In many species, including humans and Drosophila melanogaster, centromeres are defined epigenetically by its chromatin composition rather than its underlying DNA sequence. The centromere-specific histone variant CENP-A is the best-defined epigenetic determinant of centromeric chromatin so far. Its precise localization and function are absolutely essential for accurate chromosome segregation and genome integrity. CENP-A loading and genome stability are also influenced by its highly repetitive environment of centromeric and pericentromeric heterochromatin. These regions are transcribed in mitosis and are resulting in highly repetitive, non-coding transcripts that function in the establishment and maintenance of centromeres. How repetitive regions influence genome stability and centromere integrity is one of the main questions we are currently addressing."

For more information, see the lab website