scholarly journals Adaptations for centromere function in meiosis

2020 ◽  
Vol 64 (2) ◽  
pp. 193-203 ◽  
Author(s):  
Reinier F. Prosée ◽  
Joanna M. Wenda ◽  
Florian A. Steiner
Keyword(s):  
Cell Division ◽  
Sexual Reproduction ◽  
Rapid Evolution ◽  
Histone Variant ◽  
Homologous Chromosomes ◽  
Daughter Cells ◽  
Homolog Pairing ◽  
Centromere Function ◽  
Mitosis And Meiosis ◽  
Segregation Of Chromosomes

Abstract The aim of mitosis is to segregate duplicated chromosomes equally into daughter cells during cell division. Meiosis serves a similar purpose, but additionally separates homologous chromosomes to produce haploid gametes for sexual reproduction. Both mitosis and meiosis rely on centromeres for the segregation of chromosomes. Centromeres are the specialized regions of the chromosomes that are attached to microtubules during their segregation. In this review, we describe the adaptations and layers of regulation that are required for centromere function during meiosis, and their role in meiosis-specific processes such as homolog-pairing and recombination. Since female meiotic divisions are asymmetric, meiotic centromeres are hypothesized to evolve quickly in order to favor their own transmission to the offspring, resulting in the rapid evolution of many centromeric proteins. We discuss this observation using the example of the histone variant CENP-A, which marks the centromere and is essential for centromere function. Changes in both the size and the sequence of the CENP-A N-terminal tail have led to additional functions of the protein, which are likely related to its roles during meiosis. We highlight the importance of CENP-A in the inheritance of centromere identity, which is dependent on the stabilization, recycling, or re-establishment of CENP-A-containing chromatin during meiosis.

scholarly journals The external mechanics of the chromosomes III-Meiosis in triploids

1936 ◽  
Vol 121 (823) ◽  
pp. 290-300 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Sexual Reproduction ◽  
Chromosome Pairing ◽  
Natural Experiment ◽  
Diploid Species ◽  
Homologous Chromosomes ◽  
Normal Series ◽  
Mitosis And Meiosis ◽  
Meiosis I ◽  
Prophase Of Meiosis ◽  
The Way

Triploid organisms have three homologous chromosomes of each kind instead of the two of diploids. The regular mechanism of heredity fails in these circumstances. The triploid is incapable of breeding true by sexual reproduction. But the way in which it carries out the process of chromosome pairing and segregation is of great significance. The processes take place in normal series, but the relationships they establish are abnormal. A triploid thus provides a natural experiment, with the diploid of its own species as a control for one variable, and with triploids of different species as controls for others. In Tulipa and Hyacinthus I have made use of this experiment for inducing the principles of the external mechanics of chromosomes during the prophase of meiosis. I have inferred from them the relationships between the forces working in mitosis and meiosis. The triploid forms of various Fritillaria species make it possible to test the principles of metaphase mechanics induced from observations on structural hybrids and other polyploids (Darlington, 1932, b , and 1933, c ) as well as from the exceptional behaviour in the diploid species of Fritillaria already discussed.

The nucleosomes that mark centromere location on chromosomes old and new

2019 ◽  
Vol 63 (1) ◽  
pp. 15-27 ◽  
Author(s):  
Craig W. Gambogi ◽  
Ben E. Black
Keyword(s):  
Dna Sequences ◽  
Critical Role ◽  
Histone H3 ◽  
Centromeric Dna ◽  
Artificial Chromosomes ◽  
Centromere Function ◽  
Histone H3 Variant ◽  
Dna Elements ◽  
Mitosis And Meiosis ◽  
Segregation Of Chromosomes

Abstract Proper segregation of chromosomes is an essential component of cell division. The centromere is the locus at which the kinetochore—the proteinaceous complex that ties chromosomes to microtubules—forms during mitosis and meiosis. Thus, the centromere is critical for equal segregation of chromosomes. The centromere is characterized by both protein and DNA elements: the histone H3 variant CENP-A epigenetically defines the location of the centromere while centromeric DNA sequences are neither necessary nor sufficient for centromere function. Paradoxically, the DNA sequences play a critical role in new centromere formation. In this essay, we discuss the contribution of both epigenetics and genetics at the centromere. Understanding these contributions is vital to efforts to control centromere formation on synthetic/artificial chromosomes and centromere strength on natural ones.

Stimulated Virus Production in Vinblastine and Cytochalasin-Induced Multinucleate Cells

1970 ◽  
Vol 28 ◽  
pp. 186-187
Author(s):  
Krishan Awtar
Keyword(s):  
Cell Division ◽  
Normal Cell ◽  
Virus Production ◽  
Multinucleate Cells ◽  
Daughter Cells ◽  
Cell Divisions ◽  
Nuclear Membranes ◽  
Division 2 ◽  
Vinblastine Sulfate

Exposure of cells to low sublethal but mitosis-arresting doses of vinblastine sulfate (Velban) results in the initial arrest of cells in mitosis followed by their subsequent return to an “interphase“-like stage. A large number of these cells reform their nuclear membranes and form large multimicronucleated cells, some containing as many as 25 or more micronuclei (1). Formation of large multinucleate cells is also caused by cytochalasin, by causing the fusion of daughter cells at the end of an otherwise .normal cell division (2). By the repetition of this process through subsequent cell divisions, large cells with 6 or more nuclei are formed.

scholarly journals Paired arrangement of kinetochores together with microtubule pivoting and dynamics drive kinetochore capture in meiosis I

2016 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Gheorghe Cojoc ◽  
Ana-Maria Florescu ◽  
Alexander Krull ◽  
Anna H. Klemm ◽  
Nenad Pavin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cell Division ◽  
Fission Yeast ◽  
General Feature ◽  
Protein Complexes ◽  
Spindle Pole ◽  
Single Object ◽  
Homologous Chromosomes ◽  
Angular Movement ◽  
Spindle Microtubules ◽  
Meiosis I

Abstract Kinetochores are protein complexes on the chromosomes, whose function as linkers between spindle microtubules and chromosomes is crucial for proper cell division. The mechanisms that facilitate kinetochore capture by microtubules are still unclear. In the present study, we combine experiments and theory to explore the mechanisms of kinetochore capture at the onset of meiosis I in fission yeast. We show that kinetochores on homologous chromosomes move together, microtubules are dynamic and pivot around the spindle pole, and the average capture time is 3–4 minutes. Our theory describes paired kinetochores on homologous chromosomes as a single object, as well as angular movement of microtubules and their dynamics. For the experimentally measured parameters, the model reproduces the measured capture kinetics and shows that the paired configuration of kinetochores accelerates capture, whereas microtubule pivoting and dynamics have a smaller contribution. Kinetochore pairing may be a general feature that increases capture efficiency in meiotic cells.

scholarly journals A complex containing the Sm protein CAR-1 and the RNA helicase CGH-1 is required for embryonic cytokinesis in Caenorhabditis elegans

2005 ◽  
Vol 171 (2) ◽  
pp. 267-279 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anjon Audhya ◽  
Francie Hyndman ◽  
Ian X. McLeod ◽  
Amy S. Maddox ◽  
John R. Yates ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cell Division ◽  
Caenorhabditis Elegans ◽  
Rna Binding ◽  
Rna Binding Protein ◽  
Rna Helicase ◽  
Aurora B ◽  
Aurora B Kinase ◽  
Daughter Cells ◽  
Sm Protein ◽  
Spindle Structure

Cytokinesis completes cell division and partitions the contents of one cell to the two daughter cells. Here we characterize CAR-1, a predicted RNA binding protein that is implicated in cytokinesis. CAR-1 localizes to germline-specific RNA-containing particles and copurifies with the essential RNA helicase, CGH-1, in an RNA-dependent fashion. The atypical Sm domain of CAR-1, which directly binds RNA, is dispensable for CAR-1 localization, but is critical for its function. Inhibition of CAR-1 by RNA-mediated depletion or mutation results in a specific defect in embryonic cytokinesis. This cytokinesis failure likely results from an anaphase spindle defect in which interzonal microtubule bundles that recruit Aurora B kinase and the kinesin, ZEN-4, fail to form between the separating chromosomes. Depletion of CGH-1 results in sterility, but partially depleted worms produce embryos that exhibit the CAR-1–depletion phenotype. Cumulatively, our results suggest that CAR-1 functions with CGH-1 to regulate a specific set of maternally loaded RNAs that is required for anaphase spindle structure and cytokinesis.

scholarly journals Analyses of expressed sequence tags in Neurospora reveal rapid evolution of genes associated with the early stages of sexual reproduction in fungi

2012 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 229 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kristiina Nygren ◽  
Andreas Wallberg ◽  
Nicklas Samils ◽  
Jason E Stajich ◽  
Jeffrey P Townsend ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sexual Reproduction ◽  
Expressed Sequence Tags ◽  
Rapid Evolution ◽  
Early Stages ◽  
Expressed Sequence

scholarly journals Dem Anfang auf der Spur — die Suche nach DNA-Replikationsursprüngen

BIOspektrum ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 27 (3) ◽  
pp. 246-249
Author(s):  
Elisabeth Kruse ◽  
Stephan Hamperl
Keyword(s):  
Cell Division ◽  
Dna Synthesis ◽  
Genomic Dna ◽  
Genetic Material ◽  
Uniform Method ◽  
Replication Origins ◽  
Daughter Cells ◽  
Origins Of Replication ◽  
Mammalian Genomes ◽  
Comprehensive Manner

AbstractTimely and accurate duplication of DNA prior to cell division is a prerequisite for propagation of the genetic material to both daughter cells. DNA synthesis initiates at discrete sites, termed replication origins, and proceeds in a bidirectional manner until all genomic DNA is replicated. Despite the fundamental nature of these events, a uniform method that identifies origins of replication in a comprehensive manner is still missing. Here, we present currently available and discuss new approaches to map replication origins in mammalian genomes.

fumble Encodes a Pantothenate Kinase Homolog Required for Proper Mitosis and Meiosis in Drosophila melanogaster

Genetics ◽  
2001 ◽  
Vol 157 (3) ◽  
pp. 1267-1276
Author(s):  
Katayoun Afshar ◽  
Pierre Gönczy ◽  
Stephen DiNardo ◽  
Steven A Wasserman
Keyword(s):  
Cell Division ◽  
Chromosome Segregation ◽  
Cell Division Cycle ◽  
Protein Isoforms ◽  
Pantothenate Kinase ◽  
Male Germline ◽  
Dividing Cells ◽  
Mutant Cells ◽  
Mitosis And Meiosis

Abstract A number of fundamental processes comprise the cell division cycle, including spindle formation, chromosome segregation, and cytokinesis. Our current understanding of these processes has benefited from the isolation and analysis of mutants, with the meiotic divisions in the male germline of Drosophila being particularly well suited to the identification of the required genes. We show here that the fumble (fbl) gene is required for cell division in Drosophila. We find that dividing cells in fbl-deficient testes exhibit abnormalities in bipolar spindle organization, chromosome segregation, and contractile ring formation. Cytological analysis of larval neuroblasts from null mutants reveals a reduced mitotic index and the presence of polyploid cells. Molecular analysis demonstrates that fbl encodes three protein isoforms, all of which contain a domain with high similarity to the pantothenate kinases of A. nidulans and mouse. The largest Fumble isoform is dispersed in the cytoplasm during interphase, concentrates around the spindle at metaphase, and localizes to the spindle midbody at telophase. During early embryonic development, the protein localizes to areas of membrane deposition and/or rearrangement, such as the metaphase and cellularization furrows. Given the role of pantothenate kinase in production of Coenzyme A and in phospholipid biosynthesis, this pattern of localization is suggestive of a role for fbl in membrane synthesis. We propose that abnormalities in synthesis and redistribution of membranous structures during the cell division cycle underlie the cell division defects in fbl mutant cells.

Effects of excess centromeres and excess telomeres on chromosome loss rates

1991 ◽  
Vol 11 (6) ◽  
pp. 2919-2928
Author(s):  
K W Runge ◽  
R J Wellinger ◽  
V A Zakian
Keyword(s):  
Saccharomyces Cerevisiae ◽  
Cell Division ◽  
Dna Sequences ◽  
Fluctuation Analysis ◽  
Chromosome Stability ◽  
Chromosome Loss ◽  
Division Iii ◽  
Daughter Cells ◽  
Chromosome Iii ◽  
Linear Chromosomes

The linear chromosomes of eukaryotes contain specialized structures to ensure their faithful replication and segregation to daughter cells. Two of these structures, centromeres and telomeres, are limited, respectively, to one and two copies per chromosome. It is possible that the proteins that interact with centromere and telomere DNA sequences are present in limiting amounts and could be competed away from the chromosomal copies of these elements by additional copies introduced on plasmids. We have introduced excess centromeres and telomeres into Saccharomyces cerevisiae and quantitated their effects on the rates of loss of chromosome III and chromosome VII by fluctuation analysis. We show that (i) 600 new telomeres have no effect on chromosome loss; (ii) an average of 25 extra centromere DNA sequences increase the rate of chromosome III loss from 0.4 x 10(-4) events per cell division to 1.3 x 10(-3) events per cell division; (iii) centromere DNA (CEN) sequences on circular vectors destabilize chromosomes more effectively than do CEN sequences on 15-kb linear vectors, and transcribed CEN sequences have no effect on chromosome stability. We discuss the different effects of extra centromere and telomere DNA sequences on chromosome stability in terms of how the cell recognizes these two chromosomal structures.

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