Super-Resolution Microscopy Reveals Diversity of Plant Centromere Architecture

0532452 - BC 2021 RIV CH eng J - Journal Article
Schubert, V. - Neumann, Pavel - Marques, A. - Heckmann, S. - Macas, Jiří - Pedrosa-Harand, A. - Schubert, I. - Jang, Tae-Soo - Houben, A.
Super-Resolution Microscopy Reveals Diversity of Plant Centromere Architecture.
International Journal of Molecular Sciences. Roč. 21, č. 10 (2020), č. článku 3488. E-ISSN 1422-0067
R&D Projects: GA ČR(CZ) GA17-09750S
Institutional support: RVO:60077344
Keywords : Luzula * microtubule * monocentromere * Pisum * Rhynchospora * structured illumination microscopy
OECD category: Genetics and heredity (medical genetics to be 3)
Impact factor: 5.924, year: 2020
Method of publishing: Open access
https://www.mdpi.com/1422-0067/21/10/3488/htm

Centromeres are essential for proper chromosome segregation to the daughter cells during mitosis and meiosis. Chromosomes of most eukaryotes studied so far have regional centromeres that form primary constrictions on metaphase chromosomes. These monocentric chromosomes vary from point centromeres to so-called ´meta-polycentromeres´, with multiple centromere domains in an extended primary constriction, as identified in Pisum and Lathyrus species. However, in various animal and plant lineages centromeres are distributed along almost the entire chromosome length. Therefore, they are called holocentromeres. In holocentric plants, centromere-specific proteins, at which spindle fibers usually attach, are arranged contiguously (line-like), in clusters along the chromosomes or in bands. Here, we summarize findings of ultrastructural investigations using immunolabeling with centromere-specific antibodies and super-resolution microscopy to demonstrate the structural diversity of plant centromeres. A classification of the different centromere types has been suggested based on the distribution of spindle attachment sites. Based on these findings we discuss the possible evolution and advantages of holocentricity, and potential strategies to segregate holocentric chromosomes correctly.
Permanent Link: http://hdl.handle.net/11104/0310940