Similar to how the model of centromere drive explains the size and complexity of centromeres in monocentrics (organisms with localized centromeres), our model of holokinetic drive is consistent with the divergent evolution of chromosomal size and number in holocentrics (organisms with nonlocalized centromeres) exhibiting holokinetic meiosis (holokinetics). Holokinetic drive is proposed to facilitate chromosomal fission and/or repetitive DNA removal (or any segmental deletion) when smaller homologous chromosomes are preferentially inherited or chromosomal fusion and/or repetitive DNA proliferation (or any segmental duplication) when larger homologs are preferred. The hypothesis of holokinetic drive is supported primarily by the negative correlation between chromosome number and genome size that is documented in holokinetic lineages. The supporting value of two older cross-experiments on holokinetic structural heterozygotes (the rush Luzula elegans and butterflies of the genus Antheraea) that indicate the presence of size-preferential homolog transmission via female meiosis for holokinetic drive is discussed, along with the further potential consequences of holokinetic drive in comparison with centromere drive.
- MeSH
- Centromere genetics MeSH
- Chromosomes genetics MeSH
- Phylogeny MeSH
- Karyotype MeSH
- Poaceae genetics MeSH
- Meiosis * MeSH
- Evolution, Molecular * MeSH
- Butterflies genetics MeSH
- Chromosome Segregation MeSH
- Animals MeSH
- Check Tag
- Female MeSH
- Animals MeSH
- Publication type
- Journal Article MeSH
- Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't MeSH
BACKGROUND AND AIMS: The centromere drive theory explains diversity of eukaryotic centromeres as a consequence of the recurrent conflict between centromeric repeats and centromeric histone H3 (CenH3), in which selfish centromeres exploit meiotic asymmetry and CenH3 evolves adaptively to counterbalance deleterious consequences of driving centromeres. Accordingly, adaptively evolving CenH3 has so far been observed only in eukaryotes with asymmetric meiosis. However, if such evolution is a consequence of centromere drive, it should depend not only on meiotic asymmetry but also on monocentric or holokinetic chromosomal structure. Selective pressures acting on CenH3 have never been investigated in organisms with holokinetic meiosis despite the fact that holokinetic chromosomes have been hypothesized to suppress centromere drive. Therefore, the present study evaluates selective pressures acting on the CenH3 gene in holokinetic organisms for the first time, specifically in the representatives of the plant genus Luzula (Juncaceae), in which the kinetochore formation is not co-localized with any type of centromeric repeat. METHODS: PCR, cloning and sequencing, and database searches were used to obtain coding CenH3 sequences from Luzula species. Codon substitution models were employed to infer selective regimes acting on CenH3 in Luzula KEY RESULTS: In addition to the two previously published CenH3 sequences from L. nivea, 16 new CenH3 sequences have been isolated from 12 Luzula species. Two CenH3 isoforms in Luzula that originated by a duplication event prior to the divergence of analysed species were found. No signs of positive selection acting on CenH3 in Luzula were detected. Instead, evidence was found that selection on CenH3 of Luzula might have been relaxed. CONCLUSIONS: The results indicate that holokinetism itself may suppress centromere drive and, therefore, holokinetic chromosomes might have evolved as a defence against centromere drive.
- MeSH
- Centromere genetics MeSH
- Chromosomes, Plant genetics MeSH
- Phylogeny MeSH
- Genome, Plant genetics MeSH
- Histones genetics MeSH
- Magnoliopsida genetics MeSH
- Meiosis genetics MeSH
- Sequence Analysis, DNA MeSH
- Sequence Alignment MeSH
- Selection, Genetic genetics MeSH
- Publication type
- Journal Article MeSH
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.
- MeSH
- Cell Cycle MeSH
- Centromere metabolism MeSH
- Chromosomes, Plant metabolism MeSH
- Microscopy * MeSH
- Evolution, Molecular MeSH
- Plants metabolism MeSH
- Publication type
- Journal Article MeSH
- Review MeSH
Centromere position may change despite conserved chromosomal collinearity. Centromere repositioning and evolutionary new centromeres (ENCs) were frequently encountered during vertebrate genome evolution but only rarely observed in plants. The largest crucifer tribe, Arabideae (∼550 species; Brassicaceae, the mustard family), diversified into several well-defined subclades in the virtual absence of chromosome number variation. Bacterial artificial chromosome-based comparative chromosome painting uncovered a constancy of genome structures among 10 analyzed genomes representing seven Arabideae subclades classified as four genera: Arabis, Aubrieta, Draba, and Pseudoturritis Interestingly, the intra-tribal diversification was marked by a high frequency of ENCs on five of the eight homoeologous chromosomes in the crown-group genera, but not in the most ancestral Pseudoturritis genome. From the 32 documented ENCs, at least 26 originated independently, including 4 ENCs recurrently formed at the same position in not closely related species. While chromosomal localization of ENCs does not reflect the phylogenetic position of the Arabideae subclades, centromere seeding was usually confined to long chromosome arms, transforming acrocentric chromosomes to (sub)metacentric chromosomes. Centromere repositioning is proposed as the key mechanism differentiating overall conserved homoeologous chromosomes across the crown-group Arabideae subclades. The evolutionary significance of centromere repositioning is discussed in the context of possible adaptive effects on recombination and epigenetic regulation of gene expression.
In most eukaryotes, centromere is determined by the presence of the centromere-specific histone variant CenH3. Two types of chromosome morphology are generally recognized with respect to centromere organization. Monocentric chromosomes possess a single CenH3-containing domain in primary constriction, whereas holocentric chromosomes lack the primary constriction and display dispersed distribution of CenH3. Recently, metapolycentric chromosomes have been reported in Pisum sativum, representing an intermediate type of centromere organization characterized by multiple CenH3-containing domains distributed across large parts of chromosomes that still form a single constriction. In this work, we show that this type of centromere is also found in other Pisum and closely related Lathyrus species, whereas Vicia and Lens genera, which belong to the same legume tribe Fabeae, possess only monocentric chromosomes. We observed extensive variability in the size of primary constriction and the arrangement of CenH3 domains both between and within individual Pisum and Lathyrus species, with no obvious correlation to genome or chromosome size. Search for CenH3 gene sequences revealed two paralogous variants, CenH3-1 and CenH3-2, which originated from a duplication event in the common ancestor of Fabeae species. The CenH3-1 gene was subsequently lost or silenced in the lineage leading to Vicia and Lens, whereas both genes are retained in Pisum and Lathyrus. Both of these genes appear to have evolved under purifying selection and produce functional CenH3 proteins which are fully colocalized. The findings described here provide the first evidence for a highly dynamic centromere structure within a group of closely related species, challenging previous concepts of centromere evolution.
- MeSH
- Centromere genetics MeSH
- Chromatin metabolism MeSH
- Chromosomes, Plant genetics MeSH
- Gene Duplication * MeSH
- Fabaceae cytology genetics MeSH
- Phylogeny MeSH
- Genetic Variation MeSH
- Metaphase genetics MeSH
- Evolution, Molecular MeSH
- Molecular Sequence Data MeSH
- Genes, Plant * MeSH
- Plant Proteins chemistry MeSH
- Amino Acid Sequence MeSH
- Base Sequence MeSH
- Selection, Genetic MeSH
- Publication type
- Journal Article MeSH
- Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't MeSH
Satellite DNA repeats (or satDNA) are fast-evolving sequences usually associated with condensed heterochromatin. To test whether the chromosomal organisation of centromeric and non-centromeric satDNA differs in species with holocentric chromosomes, we identified and characterised the major satDNA families in the holocentric Cyperaceae species Rhynchospora ciliata (2n = 10), R. globosa (2n = 50) and R. tenuis (2n = 2x = 4 and 2n = 4x = 8). While conserved centromeric repeats (present in R. ciliata and R. tenuis) revealed linear signals at both chromatids, non-centromeric, species-specific satDNAs formed distinct clusters along the chromosomes. Colocalisation of both repeat types resulted in a ladder-like hybridisation pattern at mitotic chromosomes. In interphase, the centromeric satDNA was dispersed while non-centromeric satDNA clustered and partly colocalised to chromocentres. Despite the banding-like hybridisation patterns of the clustered satDNA, the identification of chromosome pairs was impaired due to the irregular hybridisation patterns of the homologues in R. tenuis and R. ciliata. These differences are probably caused by restricted or impaired meiotic recombination as reported for R. tenuis, or alternatively by complex chromosome rearrangements or unequal condensation of homologous metaphase chromosomes. Thus, holocentricity influences the chromosomal organisation leading to differences in the distribution patterns and condensation dynamics of centromeric and non-centromeric satDNA.
A taxonomic division of the family Bovidae (Artiodactyla) is difficult and the evolutionary relationships among most bovid subfamilies remain uncertain. In this study, we isolated the cattle satellite I clone BTREP15 (1.715 satellite DNA family) and autosomal centromeric DNAs of members of ten bovid tribes. We wished to determine whether the analysis of fluorescence in situ hybridization patterns of the cattle satellite I clone (BTREP15) and tribe-specific centromeric repeats isolated by laser microdissection would help to reveal some of the ambiguities occurring in the systematic classification of the family Bovidae. The FISH study of the presence and distribution of the cattle satellite I clone BTREP15 (1.715 satellite DNA family) within members of ten bovid tribes was not informative. FISH analysis of autosomal centromeric DNA probes in several species within one tribe revealed similar hybridization patterns in autosomes confirming tribal homogeneity of these probes. Sex chromosomes showed considerable variation in sequence composition and arrangement not only between tribes but also between species of one tribe. According to our findings it seems that Oreotragus oreotragus developed its own specific satellite DNA which does not hybridize to any other bovid species analysed. Our results suggest O. oreotragus as well as Aepyceros melampus may be unique species not particularly closely related to any of the recognized bovid tribes. This study indicates the isolation of tribe-specific centromeric DNAs by laser microdissection and cloning the sequence representing the main motif of these repetitive DNAs could offer the perspectives for comparative phylogenetic studies.
- MeSH
- Biological Evolution MeSH
- Centromere chemistry genetics MeSH
- DNA Probes MeSH
- Phylogeny MeSH
- In Situ Hybridization, Fluorescence MeSH
- Laser Capture Microdissection MeSH
- Ruminants classification genetics MeSH
- DNA, Satellite genetics MeSH
- Cattle MeSH
- Animals MeSH
- Check Tag
- Male MeSH
- Cattle MeSH
- Female MeSH
- Animals MeSH
- Publication type
- Journal Article MeSH
- Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't MeSH
MOTIVATION: Satellite DNA makes up significant portion of many eukaryotic genomes, yet it is relatively poorly characterized even in extensively sequenced species. This is, in part, due to methodological limitations of traditional methods of satellite repeat analysis, which are based on multiple alignments of monomer sequences. Therefore, we employed an alternative, alignment-free, approach utilizing k-mer frequency statistics, which is in principle more suitable for analyzing large sets of satellite repeat data, including sequence reads from next generation sequencing technologies. RESULTS: k-mer frequency spectra were determined for two sets of rice centromeric satellite CentO sequences, including 454 reads from ChIP-sequencing of CENH3-bound DNA (7.6 Mb) and the whole genome Sanger sequencing reads (5.8 Mb). k-mer frequencies were used to identify the most conserved sequence regions and to reconstruct consensus sequences of complete monomers. Reconstructed consensus sequences as well as the assessment of overall divergence of k-mer spectra revealed high similarity of the two datasets, suggesting that CentO sequences associated with functional centromeres (CENH3-bound) do not significantly differ from the total population of CentO, which includes both centromeric and pericentromeric repeat arrays. On the other hand, considerable differences were revealed when these methods were used for comparison of CentO populations between individual chromosomes of the rice genome assembly, demonstrating preferential sequence homogenization of the clusters within the same chromosome. k-mer frequencies were also successfully used to identify and characterize smRNAs derived from CentO repeats.
- MeSH
- Centromere genetics MeSH
- Chromosomes, Plant genetics MeSH
- DNA, Plant genetics MeSH
- Conserved Sequence genetics MeSH
- Molecular Sequence Data MeSH
- Oryza genetics MeSH
- DNA, Satellite genetics MeSH
- Base Sequence MeSH
- Sequence Analysis, DNA methods MeSH
- Publication type
- Journal Article MeSH
- Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't MeSH
- Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S. MeSH
Mammalian heterochromatin protein 1 (HP1alpha, HP1beta, HP1gamma subtypes) and transcriptional intermediary factor TIF1beta play an important role in the regulation of chromatin structure and function. Here, we investigated the nuclear arrangement of these proteins during differentiation of embryonal carcinoma P19 cells into primitive endoderm and into the neural pathway. Additionally, the differentiation potential of trichostatin A (TSA) and 5-deoxyazacytidine (5-dAzaC) was studied. In 70% of the cells from the neural pathway and in 20% of TSA-stimulated cells, HP1alpha and HP1beta co-localized and associated with chromocentres (clusters of centromeres), which correlated with clustering of TIF1beta at these heterochromatic regions. The cell types that we studied were also characterized by a pronounced focal distribution of HP1gamma. The above-mentioned nuclear patterns of HP1 and TIF1beta proteins were completely different from the nuclear patterns observed in the remaining cell types investigated, in which HP1alpha was associated with chromocentres while HP1beta and HP1gamma were largely localized in distinct nuclear regions. Moreover, a dispersed nuclear distribution of TIF1beta was observed. Our findings showed that the nuclear arrangement of HP1 subtypes and TIF1beta is differentiation specific, and seems to be more important than changes in the levels of these proteins, which were relatively stable during all the induced differentiation processes.
- MeSH
- Azacitidine analogs & derivatives pharmacology MeSH
- Cell Differentiation physiology drug effects MeSH
- Cell Nucleus metabolism MeSH
- Centromere metabolism MeSH
- Chromosomal Proteins, Non-Histone genetics metabolism MeSH
- Financing, Organized MeSH
- Histone Deacetylases MeSH
- Immunohistochemistry MeSH
- Enzyme Inhibitors pharmacology MeSH
- Nuclear Proteins metabolism MeSH
- Microscopy, Confocal MeSH
- Hydroxamic Acids pharmacology MeSH
- DNA Methylation drug effects MeSH
- Cell Line, Tumor MeSH
- Protein Subunits genetics metabolism MeSH
- Recombinant Fusion Proteins genetics metabolism MeSH
- Signal Transduction drug effects MeSH
- Transcription Factors metabolism MeSH
- Blotting, Western MeSH
- Green Fluorescent Proteins genetics metabolism MeSH
- Animals MeSH
- Check Tag
- Animals MeSH
Five families are traditionally recognized within higher ruminants (Pecora): Bovidae, Moschidae, Cervidae, Giraffidae and Antilocapridae. The phylogenetic relationships of Antilocapridae and Giraffidae within Pecora are, however, uncertain. While numerous fusions (mostly Robertsonian) have accumulated in the giraffe's karyotype (Giraffa camelopardalis, Giraffidae, 2n = 30), that of the pronghorn (Antilocapra americana, Antilocapridae, 2n = 58) is very similar to the hypothesised pecoran ancestral state (2n = 58). We examined the chromosomal rearrangements of two species, the giraffe and pronghorn, using a combination of fluorescence in situ hybridization painting probes and BAC clones derived from cattle (Bos taurus, Bovidae). Our data place Moschus (Moschidae) closer to Bovidae than Cervidae. Although the alternative (i.e., Moschidae + Cervidae as sister groups) could not be discounted in recent sequence-based analyses, cytogenetics bolsters conclusions that the former is more likely. Additionally, DNA sequences were isolated from the centromeric regions of both species and compared. Analysis of cenDNA show that unlike the pronghorn, the centromeres of the giraffe are probably organized in a more complex fashion comprising different repetitive sequences specific to single chromosomal pairs or groups of chromosomes. The distribution of nucleolar organiser region (NOR) sites, often an effective phylogenetic marker, were also examined in the two species. In the giraffe, the position of NORs seems to be autapomorphic since similar localizations have not been found in other species within Pecora.
- MeSH
- Centromere genetics MeSH
- X Chromosome MeSH
- Phylogeny MeSH
- In Situ Hybridization, Fluorescence MeSH
- Karyotype MeSH
- Chromosome Painting MeSH
- Nucleolus Organizer Region MeSH
- Ruminants classification genetics MeSH
- Chromosome Banding MeSH
- Repetitive Sequences, Nucleic Acid MeSH
- Chromosomes, Mammalian MeSH
- Cattle MeSH
- Translocation, Genetic MeSH
- Animals MeSH
- Check Tag
- Cattle MeSH
- Animals MeSH
- Publication type
- Journal Article MeSH
- Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't MeSH
