Three related centromere proteins are absent from the inactive centromere of a stable isodicentric chromosome.
We developed an aqueous spreading procedure that permits simultaneous analysis of human chromosomes by Q-banding and indirect immunofluorescence. Using this methodology and anticentromere antibodies from an autoimmune patient we compared the active and inactive centromeres of an isodicentric X chromosome. We show that a family of structurally related human centromere proteins (CENP-A, CENP-B, and CENP-C) is detectable only at the active centromere. These antigens therefore may be regarded both as morphological and functional markers for active centromeres.
D002472:Cell Transformation, Viral; D002503:Centromere / Q000032:analysis / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D002871:Chromosome Banding; D002875:Chromosomes / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D005260:Female; D004854:Herpesvirus 4, Human / Q000235:genetics; D006801:Humans; D007621:Karyotyping; D008214:Lymphocytes / Q000166:cytology*; D008677:Metaphase; D014960:X Chromosome / Q000648:ultrastructure*