A novel epigenetic effect can alter centromere function in fission yeast.
A novel epigenetic mechanism that can affect minichromosome centromere function in vivo has been identified in S. pombe. This epigenetic system can result in the conversion of a nonfunctional centromere to a functional one without changes in the content, structural arrangement, or chemical modification state of the minichromosomal DNA. The conversion from a centromere-inactive to an active state, which is evident with minichromosomes carrying abbreviated centromeric DNA constructions, occurs with a relatively high frequency during mitotic cell divisions and readily provides an in vivo assay for proper centromere formation. The centromere-targeted epigenetic system supports a model for centromere function that involves specific de novo folding of centromeric components into a higher order chromatin structure.
Steiner
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NC
Department of Biological Sciences, University of California, Santa Barbara 93106.
Clarke
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L
D002503:Centromere / Q000235:genetics*; D015825:Chromosomes, Fungal / Q000235:genetics*; D004271:DNA, Fungal / Q000235:genetics*; D015966:Gene Expression Regulation, Fungal; D008540:Meiosis / Q000235:genetics; D008938:Mitosis / Q000235:genetics; D010641:Phenotype; D010957:Plasmids / Q000235:genetics*; D012568:Schizosaccharomyces / Q000235:genetics*; D014170:Transformation, Genetic
D004271:DNA, Fungal