title: The CENP-A nucleosome: a dynamic structure and role at the centromere.
abstract: The centromere is a specialized locus that directs the formation of the kinetochore protein complex for correct chromosome segregation. The specific centromere histone H3 variant CENP-A has been described as the epigenetic mark of this chromatin region. Several laboratories have explored its properties, its partners, and its role in centromere formation. Specifically, two types of CENP-A nucleosomes have been described, suggesting there may be more complexity involved in centromere structure than previously thought. Recent work adds to this paradox by questioning the role of CENP-A as a unique centromeric mark and highlighting the assembly of a functional kinetochore in the absence of CENP-A. In this review, we discuss recent literature on the CENP-A nucleosomes and the debate on its role in kinetochore formation and centromere identity.
authors: Laboratory of Receptor Biology & Gene Expression-NCI-NIH, Building 41, Room B901, 41 Library Drive MSC 5055, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA.
authors: Delphine
authors: D
authors: Quénet
authors: Yamini
authors: Y
authors: Dalal
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001324:Autoantigens / Q000378:metabolism; D002503:Centromere / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000502:physiology; D000076247:Centromere Protein A; D042002:Chromatin Assembly and Disassembly; D002868:Chromosomal Proteins, Non-Histone / Q000378:metabolism; D020090:Chromosome Segregation; D044127:Epigenesis, Genetic; D006657:Histones / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D046912:Multiprotein Complexes / Q000378:metabolism*; D009707:Nucleosomes / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000502:physiology; D013329:Structure-Activity Relationship
chemical_list: D001324:Autoantigens; C000619700:CENPA protein, human; D000076247:Centromere Protein A; D002868:Chromosomal Proteins, Non-Histone; D006657:Histones; D046912:Multiprotein Complexes; D009707:Nucleosomes