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Stable dicentric X chromosomes with two functional centromeres

Nature Genetics volume 20, pages 227–228 (1998)Cite this article

Naturally occurring dicentric chromosomes allow examination of complex cis–acting effects that regulate kinetochore function and chromosome segregation. Dicentric chromosomes with well–separated centromeres are functionally monocentric, stabilized by the poorly understood phenomenon of centromere inactivation. We show here that dicentric X chromosomes with closely apposed centromeres remain functionally dicentric.

Centromeres in multicellular eukaryotes, including humans, are structurally complex and are associated with large blocks of repeated DNA (ref. 1). Although the precise nature of human centromeres remains unknown, α–satellite DNA may have a role in centromere function2,3, in concert with centromere proteins (CENPs) involved in assembling functional centromeres and kinetochores4. CENP–A, CENP–C and CENP–E localize to kinetochore plates and are exclusively associated with functional centromeres5,6.

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Figure 1: Structure and stability of dicentric X chromosomes.

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Acknowledgements

We thank W. Earnshaw, T. Yen and J. Harrington for anti–CENP antibodies. This work was supported by NIH grants HG00107 and HD32111 to H.F.W.

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  1. Beth A. Sullivan

    Present address: MRC Human Genetics Unit, Western General Hospital, Crewe Road, Edinburgh, EH4 2XU, UK

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Genetics and Center for Human Genetics, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine and University Hospitals of Cleveland, Cleveland, 44106–4955, Ohio, USA

    Beth A. Sullivan & Huntington F. Willard

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Correspondence to Huntington F. Willard.

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Sullivan, B., Willard, H. Stable dicentric X chromosomes with two functional centromeres. Nat Genet 20, 227–228 (1998). https://doi.org/10.1038/3024

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