Same but different: Centromere regulations in holocentric insects and plants

2025/02/20 by André Marques, Ines A. Drinnenberg · 1 voice · 13 citations
Agricultural and Biological Sciences · Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology · #Biology #Centromere #Chromosomal and Genetic Variations #Chromosome #Evolutionary biology #Gene #Genetics #Plant Parasitism and Resistance #Plant Reproductive Biology #Zoology

paper · doi:10.1016/j.ceb.2025.102484

published in Current Opinion in Cell Biology 93, 102484 (Elsevier BV)

openalex publication_date 2025/02/20 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/08/06

Abstract

Centromeres are essential chromosomal regions responsible for ensuring proper chromosome segregation during cell division. Unlike monocentric chromosomes, which have a single centromeric region, holocentric chromosomes distribute centromeric activity along their entire length. This unique organization poses intriguing questions about its structure, function, and evolutionary origins. In this review, we outline recent advances in characterizing the molecular architectures of holocentric chromosomes in mitosis and meiosis, emphasizing both the shared features and lineage-specific adaptations that have evolved in plants and insects. A more detailed characterization of holocentric architectures across different lineages will also offer valuable insights into the potential mechanisms driving the evolutionary transition from monocentric to holocentric chromosomes.

Cited by

• Polyommatine Blue Butterflies Reveal Unexpected Integrity of the W Sex Chromosome Amid Extensive Chromosomal Fragmentation Linked to Telomere Restoration
• A holocentric pangenome links karyotype evolution to meiotic recombination
• Pangenome analysis reveals the evolutionary dynamics of repeat-based holocentromeres
• Centromere divergence and allopolyploidy reshape carnivorous sundew genomes
• Polyommatine Blue Butterflies Reveal Unexpected Integrity of the W Sex Chromosome Amid Extensive Chromosomal Fragmentation Linked to Telomere Restoration. [europepmc]
• Kinetochore mutations and histone phosphorylation pattern changes accompany holo- and macro-monocentromere evolution. [europepmc]
• Independent centromeric expansions define giant hornet genomes. [europepmc]

Discussions

• I am thrilled to share our new review on holocentric chromosomes. It was a lot of fun to write it together with Ines Drinnenberg! Same but different: Centromere regulations in holocentric insects and [bsky, 83 points, 3 comments]

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