Structural transitions of centromeric chromatin regulate the cell cycle-dependent recruitment of CENP-N

Subjects: Biology >> Biophysics >> Cell Biology submitted time 2016-05-12

Fang, Junnan Liu, Yuting Wei, Yun Deng, Wenqiang Yu, Zhouliang Huang, Li Teng, Yan Yao, Ting You, Qinglong Ruan, Haihe Chen, Ping Xu, Rui-Ming Li, Guohong Fang, Junnan Liu, Yuting Deng, Wenqiang Yu, Zhouliang You, Qinglong

Abstract： Specific recognition of centromere-specific histone variant CENP-A-containing chromatin by CENP-N is an essential process in the assembly of the kinetochore complex at centromeres prior to mammalian cell division. However, the mechanisms of CENP-N recruitment to centromeres/kinetochores remain unknown. Here, we show that a CENP-A-specific RG loop (Arg80/Gly81) plays an essential and dual regulatory role in this process. The RG loop assists the formation of a compact "ladder-like" structure of CENP-A chromatin, concealing the loop and thus impairing its role in recruiting CENP-N. Upon G1/S-phase transition, however, centromeric chromatin switches from the compact to an open state, enabling the now exposed RG loop to recruit CENP-N prior to cell division. Our results provide the first insights into the mechanisms by which the recruitment of CENP-N is regulated by the structural transitions between compaction and relaxation of centromeric chromatin during the cell cycle.

Peer Review Status:Awaiting Review

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