Achrem Magdalena, Szućko Izabela, Kalinka Anna
Institute of Biology, University of Szczecin, Szczecin, Poland University of Szczecin Szczecin Poland.
Molecular Biology and Biotechnology Center, University of Szczecin, Szczecin, Poland University of Szczecin Szczecin Poland.
Comp Cytogenet. 2020 Jul 7;14(2):265-311. doi: 10.3897/CompCytogen.v14i2.51895. eCollection 2020.
The centromere is a chromosomal region where the kinetochore is formed, which is the attachment point of spindle fibers. Thus, it is responsible for the correct chromosome segregation during cell division. Telomeres protect chromosome ends against enzymatic degradation and fusions, and localize chromosomes in the cell nucleus. For this reason, centromeres and telomeres are parts of each linear chromosome that are necessary for their proper functioning. More and more research results show that the identity and functions of these chromosomal regions are epigenetically determined. Telomeres and centromeres are both usually described as highly condensed heterochromatin regions. However, the epigenetic nature of centromeres and telomeres is unique, as epigenetic modifications characteristic of both eu- and heterochromatin have been found in these areas. This specificity allows for the proper functioning of both regions, thereby affecting chromosome homeostasis. This review focuses on demonstrating the role of epigenetic mechanisms in the functioning of centromeres and telomeres in plants and animals.
着丝粒是形成动粒的染色体区域，而动粒是纺锤体纤维的附着点。因此，它负责细胞分裂过程中染色体的正确分离。端粒保护染色体末端免受酶促降解和融合，并将染色体定位在细胞核中。因此，着丝粒和端粒是每条线性染色体正常发挥功能所必需的部分。越来越多的研究结果表明，这些染色体区域的特性和功能是由表观遗传决定的。端粒和着丝粒通常都被描述为高度浓缩的异染色质区域。然而，着丝粒和端粒的表观遗传性质是独特的，因为在这些区域发现了常染色质和异染色质特有的表观遗传修饰。这种特异性使得这两个区域能够正常发挥功能，从而影响染色体的稳态。本综述着重阐述表观遗传机制在动植物着丝粒和端粒功能中的作用。
