Sequential Assembly of Centromeric Proteins in Male Mouse Meiosis
2009

Assembly of Meiotic Centromeres in Male Mice

publication 10 minutes Evidence: high

Author Information

Author(s): Parra María Teresa, Gómez Rocío, Viera Alberto, Llano Elena, Pendás Alberto M., Rufas Julio S., Suja José A.

Primary Institution: Universidad Autónoma de Madrid

Hypothesis

How do centromeric proteins assemble during male mouse meiosis?

Conclusion

The study reveals a sequential loading of centromeric proteins during male mouse meiosis, highlighting the importance of the interkinesis stage for centromere maturation.

Supporting Evidence

  • Centromeric proteins Borealin, INCENP, and Aurora-B load sequentially during prophase I.
  • Shugoshin 2 is necessary for the loading of MCAK at the inner centromere.
  • The loading sequence of proteins is similar during prophase I and interkinesis.
  • Outer kinetochore proteins BubR1 and CENP-E are the last to be assembled.
  • Interkinesis is essential for centromere and kinetochore maturation.

Takeaway

This study shows how proteins that help chromosomes move during cell division are put together in a specific order when male mice make sperm.

Methodology

The researchers used immunofluorescence microscopy to analyze the loading sequence of centromeric proteins in mouse spermatocytes.

Participant Demographics

Adult male mice (C57BL/6 and Sgol2−/−)

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1371/journal.pgen.1000417

Want to read the original?

Access the complete publication on the publisher's website

View Original Publication