Neocentromeres form efficiently at multiple possible loci in Candida albicans
2009

Neocentromeres Form Efficiently at Multiple Possible Loci in Candida albicans

publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Marshall Owen J., Choo K. H. Andy

Primary Institution: Murdoch Childrens Research Institute

Hypothesis

What are the mechanisms of neocentromere formation in Candida albicans?

Conclusion

The study demonstrates that neocentromeres can form at multiple locations along Chromosome V in Candida albicans without loss of mitotic stability.

Supporting Evidence

  • Neocentromeres formed in all transformants at multiple locations along Chromosome V.
  • Proximal neocentromeres formed near the original centromere, while distal neocentromeres formed at other locations.
  • Transformants with distal neocentromeres showed no loss of mitotic stability.
  • Transformants with proximal neocentromeres had shifted neocentromeres that silenced URA3 expression.

Takeaway

This study shows that new centromeres can pop up in different places on a chromosome, which is surprising and important for understanding how cells work.

Methodology

The authors removed the centromeric DNA on Chromosome V and observed the formation of neocentromeres using chromatin immunoprecipitation.

Limitations

Only a few distal neocentromeres were analyzed, making it difficult to identify potential hotspots for neocentromere formation.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1371/journal.pgen.1000400

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