Cell cycle dynamics of histone variants at the centromere, a model for chromosomal landmarks.

Ekaterina Boyarchuk (1) , Rocío Montes de Oca (1) , Geneviève Almouzni (1)

1 DNPG - Dynamique nucléaire et plasticité du génome

Classical heterochromatin chromosomal landmarks, such as centromeres and telomeres, are characterized by specific chromatin signatures. Among these, the incorporation of histone variants has recently emerged as an important feature. Using the centromere as a paradigm, we consider the role of histone variant dynamics in locus-specific chromatin organization. We describe the distinct location and dynamics of CenH3, H3.3, and H2AZ at the centromere during the cell cycle. This leads us to present the current view concerning modes of incorporation at this chromosomal landmark. Finally, we highlight the importance of histone variants in the crosstalk between centric and pericentric domains for maintaining centromere identity.

Domaines: Biologie cellulaire

Ekaterina Boyarchuk, Rocío Montes de Oca, Geneviève Almouzni. Cell cycle dynamics of histone variants at the centromere, a model for chromosomal landmarks.. Current Opinion in Cell Biology, 2011, 23 (3), pp.266-76. ⟨10.1016/j.ceb.2011.03.006⟩. ⟨hal-00742742⟩