Identification of the centromeres of Leishmania major : revealing the hidden pieces

Garcia‐Silva, M.‐R. et al. (2017) Identification of the centromeres of Leishmania major : revealing the hidden pieces. EMBO Reports, 18(11), pp. 1968-1977. (doi: 10.15252/embr.201744216) (PMID:28935715) (PMCID:PMC5666652)

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Abstract

Leishmania affects millions of people worldwide. Its genome undergoes constitutive mosaic aneuploidy, a type of genomic plasticity that may serve as an adaptive strategy to survive distinct host environments. We previously found high rates of asymmetric chromosome allotments during mitosis that lead to the generation of such ploidy. However, the underlying molecular events remain elusive. Centromeres and kinetochores most likely play a key role in this process, yet their identification has failed using classical methods. Our analysis of the unconventional kinetochore complex recently discovered in Trypanosoma brucei (KKTs) leads to the identification of a Leishmania KKT gene candidate (LmKKT1). The GFP‐tagged LmKKT1 displays “kinetochore‐like” dynamics of intranuclear localization throughout the cell cycle. By ChIP‐Seq assay, one major peak per chromosome is revealed, covering a region of 4 ±2 kb. We find two largely conserved motifs mapping to 14 of 36 chromosomes while a higher density of retroposons are observed in 27 of 36 centromeres. The identification of centromeres and of a kinetochore component of Leishmania chromosomes opens avenues to explore their role in mosaic aneuploidy.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Sollelis, Miss Lauriane
Authors: Garcia‐Silva, M.‐R., Sollelis, L., MacPherson, C. R., Stanojcic, S., Kuk, N., Crobu, L., Bringaud, F., Bastien, P., Pagès, M., Scherf, A., and Sterkers, Y.
College/School:College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Infection & Immunity
Journal Name:EMBO Reports
Publisher:EMBO Press
ISSN:1469-221X
ISSN (Online):1469-3178

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