Human chromosome-specific aneuploidy is influenced by DNA-dependent centromeric features

Marie Dumont, Riccardo Gamba, Pierre Gestraud, Sjoerd Klaasen, Joseph T. Worrall, Sippe G. De Vries, Vincent Boudreau, Catalina Salinas-Luypaert, Paul S. Maddox, Susanne M.A. Lens, Geert J.P.L. Kops, Sarah E. McClelland, Karen H. Miga, Daniele Fachinetti*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

1 Citation (Scopus)

Abstract

Intrinsic genomic features of individual chromosomes can contribute to chromosome-specific aneuploidy. Centromeres are key elements for the maintenance of chromosome segregation fidelity via a specialized chromatin marked by CENP-A wrapped by repetitive DNA. These long stretches of repetitive DNA vary in length among human chromosomes. Using CENP-A genetic inactivation in human cells, we directly interrogate if differences in the centromere length reflect the heterogeneity of centromeric DNA-dependent features and whether this, in turn, affects the genesis of chromosome-specific aneuploidy. Using three distinct approaches, we show that mis-segregation rates vary among different chromosomes under conditions that compromise centromere function. Whole-genome sequencing and centromere mapping combined with cytogenetic analysis, small molecule inhibitors, and genetic manipulation revealed that inter-chromosomal heterogeneity of centromeric features, but not centromere length, influences chromosome segregation fidelity. We conclude that faithful chromosome segregation for most of human chromosomes is biased in favor of centromeres with high abundance of DNA-dependent centromeric components. These inter-chromosomal differences in centromere features can translate into non-random aneuploidy, a hallmark of cancer and genetic diseases.

Original languageEnglish
Article numbere102924
Number of pages21
JournalEMBO Journal
Volume39
Issue number2
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 15 Jan 2020

Keywords

  • aneuploidy
  • CENP
  • CENP-B boxes
  • centromere
  • chromosome segregation

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