Asymmetric assembly of centromeres epigenetically regulates stem cell fate

Anna Ada Dattoli, Ben L. Carty, Antje M. Kochendoerfer, Conall Morgan, Annie E. Walshe, Elaine M. Dunleavy

Research output: Contribution to a Journal (Peer & Non Peer)Articlepeer-review

22 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Centromeres are epigenetically defined by CENP-A-containing chromatin and are essential for cell division. Previous studies suggest asymmetric inheritance of centromeric proteins upon stem cell division; however, the mechanism and implications of selective chromosome segregation remain unexplored. We show that Drosophila female germline stem cells (GSCs) and neuroblasts assemble centromeres after replication and before segregation. Specifically, CENP-A deposition is promoted by CYCLIN A, while excessive CENP-A deposition is prevented by CYCLIN B, through the HASPIN kinase. Furthermore, chromosomes inherited by GSCs incorporate more CENP-A, making stronger kinetochores that capture more spindle microtubules and bias segregation. Importantly, symmetric incorporation of CENP-A on sister chromatids via HASPIN knockdown or overexpression of CENP-A, either alone or together with its assembly factor CAL1, drives stem cell self-renewal. Finally, continued CENP-A assembly in differentiated cells is nonessential for egg development. Our work shows that centromere assembly epigenetically drives GSC maintenance and occurs before oocyte meiosis.

Original languageEnglish
Article numbere201910084
JournalJournal of Cell Biology
Volume219
Issue number4
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2020

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