Genetic regulation of the centromere division in rye and wheat univalent chromosomes in dimonosomics during meiotic anaphase I

Cytogenetic analysis of meiosis in the wheat--rye dimonosomics 1Rv-1A, 1Ron-1A, 2R-2D, 5R-5A, and 6R-6A was conducted. C-banding was used to study the segregation pattern of each of two univalent chromosomes during the first meiotic division. It has been shown that the division frequency of the centromeric regions of all rye chromosomes in the pair studied is significantly higher than in the wheat chromosomes. The ANOVA performed suggest that the plant genotype contributes significantly (at P = 0.05) to the behavior pattern of univalent chromosomes in meiosis. The data obtained demonstrate that the rye and wheat chromosomes studied are involved in genetic regulation of centromere division in meiotic anaphase I (AI). The presence of rye chromosome 2R and wheat chromosome 2D suppresses the division of centromeres of the sister chromatids in AI. Rye chromosomes 1Rv, 1Ron, 5R, and 6R induce equational division; however, rye chromosome 1Rv increases to a greater degree the frequency of equational division of wheat chromosome 1A as compared with chromosome 1Ron.     

Genetic regulation of the centromere division in rye and wheat univalent chromosomes in dimonosomics during the meiotic anaphase I

Cytogenetic analysis of meiosis in the wheat-rye dimonosomics 1Rv-1A, 1Ron-1A, 2R-2D, 5R-5A, and 6R-6A was conducted. C-banding was used to study the segregation pattern of each of two univalent chromosomes during the first meiotic division. It has been shown that the division frequency of the centromeric regions of all rye chromosomes in the pair studied is significantly higher than in the wheat chromosomes. The ANOVA performed suggest that the plant genotype contributes significantly (at P = 0.05) to the behavior pattern of univalent chromosomes in meiosis. The data obtained demonstrate that the rye and wheat chromosomes studied are involved in genetic regulation of centromere division in meiotic anaphase I (AI). The presence of rye chromosome 2R and wheat chromosome 2D suppresses the division of centromeres of the sister chromatids in AI. Rye chromosomes 1Rv, 1Ron, 5R, and 6R induce equational division; however, rye chromosome 1Rv increases to a greater degree the frequency of equational division of wheat chromosome 1A as compared with chromosome 1Ron.     

Condensin restructures chromosomes in preparation for meiotic divisions

The production of haploid gametes from diploid germ cells requires two rounds of meiotic chromosome segregation after one round of replication. Accurate meiotic chromosome segregation involves the remodeling of each pair of homologous chromosomes around the site of crossover into a highly condensed and ordered structure. We showed that condensin, the protein complex needed for mitotic chromosome compaction, restructures chromosomes during meiosis in Caenorhabditis elegans. In particular, condensin promotes both meiotic chromosome condensation after crossover recombination and the remodeling of sister chromatids. Condensin helps resolve cohesin-independent linkages between sister chromatids and alleviates recombination-independent linkages between homologues. The safeguarding of chromosome resolution by condensin permits chromosome segregation and is crucial for the formation of discrete, individualized bivalent chromosomes.     

The metaphase scaffold is helically folded: sister chromatids have predominantly opposite helical handedness

We have studied the three-dimensional folding of the scaffolding in histone H1-depleted chromosomes by immunofluorescence with an antibody specific for topoisomerase II. Two different types of decondensed chromosomes are observed. The majority of the chromosomes are expanded, and the central fluorescence signal is surrounded by a large halo of chromatin. A much smaller number of chromosomes are more compact in length; they contain a smaller halo of chromatin and their scaffolds are not extended but folded into a genuine, quite regular helical coil. This conclusion is based on a three-dimensional structural analysis by optical sectioning. The number of helical coils is related to chromosome length. Surprisingly, sister chromatids have predominantly opposite helical handedness; that is, they are related by mirror symmetry.     

Nonfluorescent Y chromosomes. Cytologic evidence of origin

Summary Twelve presumptive structurally altered Y chromosomes were studied with Q-, G-, G-11, C-, Cd, and lateral asymmetric banding techniques and were compared with normal X and Y chromosmes and with an abnormal [i(Yq)] Y chromosome that exhibited intact fluorescence. Significant to this work is the fact that the Y chromosome has a small block of Giemsa-11 heterochromatin adjacent to the centromere on the long arm, while the X chromosome does not, which allows a distinction between the X-and Y-derived chromosomes. Two of the twelve altered chromosomes of either X or Y origin are small nonfluorescent rings. Each ring has a G-11-positive band of heterochromatin at the centromere, confirming Y origin. Each of the normal-length nonfluorescent presumed Ys and a Y with a fluorescent band in the center have one G-11 band at the centromere and another at an equal distance from the end of the long arm, the bands also being Cd positive, indicating that these chromosomes are pseudodicentric. The likely mechanism of origin is a break at the distal bright heterochromatin/ euchromatin junction (or within the bright segment in the chromosome with the bright center band), fusion of the sister chromatids at the breakpoints, and loss of the distal segment.     

Isolation and structural organization of human mitotic chromosomes

New methods are presented for the bulk isolation of metaphase chromosomes from HeLa cells, and an electron microscopic study of thin sections of these chromosomes is presented. The techniques for chromosome isolation were developed to utilize solution conditions that are as mild as possible, so that further biochemical and structural studies can be directly related to the in situ state of chromosomes. — Electron micrographs of thin sections of isolated HeLa metaphase chromosomes reveal the general organization of the nucleosome-containing fibers. Chromosomes in isolation buffer show a dense, relatively uniform distribution of material across the chromatids. Swollen chromosomes reveal the primary mode of organization of the fibers to be a radial distribution from the central axes of the chromatids. A significant proportion of the fibers could also be oriented longitudinally.     

Differential decondensation of mitotic chromosomes in SPEV tissue cultured cells induced by repeated hypotonic shock

A new method of differential decondensation of mitotic chromosomes has been proposed by means of repeated treatment of live cells with 15% Hanks' balanced salt solution. The procedure of cell treatment includes three stages: the first hypotonic shock, cultivation in isotonic medium, and the second hypotonic shock. As a result, after a standard methanol-acetic acid fixation and Giemsa staining some discrete Giemsa-positive globules are revealed in mitotic chromosomes. Such globules are symmetrically arranged in axial regions of sister chromatids. The comparative analysis of marker chromosomes has revealed a topological conformity of these globules to G-bands of chromosomes. It has been shown that it is the first hypotonic shock that triggers induction of structural modification of chromatin in interphase nuclei and in mitotic chromosomes. Of interest is the fact that the effect of the first shock is prolonged in time and is realized during at least one cell cycle, with the normal structure of mitotic chromosomes being restored after S-phase of the successive cell cycle.     

Scaffold-like structures in mouse chromosomes revealed by restriction endonuclease digestion and electron microscopy

A scaffold-like structure is observed under the electron microscope when mouse chromosomes are digested with the restriction endonuclease Hae III. This structure, located in the inner part of chromatids, may correspond to those fragments of chromatin loops anchored to the chromosome scaffold and is obtained when chromosomes are treated either in suspension or attached to grids. The width of the structure is correlated with the extent of digestion in chromosomes treated in suspension. Those treated on grids show this structure whenever chromatids do not collapse. These results agree with the model of chromosome organization based on a non-histone protein scaffold.     

Micromanipulation of chromosomes reveals that cohesion release during cell division is gradual and does not require tension

In mitosis, cohesion appears to be present along the entire length of the chromosome, between centromeres and along chromosome arms. By metaphase, sister chromatids appear as two adjacent but visibly distinct rods. Sister chromatids separate from one another in anaphase by releasing all chromosome cohesion. This is different from meiosis I, in which pairs of sister chromatids separate from one another, moving to each spindle pole by releasing cohesion only between sister chromatid arms. Then, in anaphase II, sister chromatids separate by releasing centromere cohesion. Our objective was to find where cohesion is present or absent on chromosomes in mitosis and meiosis and when and how it is released. We determined cohesion directly by pulling on chromosomes with two micromanipulation needles. Thus, we could distinguish for the first time between apparent doubleness as seen in the microscope and physical separability. We found that apparent doubleness can be deceiving: Visibly distinct sister chromatids often cannot be separated. We also demonstrated that cohesion is released gradually in anaphase, with chromosomes looking as if they were unzipped or pulled apart. This implied that tension from spindle forces was required, but we showed directly that no tension was necessary to pull chromatids apart.     

Studies on the mitotic chromosome scaffold of Allium sativum

An argentophilic structure is present in the metaphase chromosomes of garlic(Allium sativum),Cytochemical studies indicate that the main component of the structure is non-histone proteins(NHPs).The results of light and electron microscopic observations reveal that the chromosme NHP scaffold is a network which is composed of fibres and granules and distributed throughout the chromosomes.In the NHP network,there are many condensed regions that are connected by redlatively looser regions.The distribution of the condensed regions varies in individual chromosomes.In some of the chromosomes the condensed regions are lognitudinally situsted in the central part of a chromatid while in others these regions appear as coillike transverse bands.At early metaphase.scaffolds of the sister chromatids of a chromosome are linked to each other in the centromeric region,meanwhile,they are connected by scafold materials along the whole length of the chromosome.At late metaphase,however,the connective scaffold materials between the two sister chromatids disappear gradually and the chromatids begin to separate from one another at their ends.but the chromatids are linked together in the centromeric region until anaphase.This connection seems to be related to the special structure of the NHP scaffold formed in the centromeric region.The morphological features and dynamic changes of the chromosome scaffold are discussed.     

Chromosomal polymorphism of mandarin vole,Microtus mandarinus (Rodentia)

The mitotic and meiotic chromosomes of mandarin vole, Microtus mandarinus Milne-Edwards, from Shandong Province of China were analyzed by conventional, G- and C-banding and Silver-staining techniques. We detected chromosomal polymorphism in the vole, exhibiting diploid chromosome numbers 2n = 48-50 and variable morphology of the 1st pair, one medium sized telocentric pair and the X chromosomes. Four types of karyotypes were revealed in the population. According to banding analysis, there were pericentric inversion, Robertsonian fusion and translocation in M. mandarinus karyotype evolution. The X displayed two different morphologies, which could be explained by prericentric inversion and a telocentric autosome translocation.     

Chromosome banding techniques for morphologically classified cells

This report describes staining techniques for chromosome banding and sister chromatid exchanges (SCEs) suited to a method that allows simultaneous analysis of cell morphology and karyotype. Mitotic cells are first identified by either cytochemical staining or immunologic methods. The preparations are then destained and treated with acid fixative. For G- and C-banding, the cells are incubated overnight at room temperature in S?orensen buffer and then stained with Giemsa. To demonstrate SCEs, the cells are fluorescent stained before being stained with Giemsa.     

Analysis of three whole-arm translocations in a mouse sarcoma cell line

Three apparently whole-arm translocation chromosomes in the mouse sarcoma 180 ascites cell line have been studied by G- and C-banding and by Hoechst staining. All three chromosomes appear to have two centromeres. Both centromeres of one, which are very close together, are likely to be active and to produce parallel separation of the chromatids. The centromeres of the other two chromosomes are well separated. One of these two centromeres may be inactive either because the kinetochore organizer has been inactivated or because the kinetochore plate has been deleted, leaving the AT-rich centromeric constituative heterochromatin intact. The possibility that these whole arm translocations arose by telomeric fusion and the molecular basis of such fusions are discussed.     

Shugoshin1 may play important roles in separation of homologous chromosomes and sister chromatids during mouse oocyte meiosis

Background

Homologous chromosomes separate in meiosis I and sister chromatids separate in meiosis II, generating haploid gametes. To address the question why sister chromatids do not separate in meiosis I, we explored the roles of Shogoshin1 (Sgo1) in chromosome separation during oocyte meiosis.

Methodology/Principal Findings

Sgo1 function was evaluated by exogenous overexpression to enhance its roles and RNAi to suppress its roles during two meioses of mouse oocytes. Immunocytochemistry and chromosome spread were used to evaluate phenotypes. The exogenous Sgo1 overexpression kept homologous chromosomes and sister chromatids not to separate in meiosis I and meiosis II, respectively, while the Sgo1 RNAi promoted premature separation of sister chromatids.

Conclusions

Our results reveal that prevention of premature separation of sister chromatids in meiosis I requires the retention of centromeric Sgo1, while normal separation of sister chromatids in meiosis II requires loss of centromeric Sgo1.     

Organization and differential staining of chromosomes from the endomitotic nucleus of trophocytes Calliphora erythrocephala (Diptera: Calliphoridae)

The structure of primary polytene chromosomes and general architecture of nurse cell nuclei was studied in Calliphora erythrocephala using various methods of differential chromosome banding(G-, R-, C-banding; Ag- and DAPI staining), chromospecific DNA probes and fluorescence in situ hybridization. This analysis revealed differential compaction of particular chromosome regions. The localization of material of polytene chromosome 6 is retained after its rearrangement and the formation of the internal reticular structure of the nucleus. Polytene chromosomes of ovarian nurse cells were shown to have blocks of dense compact material; some of them were more intensely stained by AgNO3. The dynamics of the nucleolus formation was traces at all stages of chromosome polytenization in the C. erythrocephala nurse cells.     

Mouse satellite DNA, centromere structure, and sister chromatid pairing

The experiments described were directed toward understanding relationships between mouse satellite DNA, sister chromatid pairing, and centromere function. Electron microscopy of a large mouse L929 marker chromosome shows that each of its multiple constrictions is coincident with a site of sister chromatid contact and the presence of mouse satellite DNA. However, only one of these sites, the central one, possesses kinetochores. This observation suggests either that satellite DNA alone is not sufficient for kinetochore formation or that when one kinetochore forms, other potential sites are suppressed. In the second set of experiments, we show that highly extended chromosomes from Hoechst 33258-treated cells (Hilwig, I., and A. Gropp, 1973, Exp. Cell Res., 81:474-477) lack kinetochores. Kinetochores are not seen in Miller spreads of these chromosomes, and at least one kinetochore antigen is not associated with these chromosomes when they were subjected to immunofluorescent analysis using anti-kinetochore scleroderma serum. These data suggest that kinetochore formation at centromeric heterochromatin may require a higher order chromatin structure which is altered by Hoechst binding. Finally, when metaphase chromosomes are subjected to digestion by restriction enzymes that degrade the bulk of mouse satellite DNA, contact between sister chromatids appears to be disrupted. Electron microscopy of digested chromosomes shows that there is a significant loss of heterochromatin between the sister chromatids at paired sites. In addition, fluorescence microscopy using anti-kinetochore serum reveals a greater inter-kinetochore distance than in controls or chromosomes digested with enzymes that spare satellite. We conclude that the presence of mouse satellite DNA in these regions is necessary for maintenance of contact between the sister chromatids of mouse mitotic chromosomes.     

The making of the mitotic chromosome: modern insights into classical questions

The condensation of mitotic chromosomes is essential for the faithful segregation of sister chromatids in anaphase. An emerging view is that chromosome assembly is an active and dynamic process of chromatin reorganization in which two ATP hydrolyzing enzymes, topoisomerase II and the condensin complex, play central roles. In this review, we discuss recent work that sheds new light on the molecular and structural dynamics of mitotic chromosomes.     

Spo13 maintains centromeric cohesion and kinetochore coorientation during meiosis I

BACKGROUND: The meiotic cell cycle, the cell division cycle that leads to the generation of gametes, is unique in that a single DNA replication phase is followed by two chromosome segregation phases. During meiosis I, homologous chromosomes are segregated, and during meiosis II, as in mitosis, sister chromatids are partitioned. For homolog segregation to occur during meiosis I, physical linkages called chiasmata need to form between homologs, sister chromatid cohesion has to be lost in a stepwise manner, and sister kinetochores must attach to microtubules emanating from the same spindle pole (coorientation). RESULTS: Here we show that the meiosis-specific factor Spo13 functions in two key aspects of meiotic chromosome segregation. In cells lacking SPO13, cohesin, which is the protein complex that holds sister chromatids together, is not protected from removal around kinetochores during meiosis I but is instead lost along the entire length of the chromosomes. We furthermore find that Spo13 promotes sister kinetochore coorientation by maintaining the monopolin complex at kinetochores. In the absence of SPO13, Mam1 and Lrs4 disassociate from kinetochores prematurely during pro-metaphase I and metaphase I, resulting in a partial defect in sister kinetochore coorientation in spo13 Delta cells. CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicate that Spo13 has the ability to regulate both the stepwise loss of sister chromatid cohesion and kinetochore coorientation, two essential features of meiotic chromosome segregation.