第1469回生物科学セミナー
Resolving The Centromere Paradox – Challenges and Progresses
江刺史子 教授（オックスフォード大学）
2023年12月14日(木) 17:00-18:30 Zoomによるweb講義
Centromeres are the structural regions of chromatin that serve as a platform for the kinetochore machinery assembly, hence essential for accurate chromosome segregation during cell division. Their structural and functional integrity is therefore fundamental for preventing human diseases, such as cancer.
Human centromeres comprise highly repetitive alpha-satellite DNA sequences spanning several mega-bases, although only small sections of these repetitive regions are functionally active. Curiously, centromere DNA sequences diverge extensively between closely associated species. The dichotomy between diverging centromere DNA sequences and highly conserved centromere functionality is described as the “centromere paradox” and remains enigmatic for many decades (Henikoff et al., 2001).
In this lecture, I will discuss the challenges in studying centromeric DNA and present the progress we have made recently in resolving the centromere paradox, at least in part. I will further elaborate on emerging models that may explain the rapid evolution of centromeres, potentially impacting human health and beyond.
担当： 東京大学大学院理学系研究科・生物科学専攻・男女共同参画委員会
