An emerging role of transcription in chromosome segregation: Ongoing centromeric transcription maintains centromeric cohesion

Non-coding centromeres, which dictate kinetochore formation for proper chromosome segregation, are extremely divergent in DNA sequences across species but are under active transcription carried out by RNA polymerase (RNAP) II. The RNAP II-mediated centromeric transcription has been shown to facilitate the deposition of the centromere protein A (CENP-A) to centromeres, establishing a conserved and critical role of centromeric transcription in centromere maintenance. Our recent work revealed another role of centromeric transcription in chromosome segregation: maintaining centromeric cohesion during mitosis. Interestingly, this role appears to be fulfilled through ongoing centromeric transcription rather than centromeric transcripts. In addition, we found that centromeric transcription may not require some of the traditional transcription initiation factors, suggestive of uniqueness in its regulation. In this review, we discuss the novel role and regulation of centromeric transcription as well as the potential underlying mechanisms.

Automated summary

Non-coding centromeres, highly divergent in DNA sequences across species, are actively transcribed by RNAP II, facilitating CENP-A deposition and maintaining centromeric cohesion during mitosis. The regulation of centromeric transcription appears to be unique, as some traditional transcription initiation factors may not be required. This review discusses the novel role and regulation of centromeric transcription, as well as potential underlying mechanisms.