Principles and functions of pericentromeric satellite DNA clustering into chromocenters

Simple non-coding tandem repeats known as satellite DNA are observed widely across eukaryotes. These repeats occupy vast regions at the centromere and pericentromere of chromosomes but their contribution to cellular function has remained incompletely understood. Here, we review the literature on pericentromeric satellite DNA and discuss its organization and functions across eukaryotic species. We specifically focus on chromocenters, DNA-dense nuclear foci that contain clustered pericentromeric satellite DNA repeats from multiple chromosomes. We first discuss chromocenter formation and the roles that epigenetic modifications, satellite DNA transcripts and sequence-specific satellite DNA-binding play in this process. We then review the newly emerging functions of chromocenters in genome encapsulation, the maintenance of cell fate and speciation. We specifically highlight how the rapid divergence of satellite DNA repeats impacts reproductive isolation between closely related species. Together, we underline the importance of this so-called 'junk DNA' in fundamental biological processes.

Automated summary

In this paper, the literature on pericentromeric satellite DNA is reviewed and its organization and functions across eukaryotic species are discussed. The focus is on chromocenters, DNA-dense nuclear foci containing clustered pericentromeric satellite DNA repeats. The roles of epigenetic modifications, satellite DNA transcripts, and sequence-specific satellite DNA-binding in chromocenter formation are examined. Additionally, the emerging functions of chromocenters in genome encapsulation, maintaining cell fate, and speciation are reviewed, with an emphasis on the impact of rapid divergence of satellite DNA repeats on reproductive isolation between closely related species.