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Searching for a Common Centromeric Structural Motif: Drosophila Centromeric Satellite DNAs Show Propensity to form Telomeric-Like Unusual DNA Structures

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Abstract

The molecular basis of centromere formation in a particular chromosomal region is not yet understood. In higher eukaryotes, no specific DNA sequence is required for the assembly of the kinetochore, but similar centromeric chromatins are formed on different centromere DNA sequences. Although epigenesis has been proposed as the main mechanism for centromere specification, DNA recognition must also play a role. Through the analysis of Drosophilacentromeric DNA sequences, we found that dodeca satellite and 18HT satellite are able to form unusual DNA structures similar to those formed by telomeric sequences. These findings suggest the existence of a common centromeric structural DNA motif which we feel merits further investigation.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Centro de Biologia Molecular ‘Severo Ochoa’ (CSIC-UAM), 28049, Madrid, Spain

    José P. Abad

  2. Centro de Biologia Molecular ‘Severo Ochoa’ (CSIC-UAM), 28049, Madrid, Spain

    Alfredo Villasante

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  1. José P. Abad
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  2. Alfredo Villasante
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Abad, J.P., Villasante, A. Searching for a Common Centromeric Structural Motif: Drosophila Centromeric Satellite DNAs Show Propensity to form Telomeric-Like Unusual DNA Structures. Genetica 109, 71–75 (2000). https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1026546510127

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