TBP-Related Factor 2 as a Trigger for Robertsonian Translocations and Speciation

International Journal of Molecular Sciences

卷:21

OlgaB. Simonova¹  JuliaE. Vorontsova¹  RomanO. Cherezov¹ 

[1] Koltzov Institute of Developmental Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Vavilova str. 26, 119991 Moscow, Russia;

关键词: centric fusion;    nondisjunction;    pericentromeric regions;    chromocenter;    TATA-box-binding protein-related factor;    D1 chromosomal protein;   

DOI  :  10.3390/ijms21228871

来源: DOAJ

【 摘 要 】

Robertsonian (сentric-fusion) translocation is the form of chromosomal translocation in which two long arms of acrocentric chromosomes are fused to form one metacentric. These translocations reduce the number of chromosomes while preserving existing genes and are considered to contribute to speciation. We asked whether hypomorphic mutations in genes that disrupt the formation of pericentromeric regions could lead to centric fusion. TBP-related factor 2 (Trf2) encodes an alternative general transcription factor. A decrease of TRF2 expression disrupts the structure of the pericentromeric regions and prevents their association into chromocenter. We revealed several centric fusions in two lines of Drosophilamelanogaster with weak Trf2 alleles in genetic experiments. We performed an RNAi-mediated knock-down of Trf2 in Drosophila and S2 cells and demonstrated that Trf2 upregulates expression of D1—one of the major genes responsible for chromocenter formation and nuclear integrity in Drosophila. Our data, for the first time, indicate that Trf2 may be involved in transcription program responsible for structuring of pericentromeric regions and may contribute to new karyotypes formation in particular by promoting centric fusion. Insight into the molecular mechanisms of Trf2 function and its new targets in different tissues will contribute to our understanding of its phenomenon.

【 授权许可】

Unknown