Research progress on dynamic assembly and regulation of centromere

During cell division, the accurate segregation of genetic material relies on specialized regions of chromosomes named the centromere. This highly integrated structure mediates the cohesion of sister chromatids and the stable attachment of spindle microtubules to kinetochores. From the point-centromere in budding yeast to the regional centromere in human cells, a highly conserved pattern of assembly and regulation exists. Disruption of this pattern can cause chromosomal instability, leading to the occurrence and development of cancer. The latest advancements suggest that centromere assembly is driven by biomolecular condensation-elicited compartmentalization rather than the classic model of hierarchical organization. Therefore, defining the high-order structure of the centromere is significant for better understanding the nucleation process underlying centromere compartmentalization and regulation of the robustness of the centromere during cell division. This is also an important and promising direction for future human health research.