The function,structure and dynamic organization of centromeres and kinetochores

It is a fundamental task to ensure the faithful transmission of genetic information across generations for euka-ryote species.The centromere is a specialized chromosomal region that is essential for mediating sister chromatid align-ment and separation during mitosis.Centromere identity is epigenetically determined by nucleosome-containing centromere protein A(CENP-A).The CENP-A nucleosome provides the foundation for the association of the inner kineto-chore and the assembly of the outer kinetochore in mitosis.Here we review centromere identity determination,inner kin-etochore function and assembly,and outer kinetochore function and assembly.In particular,we focus on the recent ad-vances in the structure-activity relationship of the constitutive centromere-associated network(CCAN).CCAN structure information sheds new light on our understanding of centromere and kinetochore functions and dynamic organization.