Drivers of different centromere organizations in carnivorous plants

• Applicant: André Marques, Ph.D.
• Subject Area: Plant Genetics and Genomics ; General Genetics and Functional Genome Biology
• Term: since 2025
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 550507351

Holocentric chromosomes differ from monocentric chromosomes by the absence of a primary constriction (known as centromere) due to a diffuse kinetic activity along the entire chromosome arms. This specialized type of chromosome structure is found in several lineages of plants and animals, with multiple independent origins. Recent studies have shown that holocentric chromosomes are composed of multiple centromere-like domains distributed genome-wide (holocentromeres). Position and distribution of chromosome compartments (i.e., topological association domains) and meiotic recombination are strongly influenced by the presence of centromeres. Of particular interest, holocentric organisms show chromosomal adaptations related to chromosome segregation and centromere assembly, which are important features for understanding functioning and engineering synthetic chromosomes. However, the lack of detailed genomic studies on lineages possessing both monocentric and holocentric chromosomes prevents the identification of possible mechanisms involved in the transition between these two centromere types. Furthermore, hampering the elucidation of the impact of holocentric chromosome structure from a comprehensive evolutionary and functional perspective. Understanding how different types of centromeres evolve and influence genome architecture and chromosome segregation will potentially unveil new molecular mechanisms of great interest to the scientific community.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants