Scientists uncover mechanism that shapes centromere distribution

Since the 1800s, scientists have observed the configuration of centromeres -- a special chromosomal region that is vital during certain types of cell division -- in the nucleus. Up until this point, however, the determining mechanisms and the biological significance of centromere distribution were poorly understood. A team has recently proposed a two-step regulatory mechanism that shapes centromere distribution. Their findings also suggest that centromere configuration plays a role in maintaining genome integrity.