Visualization of the three-dimensional structure of the human centromere in mitotic chromosomes by superresolution microscopy

Abstract

A cytogenetic feature of human centromeres is a long array of repetitive α-satellite DNA at the primary constriction of mitotic chromosomes. A combination of the centromere chromosome orientation FISH (Cen-CO-FISH) technique together with SIM was used to visualize centromere organization within a single chromatid. Collectively, the data indicate a structural organization for α-satellite repeats in a ring-like conformation, with CENP-A preferentially distributed on the lateral surface of the primary constriction, and showcase superresolution imaging methods that can be used for further understanding of centromere structures.