Marsupial centomeres and telomeres: Dynamic chromosome domains

Abstract

What has become clear from a synthesis of work on marsupial chromosomes over the last 100 years is that the centromere is more than simply an architectural feature of the chromosome. Rather, it has been participant, either directly or indirectly, in the evolution of the diversity of karyotypes observed in marsupials. Across marsupial lineages, a family of model species stands out as an ideal system in which to study centromere function and evolution: macropodines (kangaroos and wallabies). This chapter focuses on the study of centromeres in marsupials, as both a region critical to ensuring the distribution of sister chromatids to daughter cells during cell division and a chromosomal domain involved in karyotypic stability and evolution. We will explore the role played by elements found at centromeres and telomeres in cell division and karyotypic change as supported by both historic and current experimental evidence.