SETDB1, previously implicated in transposon silencing, is a novel player in maintaining heterochromatin boundaries within core alpha satellites. This regulation is critical, as loss of heterochromatin integrity results in ectopic CENP-A domains and distal centromere nucleation!

We found that heterochromatin plays a key role in restricting the position of the CENP-A domain, ensuring only one CENP-A domain is nucleated per centromere. SUV39H1/2 and SETDB1 H3K9me3 methyltransferases differentially control neocentromeres, pericentromeric, and core alpha satellites.

We discovered that centromeric chromatin domains, composed of CENP-A variant nucleosomes, are highly plastic in their positioning at both neocentromeres and canonical alpha satellites.

So sorry to miss this excellent meeting! Kudos to the organisers. Enjoy!

Many congrats to a great team effort at @oxfordbiochemistry.bsky.social