Marking dad’s centromeres: maintaining CENP-A in sperm

Štiavnická, Miriama, Keegan, Rachel S., & Dunleavy, Elaine M. (2025). Marking dad’s centromeres: maintaining CENP-A in sperm. Chromosome Research, 33(1), 8. Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark Cite this article Štiavnická, M., Keegan, R.S. & Dunleavy, E.M. Marking dad’s centromeres: maintaining CENP-A in sperm. Chromosome Res 33, 8 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10577-025-09766-2

Abstract

During spermiogenesis, histones are removed from most genomic loci and are replaced by protamines in mature sperm nuclei. Yet, centromeres appear resistant to this process. We review the experimental evidence that the centromeric histone CENP-A is maintained in mature sperm nuclei, comparing human, bovine, mouse and fly species. We also recall how the detection of centromeres in mature sperm nuclei in the 1990’s contributed to the isolation of the CENP-A protein and the eventual cloning of the human CENP-A gene. Further, based on more recent genetic studies carried out in flies and in mice, we discuss the inheritance and functional importance of paternal CENP-A and how it is complemented by maternal CENP-A to give rise to a healthy embryo. Finally, we raise some unanswered questions regarding the exclusive maintenance of CENP-A on sperm, the organisation of sperm centromeric chromatin and its importance for fertility and early embryo development.

Funder

Research Ireland

Publisher

Springer

Rights

Attribution 4.0 International

cb

Collections

Biomedical Engineering (Scholarly Articles)