Repeat sequence corresponding to the nucleosome length at the opposite end of the pairing center on autosomes in C. elegans

TL;DR

A newly discovered repeat sequence in C. elegans may help prevent incorrect chromosome pairing during meiosis.

Contribution

The discovery of a nucleosome-length repeat sequence opposite autosomal pairing centers in C. elegans.

Findings

The NLAR repeat sequence is 185 base pairs long, matching the nucleosome repeat length.

NLAR is located opposite the pairing center on each autosomal chromosome in C. elegans.

NLAR regions show low H3K79me levels, suggesting a role in regulating chromosome pairing.

Abstract

Many repeat sequences in genomes have unknown functions, but some have features that are suggestive of one. I found a repeat sequence that has 185 base pairs as the basic unit, which is the same as the length of a nucleosome repeat. The chromosomal location of this repeat sequence is opposite the pairing center of each autosomal chromosome. I named this repeat sequence Nucleosome Length Autosomal Repeat (NLAR). The NLAR regions reveal a low level of H3K79me, which is required for chromosome pairing. I hypothesize that NLAR inhibits chromosome pairing of autosomes from inappropriate ends during meiosis.

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