# 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.

## Key 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.