Chung-Ang University Researchers Unravel Role of Cohesins In Embryonic Stem Cell Division

Study shows how meiotic cohesin complexes affect chromosome structure and function—and the long-term implications of their effects on the stem cell genome

The eukaryotic chromosomal structure depends on the role played by complexes of specific proteins called cohesins. Cohesins play an active role during mitotic and meiotic cell division (which is responsible for maintaining chromosomal integrity). Now, researchers highlight the supplementary role of the meiotic cohesin complex in mitotic cell division as observed in embryonic stem cells. The findings could have far-reaching consequences on investigations into chromosomal diseases such as Down’s syndrome, certain cancers, and infertility.

In a new study, Chung-Ang University researchers show for the first time how specific cohesin complexes involved in meiotic cell division affect chromosome structure and function in mitotic cell division.

Image courtesy: ZEISS Microscopy on Creative Commons
Licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0.

Chromosomes undergo precise structural changes at a molecular level during the different phases of cell division. These changes occur at a high level of accuracy to prevent genome instability. Genome instability resulting from broken, missing, or rearranged chromosomes has been found to be the root cause of cell death, carcinogenesis, and congenital disorders. Studying genomic instability helps researchers identify the causes of cancer and may lead to new advancements in their diagnosis and treatment.

Scientists have long deciphered the role played by cohesin during meiotic cell division. Cohesins are important proteins for maintaining genome integrity as they ensure faithful chromosome segregation by holding sister chromatids together during meiosis. Now, in a new study conducted by scientists led by Professor Keun P. Kim from Chung-Ang University, South Korea, embryonic stem cells (ESCs) were studied to understand whether the meiosis-specific cohesin complex plays an active role during mitotic cell division, which is responsible for the growth and development of all cells. Their findings were published online on 3 March 2022 in Genome Biology.

ESCs show pluripotency or the potential to differentiate into every cell type in the body, and also have an unlimited capacity for self-renewal and a high tolerance for DNA damage stress. “However, we know little about how ESCs maintain genome integrity and cope with the chromosomal abnormalities and replication stresses that can occur during cell proliferation and differentiation,” explains Prof. Kim. To bridge this knowledge gap, the team identified two cohesin factors, REC8 and STAG3, which are specifically expressed in ESCs. They studied the possible contribution of these meiotic components during mitotic cell divisions that are closely linked with the structure and organization of chromosomes in ESCs.

Based on the existing information about meiotic cohesins, the team used ESCs derived from mice to analyze the expression pattern of mitotic cohesin components. High resolution 3D-SIM (Structured Illumination Microscopy) and functional analyses were employed to understand how REC8 and STAG3 contributed to chromosome structure and cellular function in mitotic divisions. The team found that if the amount of cohesin proteins in the cell is suppressed, the chromosomes exhibit severe compaction, resulting in their early non-separation—ultimately leading to an unstable genome. To prevent this crisis, it is necessary to maintain adequate levels of the cohesin factors REC8 and STAG3, which ensure chromosomal stabilization and adequate sister chromatid cohesion during the cell cycle in ESCs.

This study proves that chromosomal morphogenesis and interaction depend upon the presence or absence of mitotic and meiotic cohesin factors. The findings provide an improved understanding into the process of chromatid cohesion and chromosome formation in mitotic ESC chromosomes. Commenting on the applications of their study, Prof. Kim concludes: “The purpose of our study was to provide an answer for how the cohesin complex and other regulatory factors are involved in the formation of the chromosome and maintenance of genomic integrity. We think this will be helpful in researching the mechanisms and treatment methods of diseases like cancer, infertility, and chromosomal diseases such as Down syndrome.”

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About Chung-Ang University

Chung-Ang University is a private comprehensive research university located in Seoul, South Korea. It was started as a kindergarten in 1916 and attained university status in 1953. It is fully accredited by the Ministry of Education of Korea. Chung-Ang University conducts research activities under the slogan of “Justice and Truth.” Its new vision for completing 100 years is “The Global Creative Leader.” Chung-Ang University offers undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs, which encompass a law school, management program, and medical school; it has 16 undergraduate and graduate schools each. Chung-Ang University’s culture and arts programs are considered the best in Korea.

Website: https://neweng.cau.ac.kr/

About Professor Keun P. Kim

Professor Keun P. Kim is a Professor of Life Science at Chung-Ang University. Before coming to Chung-Ang University, he completed his Postdoctoral training at Nancy Kleckner’s lab at Harvard University. In 2005, Prof. Kim received a PhD in Molecular Biology from Seoul National University.

The Kim group studies fundamental genetic recombination and chromosome dynamics using 3D high resolution imaging, physical analysis of recombination, and molecular genetic approaches to monitor meiosis. The group is also presently studying DNA repair pathways and homologous recombination: two processes that are essential for maintaining genomic integrity in diverse organisms.