Sequence analysis of an 80 kb human neocentromere

Abstract

We previously described the cloning of an 80 kb DNA corresponding to the core protein-binding domain of a human chromosome 10-derived neocentromere. Here we report the complete sequence of this DNA (designated NC DNA) and its detailed structural analysis. The sequence is devoid of human centromeric α-satellite DNA and the pericentric β- and γ-satellites, the ATRS and 48 bp repeat DNA. One copy of a sequence that is related to the CENPB box motif is present, and a number of copies of other pericentric sequences including pJα and classical satellites I and III are present but both their relative sparsity and non-tandem organization suggest that each sequence, on its own, is unlikely to mimic a..