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Convergent Evolution of Holocentromeres Studied with Peptides | LifeTein Peptide Blog

During cell division, microtubules in the chromosome attach to a region called the centromere. While most species have a single size-restricted centromere, or a monocentromere, some species exist with multiple centromeres distributed across the chromosome, cal

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During cell division, microtubules in the chromosome attach to a region called the centromere. While most species have a single size-restricted centromere, or a monocentromere, some species exist with multiple centromeres distributed across the chromosome, called holocentromeres. What is even more interesting is how holocentric chromosomes are considered to have evolved from the monocentric organisms, and this transition occurred independently across distant lineages, such as green algae, protozoans, invertebrates, as well as flowering plant families. One group aimed to study these holocentromeres more via the lilioid Chionographis japonica. Their goal was to better understand the convergent evolution of holocentromeres studied with peptides.Peptides help explore holocentromeresThe group determined that the chromosomal localization of the target centromere is usually marked with histone H3 (CENH3). With this knowledge, they utilized peptides and antibodies of CENH3 provided by LifeTein to create models of the transition of C. japonica from interphase to prophase and study the possible mechanisms as well. They found the holocentromere was made up only of a few, evenly spaced CENH3-positive megabase-sized satellite arrays. Overall, the reason for the convergent evolution of holocentromeres from a monocentromere may stem from multiple factors, but more experiments like the ones presented will surely provide further analysis into this complex and fascinating case of convergent evolution. Kuo, YT., Câmara, A.S., Schubert, V. et al. Holocentromeres can consist of merely a few megabase-sized satellite arrays. Nat Commun 14, 3502 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-023-38922-7

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Protein-Protein Interaction Studies

In FRET-based assays, TAMRA acts as an acceptor dye paired with donors like fluorescein. This configuration allows detection of molecular interactions between labeled peptides and target proteins. For instance, TAMRA-labeled kinase substrate peptides can reveal enzymatic activity by quantifying changes in FRET efficiency upon phosphorylation. Find other fluorescent pairs here.

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Can I purchase custom FAM-labeled peptides for my research?

Yes. Specialized providers such as LifeTein offer custom synthesis of FAM-labeled peptides with high purity (>98%) and rigorous analytical validation. Their services include choices between 5-FAM and 6-FAM, optional spacers (Ahx, β-Ala), and a variety of conjugation positions (N-terminus, lysine side chain, cysteine-specific labeling).

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Practical and safety references

These excerpts are educational, not personalised medical instructions.

How-to reference

How to solubilize my synthetic peptides? #

Please refer to this FAQ for details: Handling and Storage of Synthetic Peptides. If the peptides are still cloudy, or turbid, you may have reached the limit of solubility. When the peptides are insoluble in the buffer, please try to sonicate, centrifuge, and lyophilize the peptide. Make sure to break the lyophilized lumps into a fine powder. Then try a small volume of a good agent 8M Urea, NMP, DMF, or DMSO to dissolve the peptide. Then dilute with water or your desired buffer. For peptides with Arg or LYs, you should try to lower the pH to 6 because the protonated amino acids will help solubility. Sonication and the following solvents may help with difficult peptides: 1) Begin with 100 % acetonitrile then dilute with water until 50% 2) Begin with 100% DMSO then dilute with water until 30 % 3) Dissolve it with 8M Urea 4) Dissolve it with 6 or 8 M Guanidine hydrochloride 5) 6M GuHCL, 0.05% TFA, pH2, 6) 100% TFA 7) 40% AcOH, 30%ACN, 30% water

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Storage reference

Q2: What is the recommended storage condition for labeled peptides?

A: Store labeled peptides at –20°C in the dark. Components B-D should be stored at 2–6°C.

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