centromerenegative

Centromere-negative (CEN-) is a term used in cytogenetics to describe chromosomes that lack a centromere. The centromere is a specialized region within a chromosome that plays a crucial role in cell division by attaching to spindle fibers and facilitating the proper segregation of chromosomes during mitosis and meiosis. In the absence of a centromere, chromosomes are unable to properly align and segregate, leading to genetic instability and often resulting in cell death or aneuploidy.

CEN- chromosomes are typically observed in cancer cells and are associated with poor prognosis. They can arise through various mechanisms, including deletions, duplications, or translocations that disrupt the centromere region. The absence of a centromere can also lead to the formation of dicentric chromosomes, which have two centromeres and can cause chromosome breakage and rearrangements.

The study of CEN- chromosomes is important for understanding the mechanisms of chromosomal instability in cancer and for developing targeted therapies. Researchers are exploring the potential of targeting CEN- chromosomes to disrupt their function and induce cell death in cancer cells. However, the complexity of chromosomal rearrangements and the genetic heterogeneity of cancer make this a challenging area of research.