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The structure, function, and evolution of a complete human chromosome 8


The complete assembly of each human chromosome is essential for understanding human biology and evolution. Using complementary long-read sequencing technologies, we complete the first linear assembly of a human autosome, chromosome 8.

Our assembly resolves the sequence of five previously long-standing gaps, including a 2.08 Mbp centromeric α-satellite array, a 644 kbp defensin copy number polymorphism important for disease risk, and an 863 kbp variable number tandem repeat at chromosome 8q21.2 that can function as a neocentromere. We show that the centromeric α-satellite array is generally methylated except for a 73 kbp hypomethylated region of diverse higher-order α-satellite enriched with CENP-A nucleosomes, consistent with the location of the kinetochore.

Using a dual long-read sequencing approach, we complete the assembly of the orthologous chromosome 8 centromeric regions in chimpanzee, orangutan, and macaque for the first time to reconstruct its evolutionary history. Comparative and phylogenetic analyses show that the higher-order α-satellite structure evolved specifically in the great ape ancestor, and the centromeric region evolved with a layered symmetry, with more ancient higher-order repeats located at the periphery adjacent to monomeric α-satellites. We estimate that the mutation rate of centromeric satellite DNA is accelerated at least 2.2-fold, and this acceleration extends beyond the higher-order α-satellite into the flanking sequence.

Authors: Glennis A. Logsdon, Mitchell R. Vollger, PingHsun Hsieh, Yafei Mao, Mikhail A. Liskovykh, Sergey Koren, Sergey Nurk, Ludovica Mercuri, Philip C. Dishuck, Arang Rhie, Leonardo G. de Lima, David Porubsky, Andrey V. Bzikadze, Milinn Kremitzki, Tina A. Graves-Lindsay, Chirag Jain, Kendra Hoekzema, Shwetha C. Murali, Katherine M. Munson, Carl Baker, Melanie Sorensen, Alexandra M. Lewis, Urvashi Surti, Jennifer L. Gerton, Vladimir Larionov, Mario Ventura, Karen H. Miga, Adam M. Phillippy, Evan E. Eichler

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