The centromere: the punching bag of the chromosome.

Abstract

The centromere is a region present on every human chromosome that is essential for mediating chromosome segregation and maintaining genome stability. However, despite its fundamental role in the process of cell division, the centromere is constantly subjected to a wide range of stresses that can challenge their integrity, causing breakages and aneuploidy. In this review, we will examine the plethora of stresses that challenge the centromere, its stress response and how cells cope with perturbations originating from the intracellular and extracellular microenvironment in order to preserve centromere function and, overall, cellular fitness.