Mammalian satellite DNA: a speaking dumb

Adv Protein Chem Struct Biol. 2013:90:31-65. doi: 10.1016/B978-0-12-410523-2.00002-X.

Abstract

The tandemly organized highly repetitive satellite DNA is the main DNA component of centromeric/pericentromeric constitutive heterochromatin. For almost a century, it was considered as "junk DNA," only a small portion of which is used for kinetochore formation. The current review summarizes recent data about satellite DNA transcription. The possible functions of the transcripts are discussed.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Centromere*
  • DNA, Satellite*
  • Gene Expression Regulation*
  • Heterochromatin
  • Humans
  • Transcription, Genetic*

Substances

  • DNA, Satellite
  • Heterochromatin