The centromere is the nucleoproteic chromosomal structure necessary for accurate chromosome segregation during cell division. One of the earliest centromeric proteins to be discovered was CENP-B, the only one capable of recognizing a specific centromeric DNA binding motif. The phylogenetic history of this protein and of its DNA binding site shows independent events of function acquisition across different species and raises questions on the evolutionary dynamics of CENP-B, including what may be the selective advantage provided by its role at the centromere. Recent results have provided insight into potential functions of CENP-B in chromosome dynamics, however, its function is still object of debate. The recurrent appearance of CENP-B centromeric activity along phylogenesis, together with its dispensability, represent strictly intertwined facets of this controversy. This chapter focuses on the evolution, function and homeostasis of CENP-B and its importance in centromere biology.

中文翻译：

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从进化到功能：同一枚CENP-B硬币的两面？

着丝粒是细胞分裂过程中准确染色体分离所必需的核蛋白染色体结构。CENP-B是最早发现的着丝粒蛋白之一，CENP-B是唯一能够识别特定着丝粒DNA结合基序的蛋白。该蛋白及其DNA结合位点的系统发育史显示了跨不同物种的功能获得的独立事件，并引发了对CENP-B进化动力学的疑问，包括其在着丝粒上的作用可能提供的选择性优势。最近的结果提供了对CENP-B在染色体动力学中潜在功能的见解，但是，其功能仍是争论的对象。CENP-B着丝粒活性在系统发育中的反复出现及其可分散性，代表此争议的各个方面。本章重点介绍CENP-B的进化，功能和体内平衡及其在着丝粒生物学中的重要性。