Centromeres are essential chromosomal structures that play a central role in cell division, ensuring the proper segregation of chromosomes into daughter cells. They are characterized by specific features, including a unique DNA sequence, protein composition, and molecular mechanisms. One of the defining features of centromeres is a unique DNA sequence called the centromere-specific or centromeric DNA. This DNA is distinct from the rest of the chromosome and is rich in repetitive sequences. In humans, the centromeres of most chromosomes contain a specific repeat sequence known as alpha satellite DNA. These sequences are highly repetitive and can span several kilobases. Centromeres are also enriched in a unique set of proteins that form specialized protein complexes. These proteins are essential for centromere function and chromosome segregation. For example, CENP-A is a centromere-specific histone variant that replaces canonical histone H3 at centromeres. It plays an essential role in forming a specialized centromeric nucleosome scaffold and recruiting other centromere-associated proteins. CENP-A is essential for kinetochore assembly and chromosome attachment to the spindle. Kinetochore formation is a critical feature of centromeres. The kinetochore is a complex protein structure that assembles on the centromere and serves as the attachment site for microtubule spindle fibres during cell division. Kinetochore assembly involves a complex network of proteins, including CENP-C, CENP-T, CENP-U, and others. These proteins collectively form a structure that facilitates microtubule binding and chromosome movement during mitosis and meiosis. Centromeres are also associated with cohesin complexes, which play a role in sister chromatid cohesion. Cohesin holds sister chromatids together until they are properly aligned on the metaphase plate during cell division. In budding yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae), the Scc1 (also known as Rad21) subunit of cohesin is required for sister chromatid cohesion at centromeres. This cohesion ensures that sister chromatids segregate accurately. Centromeres undergo epigenetic regulation, involving the establishment of specific epigenetic marks that distinguish them from the rest of the chromosome. In many organisms, centromeres are marked by specific histone modifications, such as H3K9 methylation. This epigenetic mark is associated with heterochromatin formation, maintaining a condensed and transcriptionally silenced state at the centromere. Centromeres exhibit epigenetic memory, meaning that they maintain their identity through cell divisions and generations. CENP-B is a centromere-associated protein that binds to specific DNA motifs within centromeric sequences. It contributes to centromere identity and maintenance by recognizing and binding to these motifs, ensuring that centromeres are faithfully replicated and propagated. Centromere sequences and proteins can evolve rapidly, even amongst closely related species. This evolutionary flexibility is due to the importance of centromeres in chromosome segregation and their potential to adapt to changes in genome structure. Neocentromeres are newly evolved centromeres that can form on non-centromeric DNA sequences and highlight the adaptability of centromeres and their ability to function with different DNA sequences. Thus, centromeres are characterized by unique DNA sequences, specialized centromere-specific proteins like CENP-A, kinetochore formation, cohesin-mediated sister chromatid cohesion, epigenetic marks, centromere identity and maintenance factors like CENP-B, and their potential for rapid evolution. We provide a comprehensive product catalogue of research tools for studying centromeres, including CENPA antibodies, and NUP160 antibodies. Explore our full centromere product range below and discover more, for less.