Biological significance of centromeric satellite asymmetry in female meiosis.

Centromeres ensure faithful chromosome segregation, yet the satellite arrays typically underlying these loci exhibit remarkable variation in sequence, organization, and size across individuals and species. Recent advances in long-read genome assemblies and experimental model systems have begun to reveal that this diversity is not simply tolerated but can directly influence centromere function during female meiosis. Asymmetry between centromeric satellite arrays of homologous chromosomes can lead to asymmetries in kinetochore proteins and spindle interactions, biased chromosome orientation on the spindle, and ultimately non-Mendelian inheritance by centromere drive. Emerging evidence further suggests that centromeric satellite asymmetry can increase meiotic chromosome segregation errors and aneuploidy, particularly in the context of small arrays. In this review, we discuss recent progress linking centromeric satellite variation with meiotic chromosome behavior, centromere drive, and segregation fidelity.