Comparative Hi-C analysis of synchronized mouse spermatocyte populations reveals dynamic changes in chromosome organization during meiotic prophase that permit homolog pairing while sustaining gene expression.

In this Timeline article, Shay and Wright provide a historical account of progress in our understanding of telomeres (the ends of linear chromosomes) and telomerase (the primary enzyme that maintains and extends telomere lengths). Their perspective covers seminal moments from the early discoveries through to our latest understanding of the roles of telomeres and telomerase in ageing, diverse human diseases and gene regulation.

How the chromosome passenger complex (CPC) phosphorylates the kinetochores that can be a micron away to control mitotic events is unknown. Here the authors find that the CPC directly binds microtubules near inner centromeres, which controls its ability to phosphorylate kinetochores independently of tension generated by kinetochore microtubule attachments.

Mammalian transcription factors (TFs) differ broadly in their DNA binding properties. Here authors quantify mitotic chromosome binding (MCB) of 501 TFs and suggest that MCB can be used as a proxy for non-specific TF-DNA interactions that regulate TF search for specific genomic sites.