{
  "id": 9408623,
  "title": "Ancient genome function persists despite frequent mutations, centromere study shows",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/23/ancient-genome-function-persists-despite-frequent-mutations",
  "topic": "science",
  "section": "Science",
  "published": "2026-09-23T20:40:01.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Phys.org",
    "slug": "phys-org",
    "url": "https://phys.org/news/2026-09-ancient-genome-function-persists-frequent.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "A recent study published in Nature reveals that centromeres, essential regions of chromosomes that have remained functional for nearly 2 billion years of evolution, undergo rapid DNA mutations. Despite the high mutation rate, centromeres maintain their repetitive structure. Researchers discovered that centromeres accumulate point mutations at ten times the rate of other chromosome regions. Additionally, frequent insertions and deletions usually add or remove complete repeat units, preserving the centromere's architectural integrity. Through simulations, the researchers showed that small mutations gradually create large blocks of repetitive DNA, which closely resemble the structures observed in natural centromeres. This finding helps explain how centromeres can evolve rapidly while retaining their critical function in cell division.",
  "summary": "Every time a cell divides, its chromosomes must be distributed correctly between the two daughter cells. Central to this process is the centromere, a specialized region of the chromosome. The centromere serves as the attachment site for the cellular machinery that pulls the chromosomes apart.",
  "key_points": [
    "Centromeres maintain function for 2 billion years",
    "Centromeres mutate 10 times faster than other regions",
    "Mutations create large blocks of repetitive DNA"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}