Epigenetically mismatched parental centromeres trigger genome elimination in hybrids

Wide crosses result in postzygotic elimination of one parental chromosome set, but the mechanisms that result in such differential fate are poorly understood. Here, we show that alterations of centromeric histone H3 (CENH3) lead to its selective removal from centromeres of mature Arabidopsis eggs and early zygotes, while wild-type CENH3 persists. In the hybrid zygotes and embryos, CENH3 and essential centromere proteins load preferentially on...