Breakthrough Study Reveals Centromere Mechanism in Dogrose Reproduction

An international research team has made a groundbreaking discovery regarding the unique reproductive mechanisms of the dogrose (Rosa canina), as detailed in a study published in *Nature* on June 18, 2025. This research sheds light on the role of centromeres, the chromosome regions critical for cell division, in facilitating the plant's extraordinary chromosome inheritance, which is particularly noteworthy given the dogrose's complex pentaploid (five sets of chromosomes) genetic structure.

The study, led by Dr. André Marques from the Max Planck Institute for Plant Breeding Research in Cologne, alongside Prof. Dr. Christiane Ritz from the Senckenberg Museum of Natural History in Görlitz and Dr. Aleš Kovařík from the Institute of Biophysics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, seeks to explore how variations in centromere size influence the reproductive success of this plant species. In contrast to most organisms that possess two sets of chromosomes, the dogrose's five sets complicate typical reproductive processes, often leading to infertility due to uneven chromosome pairing during meiosis.

According to Prof. Dr. Christiane Ritz, "The plant has developed a remarkable solution to this challenge. It engages in a process known as Canina meiosis or balanced heterogamy, where only two of the five chromosome sets participate in sexual reproduction while three sets are passed on clonally through egg cells. This dual strategy allows the dogrose to reproduce successfully despite its genetic complexity."

The research emphasizes that the structure of centromeres is pivotal in this reproductive mechanism. As Dr. Aleš Kovařík explains, "Our analysis of various pentaploid dogrose species revealed that the univalent chromosomes possess exceptionally large centromeres, which bind the protein CENH3—critical for ensuring the correct distribution of chromosomes during cell division. This characteristic may enhance the retention of specific chromosomes during asymmetric divisions."

The findings not only advance the understanding of plant genetics but also hold potential agricultural implications. The enhanced knowledge of dogrose reproduction mechanisms could pave the way for breeding more robust crop varieties. As Dr. Marques notes, "In the long term, our research could lead to improved strategies for cultivating polyploid crops, ultimately enhancing their fertility and resilience against environmental stresses."

Historically, the unique reproductive strategies of polyploid plants like the dogrose have fascinated botanists and geneticists alike. The current research draws on over a century of knowledge regarding dogrose reproduction while providing a clearer understanding of the underlying genetic mechanisms. The implications of these findings extend beyond botanical curiosity; they could inform agricultural practices aimed at optimizing crop yields in an era of climate change and food security challenges.

In summary, the study not only elucidates the intricacies of dogrose reproduction but also highlights the broader significance of centromere structure in the inheritance of polyploid species. As the world seeks innovative solutions to agricultural challenges, insights from this research could be instrumental in developing new methods for crop enhancement and sustainability. The full study is available in the journal *Nature* (DOI: 10.1038/s41586-025-09171-z).