1
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Li Q, Hariri S, Calidas A, Kaur A, Huey E, Engebrecht J. The chromatin-associated 53BP1 ortholog, HSR-9, regulates recombinational repair and X chromosome segregation in the Caenorhabditis elegans germ line. Genetics 2024; 227:iyae102. [PMID: 38884610 DOI: 10.1093/genetics/iyae102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2024] [Revised: 05/29/2024] [Accepted: 06/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/18/2024] Open
Abstract
53BP1 plays a crucial role in regulating DNA damage repair pathway choice and checkpoint signaling in somatic cells; however, its role in meiosis has remained enigmatic. In this study, we demonstrate that the Caenorhabditis elegans ortholog of 53BP1, HSR-9, associates with chromatin in both proliferating and meiotic germ cells. Notably, HSR-9 is enriched on the X chromosome pair in pachytene oogenic germ cells. HSR-9 is also present at kinetochores during both mitotic and meiotic divisions but does not appear to be essential for monitoring microtubule-kinetochore attachments or tension. Using cytological markers of different steps in recombinational repair, we found that HSR-9 influences the processing of a subset of meiotic double-stranded breaks into COSA-1-marked crossovers. Additionally, HSR-9 plays a role in meiotic X chromosome segregation under conditions where X chromosomes fail to pair, synapse, and recombine. Together, these results highlight that chromatin-associated HSR-9 has both conserved and unique functions in the regulation of meiotic chromosome behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qianyan Li
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of California Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA
- Biochemistry, Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology Graduate Group, University of California Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Sara Hariri
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of California Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA
- Biochemistry, Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology Graduate Group, University of California Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Aashna Calidas
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of California Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Arshdeep Kaur
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of California Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Erica Huey
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of California Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - JoAnne Engebrecht
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of California Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA
- Biochemistry, Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology Graduate Group, University of California Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA
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2
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Raices M, Balmir F, Silva N, Li W, Grundy MK, Hoffman DK, Altendorfer E, Camacho CJ, Bernstein KA, Colaiácovo MP, Yanowitz J. Genetic and physical interactions reveal overlapping and distinct contributions to meiotic double-strand break formation in C. elegans. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.02.23.581796. [PMID: 38463951 PMCID: PMC10925144 DOI: 10.1101/2024.02.23.581796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/12/2024]
Abstract
Double-strand breaks (DSBs) are the most deleterious lesions experienced by our genome. Yet, DSBs are intentionally induced during gamete formation to promote the exchange of genetic material between homologous chromosomes. While the conserved topoisomerase-like enzyme Spo11 catalyzes DSBs, additional regulatory proteins-referred to as "Spo11 accessory factors"- regulate the number, timing, and placement of DSBs during early meiotic prophase ensuring that SPO11 does not wreak havoc on the genome. Despite the importance of the accessory factors, they are poorly conserved at the sequence level suggesting that these factors may adopt unique functions in different species. In this work, we present a detailed analysis of the genetic and physical interactions between the DSB factors in the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans providing new insights into conserved and novel functions of these proteins. This work shows that HIM-5 is the determinant of X-chromosome-specific crossovers and that its retention in the nucleus is dependent on DSB-1, the sole accessory factor that interacts with SPO-11. We further provide evidence that HIM-5 coordinates the actions of the different accessory factors sub-groups, providing insights into how components on the DNA loops may interact with the chromosome axis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Fabiola Balmir
- Magee-Womens Research Institute, Pittsburgh, PA 15213 USA
| | - Nicola Silva
- Department of Biology, Masaryk University, Czech Republic
| | - Wei Li
- Magee-Womens Research Institute, Pittsburgh, PA 15213 USA
- Tsinghua U. Medical School, China
| | - McKenzie K. Grundy
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | | | - Elisabeth Altendorfer
- Department of Genetics, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, 77 Avenue Louis Pasteur, Room 334, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Carlos Jaime Camacho
- Department of Computational and Systems Biology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213 USA
| | - Kara A. Bernstein
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of Pennsylvania, Penn Center for Genome Integrity, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Monica P. Colaiácovo
- Department of Genetics, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, 77 Avenue Louis Pasteur, Room 334, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Judith Yanowitz
- Magee-Womens Research Institute, Pittsburgh, PA 15213 USA
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213 USA
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3
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Li Q, Hariri S, Calidas A, Kaur A, Huey E, Engebrecht J. The chromatin-associated 53BP1 ortholog, HSR-9, regulates recombinational repair and X chromosome segregation in the Caenorhabditis elegans germ line. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.04.12.589267. [PMID: 38659880 PMCID: PMC11042201 DOI: 10.1101/2024.04.12.589267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
53BP1 plays a crucial role in regulating DNA damage repair pathway choice and checkpoint signaling in somatic cells; however, its role in meiosis has remained enigmatic. In this study, we demonstrate that the Caenorhabditis elegans ortholog of 53BP1, HSR-9, associates with chromatin in both proliferating and meiotic germ cells. Notably, HSR-9 is enriched on the X chromosome pair in pachytene oogenic germ cells. HSR-9 is also present at kinetochores during both mitotic and meiotic divisions but does not appear to be essential for monitoring microtubule-kinetochore attachments or tension. Using cytological markers of different steps in recombinational repair, we found that HSR-9 influences the processing of a subset of meiotic double strand breaks into COSA-1-marked crossovers. Additionally, HSR-9 plays a role in meiotic X chromosome segregation under conditions where X chromosomes fail to pair, synapse, and recombine. Together, these results highlight that chromatin-associated HSR-9 has both conserved and unique functions in the regulation of meiotic chromosome behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qianyan Li
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of California Davis, Davis, California 95616
- Biochemistry, Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology Graduate Group, University of California Davis, Davis, California 95616
| | - Sara Hariri
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of California Davis, Davis, California 95616
- Biochemistry, Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology Graduate Group, University of California Davis, Davis, California 95616
| | - Aashna Calidas
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of California Davis, Davis, California 95616
| | - Arshdeep Kaur
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of California Davis, Davis, California 95616
| | - Erica Huey
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of California Davis, Davis, California 95616
| | - JoAnne Engebrecht
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of California Davis, Davis, California 95616
- Biochemistry, Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology Graduate Group, University of California Davis, Davis, California 95616
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4
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Parée T, Noble L, Ferreira Gonçalves J, Teotónio H. rec-1 loss of function increases recombination in the central gene clusters at the expense of autosomal pairing centers. Genetics 2024; 226:iyad205. [PMID: 38001364 DOI: 10.1093/genetics/iyad205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2023] [Revised: 10/03/2023] [Accepted: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Meiotic control of crossover (CO) number and position is critical for homologous chromosome segregation and organismal fertility, recombination of parental genotypes, and the generation of novel genetic combinations. We here characterize the recombination rate landscape of a rec-1 loss of function modifier of CO position in Caenorhabditis elegans, one of the first ever modifiers discovered. By averaging CO position across hermaphrodite and male meioses and by genotyping 203 single-nucleotide variants covering about 95% of the genome, we find that the characteristic chromosomal arm-center recombination rate domain structure is lost in the loss of function rec-1 mutant. The rec-1 loss of function mutant smooths the recombination rate landscape but is insufficient to eliminate the nonuniform position of CO. Lower recombination rates in the rec-1 mutant are particularly found in the autosomal arm domains containing the pairing centers. We further find that the rec-1 mutant is of little consequence for organismal fertility and egg viability and thus for rates of autosomal nondisjunction. It nonetheless increases X chromosome nondisjunction rates and thus male appearance. Our findings question the maintenance of recombination rate heritability and genetic diversity among C. elegans natural populations, and they further suggest that manipulating genetic modifiers of CO position will help find quantitative trait loci located in low-recombining genomic regions normally refractory to discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tom Parée
- Institut de Biologie de l'École Normale Supérieure, CNRS UMR, 8197, Inserm U1024, PSL Research University, Paris F-75005, France
| | - Luke Noble
- Institut de Biologie de l'École Normale Supérieure, CNRS UMR, 8197, Inserm U1024, PSL Research University, Paris F-75005, France
- EnviroDNA, 95 Albert St., Brunswick, Victoria 3065, Australia
| | - João Ferreira Gonçalves
- Institut de Biologie de l'École Normale Supérieure, CNRS UMR, 8197, Inserm U1024, PSL Research University, Paris F-75005, France
| | - Henrique Teotónio
- Institut de Biologie de l'École Normale Supérieure, CNRS UMR, 8197, Inserm U1024, PSL Research University, Paris F-75005, France
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5
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Ito M, Fujita Y, Shinohara A. Positive and negative regulators of RAD51/DMC1 in homologous recombination and DNA replication. DNA Repair (Amst) 2024; 134:103613. [PMID: 38142595 DOI: 10.1016/j.dnarep.2023.103613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2023] [Revised: 12/10/2023] [Accepted: 12/10/2023] [Indexed: 12/26/2023]
Abstract
RAD51 recombinase plays a central role in homologous recombination (HR) by forming a nucleoprotein filament on single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) to catalyze homology search and strand exchange between the ssDNA and a homologous double-stranded DNA (dsDNA). The catalytic activity of RAD51 assembled on ssDNA is critical for the DNA-homology-mediated repair of DNA double-strand breaks in somatic and meiotic cells and restarting stalled replication forks during DNA replication. The RAD51-ssDNA complex also plays a structural role in protecting the regressed/reversed replication fork. Two types of regulators control RAD51 filament formation, stability, and dynamics, namely positive regulators, including mediators, and negative regulators, so-called remodelers. The appropriate balance of action by the two regulators assures genome stability. This review describes the roles of positive and negative RAD51 regulators in HR and DNA replication and its meiosis-specific homolog DMC1 in meiotic recombination. We also provide future study directions for a comprehensive understanding of RAD51/DMC1-mediated regulation in maintaining and inheriting genome integrity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masaru Ito
- Institute for Protein Research, Osaka University, Yamadaoka 3-2, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan.
| | - Yurika Fujita
- Institute for Protein Research, Osaka University, Yamadaoka 3-2, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan.
| | - Akira Shinohara
- Institute for Protein Research, Osaka University, Yamadaoka 3-2, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan.
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6
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Shin N, Lascarez-Lagunas LI, Henderson AL, Martínez-García M, Karthikraj R, Barrera V, Sui SH, Kannan K, Colaiácovo MP. Altered gene expression linked to germline dysfunction following exposure of Caenorhabditis elegans to DEET. iScience 2024; 27:108699. [PMID: 38299026 PMCID: PMC10829882 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.108699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2023] [Revised: 10/13/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/02/2024] Open
Abstract
N,N-diethyl-meta-toluamide (DEET) is a commonly used synthetic insect repellent. Although the neurological effects of DEET have been widely investigated, its effects on the germline are less understood. Here, we show that exposure of the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans, which is highly predictive of mammalian reprotoxicity, resulting in internal DEET levels within the range detected in human biological samples, causes activation of p53/CEP-1-dependent germ cell apoptosis, altered meiotic recombination, chromosome abnormalities, and missegregation. RNA-sequencing analysis links DEET-induced alterations in the expression of genes related to redox processes and chromatin structure to reduced mitochondrial function, impaired DNA double-strand break repair progression, and defects during early embryogenesis. We propose that Caenorhabditis elegans exposure to DEET interferes with gene expression, leading to increased oxidative stress and altered chromatin structure, resulting in germline effects that pose a risk to reproductive health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nara Shin
- Department of Genetics, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | | | - Ayana L. Henderson
- Department of Genetics, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Marina Martínez-García
- Department of Genetics, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Rajendiran Karthikraj
- Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, Empire State Plaza, Albany, NY 12237, USA
| | - Victor Barrera
- Bioinformatics Core, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Shannan Ho Sui
- Bioinformatics Core, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Kurunthachalam Kannan
- Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, Empire State Plaza, Albany, NY 12237, USA
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University at Albany, State University of New York, Albany, NY 12237, USA
| | - Mónica P. Colaiácovo
- Department of Genetics, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
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7
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Yamaya K, Wang B, Memar N, Odiba A, Woglar A, Gartner A, Villeneuve A. Disparate roles for C. elegans DNA translocase paralogs RAD-54.L and RAD-54.B in meiotic prophase germ cells. Nucleic Acids Res 2023; 51:9183-9202. [PMID: 37548405 PMCID: PMC10516670 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkad638] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2023] [Revised: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 07/20/2023] [Indexed: 08/08/2023] Open
Abstract
RAD54 family DNA translocases partner with RAD51 recombinases to ensure stable genome inheritance, exhibiting biochemical activities both in promoting recombinase removal and in stabilizing recombinase association with DNA. Understanding how such disparate activities of RAD54 paralogs align with their biological roles is an ongoing challenge. Here we investigate the in vivo functions of Caenorhabditis elegans RAD54 paralogs RAD-54.L and RAD-54.B during meiotic prophase, revealing distinct contributions to the dynamics of RAD-51 association with DNA and to the progression of meiotic double-strand break repair (DSBR). While RAD-54.L is essential for RAD-51 removal from meiotic DSBR sites to enable recombination progression, RAD-54.B is largely dispensable for meiotic DSBR. However, RAD-54.B is required to prevent hyperaccumulation of RAD-51 on unbroken DNA during the meiotic sub-stage when DSBs and early recombination intermediates form. Moreover, DSB-independent hyperaccumulation of RAD-51 foci in the absence of RAD-54.B is RAD-54.L-dependent, revealing a hidden activity of RAD-54.L in promoting promiscuous RAD-51 association that is antagonized by RAD-54.B. We propose a model wherein a division of labor among RAD-54 paralogs allows germ cells to ramp up their capacity for efficient homologous recombination that is crucial to successful meiosis while counteracting potentially deleterious effects of unproductive RAD-51 association with unbroken DNA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kei Yamaya
- Department of Developmental Biology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Bin Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Non-food Biomass and Enzyme Technology, Guangxi Academy of Sciences, 530007 Nanning, China
| | - Nadin Memar
- IBS Center for Genomic Integrity and Department for Biological Sciences, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology, Ulsan, Korea
| | - Arome Solomon Odiba
- State Key Laboratory of Non-food Biomass and Enzyme Technology, Guangxi Academy of Sciences, 530007 Nanning, China
| | - Alexander Woglar
- Department of Developmental Biology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
- Swiss Institute for Experimental Cancer Research (ISREC) and School of Life Sciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Anton Gartner
- IBS Center for Genomic Integrity and Department for Biological Sciences, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology, Ulsan, Korea
| | - Anne M Villeneuve
- Department of Developmental Biology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
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8
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Shao Q, Zhang Y, Liu Y, Shang Y, Li S, Liu L, Wang G, Zhou X, Wang P, Gao J, Zhou J, Zhang L, Wang S. ATF7IP2, a meiosis-specific partner of SETDB1, is required for proper chromosome remodeling and crossover formation during spermatogenesis. Cell Rep 2023; 42:112953. [PMID: 37542719 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2023.112953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2023] [Revised: 06/25/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 08/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Meiotic crossovers are required for the faithful segregation of homologous chromosomes and to promote genetic diversity. However, it is unclear how crossover formation is regulated, especially on the XY chromosomes, which show a homolog only at the tiny pseudoautosomal region. Here, we show that ATF7IP2 is a meiosis-specific ortholog of ATF7IP and a partner of SETDB1. In the absence of ATF7IP2, autosomes show increased axis length and more crossovers; however, many XY chromosomes lose the obligatory crossover, although the overall XY axis length is also increased. Additionally, meiotic DNA double-strand break formation/repair may also be affected by altered histone modifications. Ultimately, spermatogenesis is blocked, and male mice are infertile. These findings suggest that ATF7IP2 constraints autosomal axis length and crossovers on autosomes; meanwhile, it also modulates XY chromosomes to establish meiotic sex chromosome inactivation for cell-cycle progression and to ensure XY crossover formation during spermatogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiqi Shao
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
| | - Yanan Zhang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
| | - Yanlei Liu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
| | - Yongliang Shang
- Advanced Medical Research Institute, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
| | - Si Li
- Advanced Medical Research Institute, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
| | - Lin Liu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
| | - Guoqiang Wang
- Advanced Medical Research Institute, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
| | - Xu Zhou
- Advanced Medical Research Institute, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
| | - Ping Wang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
| | - Jinmin Gao
- Center for Cell Structure and Function, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Resistance Biology, College of Life Sciences, Shandong Normal University, Jinan 250014, Shandong, China
| | - Jun Zhou
- Center for Cell Structure and Function, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Resistance Biology, College of Life Sciences, Shandong Normal University, Jinan 250014, Shandong, China
| | - Liangran Zhang
- Advanced Medical Research Institute, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China; Center for Cell Structure and Function, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Resistance Biology, College of Life Sciences, Shandong Normal University, Jinan 250014, Shandong, China.
| | - Shunxin Wang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China; Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China; Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China.
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9
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Yang Q, Lo TW, Brejc K, Schartner C, Ralston EJ, Lapidus DM, Meyer BJ. X-chromosome target specificity diverged between dosage compensation mechanisms of two closely related Caenorhabditis species. eLife 2023; 12:e85413. [PMID: 36951246 PMCID: PMC10076027 DOI: 10.7554/elife.85413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2022] [Accepted: 03/21/2023] [Indexed: 03/24/2023] Open
Abstract
An evolutionary perspective enhances our understanding of biological mechanisms. Comparison of sex determination and X-chromosome dosage compensation mechanisms between the closely related nematode species Caenorhabditis briggsae (Cbr) and Caenorhabditis elegans (Cel) revealed that the genetic regulatory hierarchy controlling both processes is conserved, but the X-chromosome target specificity and mode of binding for the specialized condensin dosage compensation complex (DCC) controlling X expression have diverged. We identified two motifs within Cbr DCC recruitment sites that are highly enriched on X: 13 bp MEX and 30 bp MEX II. Mutating either MEX or MEX II in an endogenous recruitment site with multiple copies of one or both motifs reduced binding, but only removing all motifs eliminated binding in vivo. Hence, DCC binding to Cbr recruitment sites appears additive. In contrast, DCC binding to Cel recruitment sites is synergistic: mutating even one motif in vivo eliminated binding. Although all X-chromosome motifs share the sequence CAGGG, they have otherwise diverged so that a motif from one species cannot function in the other. Functional divergence was demonstrated in vivo and in vitro. A single nucleotide position in Cbr MEX can determine whether Cel DCC binds. This rapid divergence of DCC target specificity could have been an important factor in establishing reproductive isolation between nematode species and contrasts dramatically with the conservation of target specificity for X-chromosome dosage compensation across Drosophila species and for transcription factors controlling developmental processes such as body-plan specification from fruit flies to mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiming Yang
- Howard Hughes Medical InstituteBerkeleyUnited States
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, BerkeleyBerkeleyUnited States
| | - Te-Wen Lo
- Howard Hughes Medical InstituteBerkeleyUnited States
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, BerkeleyBerkeleyUnited States
| | - Katjuša Brejc
- Howard Hughes Medical InstituteBerkeleyUnited States
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, BerkeleyBerkeleyUnited States
| | - Caitlin Schartner
- Howard Hughes Medical InstituteBerkeleyUnited States
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, BerkeleyBerkeleyUnited States
| | - Edward J Ralston
- Howard Hughes Medical InstituteBerkeleyUnited States
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, BerkeleyBerkeleyUnited States
| | - Denise M Lapidus
- Howard Hughes Medical InstituteBerkeleyUnited States
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, BerkeleyBerkeleyUnited States
| | - Barbara J Meyer
- Howard Hughes Medical InstituteBerkeleyUnited States
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, BerkeleyBerkeleyUnited States
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10
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Emmenecker C, Mézard C, Kumar R. Repair of DNA double-strand breaks in plant meiosis: role of eukaryotic RecA recombinases and their modulators. PLANT REPRODUCTION 2023; 36:17-41. [PMID: 35641832 DOI: 10.1007/s00497-022-00443-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2022] [Accepted: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Homologous recombination during meiosis is crucial for the DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) repair that promotes the balanced segregation of homologous chromosomes and enhances genetic variation. In most eukaryotes, two recombinases RAD51 and DMC1 form nucleoprotein filaments on single-stranded DNA generated at DSB sites and play a central role in the meiotic DSB repair and genome stability. These nucleoprotein filaments perform homology search and DNA strand exchange to initiate repair using homologous template-directed sequences located elsewhere in the genome. Multiple factors can regulate the assembly, stability, and disassembly of RAD51 and DMC1 nucleoprotein filaments. In this review, we summarize the current understanding of the meiotic functions of RAD51 and DMC1 and the role of their positive and negative modulators. We discuss the current models and regulators of homology searches and strand exchange conserved during plant meiosis. Manipulation of these repair factors during plant meiosis also holds a great potential to accelerate plant breeding for crop improvements and productivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Côme Emmenecker
- Institut Jean-Pierre Bourgin (IJPB), Université Paris-Saclay, INRAE, AgroParisTech, 78000, Versailles, France
- University of Paris-Sud, Université Paris-Saclay, 91405, Orsay, France
| | - Christine Mézard
- Institut Jean-Pierre Bourgin (IJPB), CNRS, Université Paris-Saclay, INRAE, AgroParisTech, 78000, Versailles, France.
| | - Rajeev Kumar
- Institut Jean-Pierre Bourgin (IJPB), Université Paris-Saclay, INRAE, AgroParisTech, 78000, Versailles, France.
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11
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Lascarez-Lagunas LI, Martinez-Garcia M, Nadarajan S, Diaz-Pacheco BN, Berson E, Colaiácovo MP. Chromatin landscape, DSB levels, and cKU-70/80 contribute to patterning of meiotic DSB processing along chromosomes in C. elegans. PLoS Genet 2023; 19:e1010627. [PMID: 36706157 PMCID: PMC9907818 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1010627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2022] [Revised: 02/08/2023] [Accepted: 01/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Programmed DNA double-strand break (DSB) formation is essential for achieving accurate chromosome segregation during meiosis. DSB repair timing and template choice are tightly regulated. However, little is known about how DSB distribution and the choice of repair pathway are regulated along the length of chromosomes, which has direct effects on the recombination landscape and chromosome remodeling at late prophase I. Here, we use the spatiotemporal resolution of meiosis in the Caenorhabditis elegans germline along with genetic approaches to study distribution of DSB processing and its regulation. High-resolution imaging of computationally straightened chromosomes immunostained for the RAD-51 recombinase marking DSB repair sites reveals that the pattern of RAD-51 foci throughout pachytene resembles crossover distribution in wild type. Specifically, RAD-51 foci occur primarily along the gene-poor distal thirds of the chromosomes in both early and late pachytene, and on both the X and the autosomes. However, this biased off-center distribution can be abrogated by the formation of excess DSBs. Reduced condensin function, but not an increase in total physical axial length, results in a homogeneous distribution of RAD-51 foci, whereas regulation of H3K9 methylation is required for the enrichment of RAD-51 at off-center positions. Finally, the DSB recognition heterodimer cKU-70/80, but not the non-homologous end-joining canonical ligase LIG-4, contributes to the enriched off-center distribution of RAD-51 foci. Taken together, our data supports a model by which regulation of the chromatin landscape, DSB levels, and DSB detection by cKU-70/80 collaborate to promote DSB processing by homologous recombination at off-center regions of the chromosomes in C. elegans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura I. Lascarez-Lagunas
- Department of Genetics, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Marina Martinez-Garcia
- Department of Genetics, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Saravanapriah Nadarajan
- Department of Genetics, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Brianna N. Diaz-Pacheco
- Department of Genetics, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Elizaveta Berson
- Department of Genetics, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Mónica P. Colaiácovo
- Department of Genetics, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
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12
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Loose JA, Amrit FRG, Patil T, Yanowitz JL, Ghazi A. Meiotic dysfunction accelerates somatic aging in Caenorhabditis elegans. Aging Cell 2022; 21:e13716. [PMID: 36176234 PMCID: PMC9649607 DOI: 10.1111/acel.13716] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2022] [Revised: 08/07/2022] [Accepted: 08/31/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
An expanding body of evidence, from studies in model organisms to human clinical data, reveals that reproductive health influences organismal aging. However, the impact of germline integrity on somatic aging is poorly understood. Moreover, assessing the causal relationship of such an impact is challenging to address in human and vertebrate models. Here, we demonstrate that disruption of meiosis, a germline restricted process, shortened lifespan, impaired individual aspects of healthspan, and accelerated somatic aging in Caenorhabditis elegans. Young meiotic mutants exhibited transcriptional profiles that showed remarkable overlap with the transcriptomes of old worms and shared similarities with transcriptomes of aging human tissues as well. We found that meiosis dysfunction caused increased expression of functionally relevant longevity determinants whose inactivation enhanced the lifespan of normal animals. Further, meiotic mutants manifested destabilized protein homeostasis and enhanced proteasomal activity partially rescued the associated lifespan defects. Our study demonstrates a role for meiotic integrity in controlling somatic aging and reveals proteostasis control as a potential mechanism through which germline status impacts overall organismal health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia A. Loose
- Department of Pediatrics, John G. Rangos Sr. Research CenterUniversity of Pittsburgh School of MedicinePittsburghPennsylvaniaUSA
| | - Francis R. G. Amrit
- Department of Pediatrics, John G. Rangos Sr. Research CenterUniversity of Pittsburgh School of MedicinePittsburghPennsylvaniaUSA
| | - Thayjas Patil
- Department of Pediatrics, John G. Rangos Sr. Research CenterUniversity of Pittsburgh School of MedicinePittsburghPennsylvaniaUSA
| | - Judith L. Yanowitz
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Magee‐Womens Research InstituteUniversity of Pittsburgh School of MedicinePittsburghPAUSA
| | - Arjumand Ghazi
- Department of Pediatrics, John G. Rangos Sr. Research CenterUniversity of Pittsburgh School of MedicinePittsburghPennsylvaniaUSA,Department of Developmental Biology, John G. Rangos Sr. Research CenterUniversity of Pittsburgh School of MedicinePittsburghPennsylvaniaUSA,Department of Cell Biology & PhysiologyUniversity of Pittsburgh School of MedicinePittsburghPennsylvaniaUSA
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13
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Toraason E, Adler VL, Libuda DE. Aging and sperm signals alter DNA break formation and repair in the C. elegans germline. PLoS Genet 2022; 18:e1010282. [PMID: 36342909 PMCID: PMC9671421 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1010282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2022] [Revised: 11/17/2022] [Accepted: 10/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Female reproductive aging is associated with decreased oocyte quality and fertility. The nematode Caenorhabditis elegans is a powerful system for understanding the biology of aging and exhibits age-related reproductive defects that are analogous to those observed in many mammals, including dysregulation of DNA repair. C. elegans germline function is influenced simultaneously by both reproductive aging and signals triggered by limited supplies of sperm, which are depleted over chronological time. To delineate the causes of DNA repair defects in aged C. elegans germlines, we assessed both DNA double strand break (DSB) induction and repair during meiotic prophase I progression in aged germlines which were depleted of self-sperm, mated, or never exposed to sperm. We find that germline DSB induction is dramatically reduced only in hermaphrodites which have exhausted their endogenous sperm, suggesting that a signal due specifically to sperm depletion downregulates DSB formation. We also find that DSB repair is delayed in aged germlines regardless of whether hermaphrodites had either a reduction in sperm supply or an inability to endogenously produce sperm. These results demonstrate that in contrast to DSB induction, DSB repair defects are a feature of C. elegans reproductive aging independent of sperm presence. Finally, we demonstrate that the E2 ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme variant UEV-2 is required for efficient DSB repair specifically in young germlines, implicating UEV-2 in the regulation of DNA repair during reproductive aging. In summary, our study demonstrates that DNA repair defects are a feature of C. elegans reproductive aging and uncovers parallel mechanisms regulating efficient DSB formation in the germline.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erik Toraason
- University of Oregon, Department of Biology, Institute of Molecular Biology, Eugene, Oregon, United States of America
| | - Victoria L. Adler
- University of Oregon, Department of Biology, Institute of Molecular Biology, Eugene, Oregon, United States of America
| | - Diana E. Libuda
- University of Oregon, Department of Biology, Institute of Molecular Biology, Eugene, Oregon, United States of America
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14
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Akerib CC, Yokoo R, Nsamba ET, Strand LG, Yamaya K, Villeneuve AM. A new partial loss of function allele of rad-54.L. MICROPUBLICATION BIOLOGY 2022; 2022:10.17912/micropub.biology.000637. [PMID: 36247323 PMCID: PMC9561903 DOI: 10.17912/micropub.biology.000637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2022] [Revised: 09/02/2022] [Accepted: 09/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
RAD-54.L is required for the repair of meiotic double-strand DNA breaks (DSBs), playing an essential role in promoting removal of recombinase RAD-51 and normal completion of meiotic recombination. Failure to complete meiotic DSB repair leads to 100% lethality of embryos produced by rad-54.L null mutant mothers. Here we report a new partial loss of function allele, rad-54.L(me139) , that may prove useful for investigating meiotic mechanisms by providing a sensitized genetic background that reduces but does not eliminate the essential functions of RAD-54.L.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chantal C Akerib
- Departments of Developmental Biology and Genetics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, U.S.A
| | - Rayka Yokoo
- Departments of Developmental Biology and Genetics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, U.S.A
| | - Emmanuel T Nsamba
- Departments of Developmental Biology and Genetics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, U.S.A
| | - Liesl G Strand
- Departments of Developmental Biology and Genetics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, U.S.A
| | - Kei Yamaya
- Departments of Developmental Biology and Genetics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, U.S.A
| | - Anne M Villeneuve
- Departments of Developmental Biology and Genetics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, U.S.A.
,
Correspondence to: Anne M Villeneuve (
)
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15
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Continuous double-strand break induction and their differential processing sustain chiasma formation during Caenorhabditis elegans meiosis. Cell Rep 2022; 40:111403. [PMID: 36170820 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2022.111403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2022] [Revised: 06/01/2022] [Accepted: 09/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Faithful chromosome segregation into gametes depends on Spo11-induced DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs). These yield single-stranded 3' tails upon resection to promote crossovers (COs). While early Mre11-dependent end resection is the predominant pathway in most organisms, Exo1 or Dna2/BLM can also contribute to the efficient processing of meiotic DSBs. Although its enzymatic activity has been thoroughly dissected, the temporal dynamics underlying Spo11 activity have remained mostly elusive. We show that, in Caenorhabditis elegans, SPO-11-mediated DSB induction takes place throughout early meiotic prophase I until mid-late pachynema. We find that late DSBs are essential for CO formation and are preferentially processed by EXO-1 and DNA-2 in a redundant fashion. Further, EXO-1-DNA-2-mediated resection ensures completion of conservative DSB repair and discourages activation of KU-dependent end joining. Taken together, our data unveil important temporal aspects of DSB induction and identify previously unknown functional implications for EXO-1-DNA-2-mediated resection activity in C. elegans.
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16
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Combinatorial clustering of distinct DNA motifs directs synergistic binding of Caenorhabditis elegans dosage compensation complex to X chromosomes. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2022; 119:e2211642119. [PMID: 36067293 PMCID: PMC9477397 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2211642119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Diverse regulatory mechanisms balance X-chromosome gene expression between sexes in mammals, fruit flies, and nematodes (XY/XO males and XX females/hermaphrodites). We identify DNA motifs on X that recruit dosage compensation complexes (DCCs) in nematode hermaphrodites to reduce X-chromosome expression. Recruitment sites on X, but not regions on autosomes, contain diverse combinations of different motifs or multiple copies of one motif. DCC binding studies in vivo and in vitro of wild-type and mutant X-recruitment sites validate motif usage. We find that clustering of motifs in different combinations with appropriate orientation and spacing promotes synergy in DCC binding, thereby triggering DCC assembly specifically along X. We demonstrate how regulatory complexes can be recruited across an entire chromosome to control its gene expression. Organisms that count X-chromosome number to determine sex utilize dosage compensation mechanisms to balance X-gene expression between sexes. Typically, a regulatory complex is recruited to X chromosomes of one sex to modulate gene expression. A major challenge is to determine the mechanisms that target regulatory complexes specifically to X. Here, we identify critical X-sequence motifs in Caenorhabditis elegans that act synergistically in hermaphrodites to direct X-specific recruitment of the dosage compensation complex (DCC), a condensin complex. We find two DNA motifs that collaborate with a previously defined 12-bp motif called MEX (motif enriched on X) to mediate binding: MEX II, a 26-bp X-enriched motif and Motif C, a 9-bp motif that lacks X enrichment. Inserting both MEX and MEX II into a new location on X creates a DCC binding site equivalent to an endogenous recruitment site, but inserting only MEX or MEX II alone does not. Moreover, mutating MEX, MEX II, or Motif C in endogenous recruitment sites with multiple different motifs dramatically reduces DCC binding in vivo to nearly the same extent as mutating all motifs. Changing the orientation or spacing of motifs also reduces DCC binding. Hence, synergy in DCC binding via combinatorial clustering of motifs triggers DCC assembly specifically on X chromosomes. Using an in vitro DNA binding assay, we refine the features of motifs and flanking sequences that are critical for DCC binding. Our work reveals general principles by which regulatory complexes can be recruited across an entire chromosome to control its gene expression.
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17
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Guo H, Stamper EL, Sato-Carlton A, Shimazoe MA, Li X, Zhang L, Stevens L, Tam KCJ, Dernburg AF, Carlton PM. Phosphoregulation of DSB-1 mediates control of meiotic double-strand break activity. eLife 2022; 11:77956. [PMID: 35758641 PMCID: PMC9278955 DOI: 10.7554/elife.77956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2022] [Accepted: 06/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
In the first meiotic cell division, proper segregation of chromosomes in most organisms depends on chiasmata, exchanges of continuity between homologous chromosomes that originate from the repair of programmed double-strand breaks (DSBs) catalyzed by the Spo11 endonuclease. Since DSBs can lead to irreparable damage in germ cells, while chromosomes lacking DSBs also lack chiasmata, the number of DSBs must be carefully regulated to be neither too high nor too low. Here, we show that in Caenorhabditis elegans, meiotic DSB levels are controlled by the phosphoregulation of DSB-1, a homolog of the yeast Spo11 cofactor Rec114, by the opposing activities of PP4PPH-4.1 phosphatase and ATRATL-1 kinase. Increased DSB-1 phosphorylation in pph-4.1 mutants correlates with reduction in DSB formation, while prevention of DSB-1 phosphorylation drastically increases the number of meiotic DSBs both in pph-4.1 mutants and in the wild-type background. C. elegans and its close relatives also possess a diverged paralog of DSB-1, called DSB-2, and loss of dsb-2 is known to reduce DSB formation in oocytes with increasing age. We show that the proportion of the phosphorylated, and thus inactivated, form of DSB-1 increases with age and upon loss of DSB-2, while non-phosphorylatable DSB-1 rescues the age-dependent decrease in DSBs in dsb-2 mutants. These results suggest that DSB-2 evolved in part to compensate for the inactivation of DSB-1 through phosphorylation, to maintain levels of DSBs in older animals. Our work shows that PP4PPH-4.1, ATRATL-1, and DSB-2 act in concert with DSB-1 to promote optimal DSB levels throughout the reproductive lifespan.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heyun Guo
- Graduate School of Biostudies, Kyoto University, Yoshidakonoe, Sakyo, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Ericca L Stamper
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, United States.,Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, United States.,California Institute for Quantitative Biosciences, Berkeley, United States.,Division of Biological Systems and Engineering, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, United States
| | - Aya Sato-Carlton
- Graduate School of Biostudies, Kyoto University, Yoshidakonoe, Sakyo, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Masa A Shimazoe
- Graduate School of Biostudies, Kyoto University, Yoshidakonoe, Sakyo, Kyoto, Japan.,Department of Science, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Xuan Li
- Graduate School of Biostudies, Kyoto University, Yoshidakonoe, Sakyo, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Liangyu Zhang
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, United States.,Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, United States.,California Institute for Quantitative Biosciences, Berkeley, United States.,Division of Biological Systems and Engineering, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, United States
| | - Lewis Stevens
- Institute of Evolutionary Biology, Ashworth Laboratories, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - K C Jacky Tam
- Graduate School of Biostudies, Kyoto University, Yoshidakonoe, Sakyo, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Abby F Dernburg
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, United States.,Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, United States.,California Institute for Quantitative Biosciences, Berkeley, United States.,Division of Biological Systems and Engineering, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, United States
| | - Peter M Carlton
- Graduate School of Biostudies, Kyoto University, Yoshidakonoe, Sakyo, Kyoto, Japan.,Radiation Biology Center, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan.,Institute for Integrated Cell-Material Sciences (iCeMS), Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
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18
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Meyer BJ. The X chromosome in C. elegans sex determination and dosage compensation. Curr Opin Genet Dev 2022; 74:101912. [PMID: 35490475 DOI: 10.1016/j.gde.2022.101912] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2021] [Revised: 03/17/2022] [Accepted: 03/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Abnormalities in chromosome dose can reduce organismal fitness and viability by disrupting the balance of gene expression. Unlike imbalances in chromosome dose that cause pathologies, differences in X-chromosome dose that determine sex are well tolerated. Dosage compensation mechanisms have evolved in diverse species to balance X-chromosome gene expression between sexes. Mechanisms underlying nematode X-chromosome counting to determine sex revealed how small quantitative differences in molecular signals are translated into dramatically different developmental fates. Mechanisms underlying X-chromosome dosage compensation revealed the interplay between chromatin modification and three-dimensional chromosome structure imposed by an X-specific condensin complex to regulate gene expression over vast chromosomal territories. In a surprising twist of evolution, this dosage-compensation condensin complex also regulates lifespan and tolerance to proteotoxic stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara J Meyer
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of California, 16 Barker Hall, Berkeley, CA 94720-3204, USA.
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19
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Shang Y, Tan T, Fan C, Nie H, Wang Y, Yang X, Zhai B, Wang S, Zhang L. Meiotic chromosome organization and crossover patterns. Biol Reprod 2022; 107:275-288. [PMID: 35191959 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioac040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2021] [Revised: 02/06/2022] [Accepted: 02/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Meiosis is the foundation of sexual reproduction, and crossover recombination is one hallmark of meiosis. Crossovers establish the physical connections between homolog chromosomes (homologs) for their proper segregation and exchange DNA between homologs to promote genetic diversity in gametes and thus progenies. Aberrant crossover patterns, e.g. absence of the obligatory crossover, are the leading cause of infertility, miscarriage, and congenital disease. Therefore, crossover patterns have to be tightly controlled. During meiosis, loop/axis organized chromosomes provide the structural basis and regulatory machinery for crossover patterning. Accumulating evidence shows that chromosome axis length regulates not only the numbers but also the positions of crossovers. In addition, recent studies suggest that alterations in axis length and the resultant alterations in crossover frequency may contribute to evolutionary adaptation. Here, current advances regarding these issues are reviewed, the possible mechanisms for axis length regulating crossover frequency are discussed, and important issues that need further investigations are suggested.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongliang Shang
- Advanced Medical Research Institute, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
| | - Taicong Tan
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, China
| | - Cunxian Fan
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, College of Life Sciences, Key Laboratory of Animal Resistance Biology of Shandong Province, Shandong Normal University, Jinan, Shandong, 250014, China
| | - Hui Nie
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, College of Life Sciences, Key Laboratory of Animal Resistance Biology of Shandong Province, Shandong Normal University, Jinan, Shandong, 250014, China
| | - Ying Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, China
| | - Xiao Yang
- Advanced Medical Research Institute, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China.,Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University
| | - Binyuan Zhai
- Advanced Medical Research Institute, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
| | - Shunxin Wang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University.,National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China.,Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Jinan, Shandong 250001, China.,Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China
| | - Liangran Zhang
- Advanced Medical Research Institute, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China.,Institute of Biomedical Sciences, College of Life Sciences, Key Laboratory of Animal Resistance Biology of Shandong Province, Shandong Normal University, Jinan, Shandong, 250014, China
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20
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Meyer BJ. Mechanisms of sex determination and X-chromosome dosage compensation. Genetics 2022; 220:6498458. [PMID: 35100381 PMCID: PMC8825453 DOI: 10.1093/genetics/iyab197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2021] [Accepted: 10/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Abnormalities in chromosome number have the potential to disrupt the balance of gene expression and thereby decrease organismal fitness and viability. Such abnormalities occur in most solid tumors and also cause severe developmental defects and spontaneous abortions. In contrast to the imbalances in chromosome dose that cause pathologies, the difference in X-chromosome dose used to determine sexual fate across diverse species is well tolerated. Dosage compensation mechanisms have evolved in such species to balance X-chromosome gene expression between the sexes, allowing them to tolerate the difference in X-chromosome dose. This review analyzes the chromosome counting mechanism that tallies X-chromosome number to determine sex (XO male and XX hermaphrodite) in the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans and the associated dosage compensation mechanism that balances X-chromosome gene expression between the sexes. Dissecting the molecular mechanisms underlying X-chromosome counting has revealed how small quantitative differences in intracellular signals can be translated into dramatically different fates. Dissecting the process of X-chromosome dosage compensation has revealed the interplay between chromatin modification and chromosome structure in regulating gene expression over vast chromosomal territories.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara J Meyer
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720-3204, USA
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21
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Xie C, Wang W, Tu C, Meng L, Lu G, Lin G, Lu LY, Tan YQ. OUP accepted manuscript. Hum Reprod Update 2022; 28:763-797. [PMID: 35613017 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmac024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2021] [Revised: 04/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Chunbo Xie
- Institute of Reproduction and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, China
| | - Weili Wang
- Institute of Reproduction and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Chaofeng Tu
- Institute of Reproduction and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem Cell and Reproductive Engineering, Central South University, Changsha, China
- College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China
| | - Lanlan Meng
- Institute of Reproduction and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, China
| | - Guangxiu Lu
- Institute of Reproduction and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem Cell and Reproductive Engineering, Central South University, Changsha, China
- College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China
| | - Ge Lin
- Institute of Reproduction and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem Cell and Reproductive Engineering, Central South University, Changsha, China
- College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China
| | - Lin-Yu Lu
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Genetics (Ministry of Education) and Women's Reproductive Health Laboratory of Zhejiang Province, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yue-Qiu Tan
- Institute of Reproduction and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem Cell and Reproductive Engineering, Central South University, Changsha, China
- College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China
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22
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Kropp P, Rhodehouse K, Golden A. TUNEL Labeling to Detect Double-stranded DNA Breaks in Caenorhabditis elegans Gonads. Bio Protoc 2022; 12:e4351. [DOI: 10.21769/bioprotoc.4351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2022] [Revised: 11/15/2021] [Accepted: 01/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022] Open
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23
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Li W, Zhang L, Shinohara A, Keeney S. Editorial: Meiosis: From Molecular Basis to Medicine. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:812292. [PMID: 34926477 PMCID: PMC8671932 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.812292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2021] [Accepted: 11/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Wei Li
- Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China.,State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Beijing, China
| | - Liangran Zhang
- Advanced Medical Research Institute, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Akira Shinohara
- Institute for Protein Research, Osaka University, Suita, Japan
| | - Scott Keeney
- Molecular Biology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, New York, NY, United States
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24
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Liu H, Gordon SG, Rog O. Heterologous synapsis in C. elegans is regulated by meiotic double-strand breaks and crossovers. Chromosoma 2021; 130:237-250. [PMID: 34608541 PMCID: PMC8671313 DOI: 10.1007/s00412-021-00763-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2021] [Revised: 09/21/2021] [Accepted: 09/23/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Alignment of the parental chromosomes during meiotic prophase is key to the formation of genetic exchanges, or crossovers, and consequently to the successful production of gametes. In almost all studied organisms, alignment involves synapsis: the assembly of a conserved inter-chromosomal interface called the synaptonemal complex (SC). While the SC usually synapses homologous sequences, it can assemble between heterologous sequences. However, little is known about the regulation of heterologous synapsis. Here, we study the dynamics of heterologous synapsis in the nematode C. elegans. We characterize two experimental scenarios: SC assembly onto a folded-back chromosome that cannot pair with its homologous partner; and synapsis of pseudo-homologs, a fusion chromosome partnering with an unfused chromosome half its size. We observed elevated levels of heterologous synapsis when the number of meiotic double-strand breaks or crossovers were reduced, indicating that the promiscuity of synapsis is regulated by break formation or repair. In addition, our data suggests the existence of both chromosome-specific and nucleus-wide regulation on heterologous synapsis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanwenheng Liu
- School of Biological Sciences and Center for Cell and Genome Sciences, University of Utah, 257 South 1400 East, Salt Lake City, UT, 84112-0840, USA
- The Division of Biology & Biomedical Sciences, Washington University in St. Louis, 660 South Euclid Avenue, Missouri, 63110, USA
| | - Spencer G Gordon
- School of Biological Sciences and Center for Cell and Genome Sciences, University of Utah, 257 South 1400 East, Salt Lake City, UT, 84112-0840, USA
| | - Ofer Rog
- School of Biological Sciences and Center for Cell and Genome Sciences, University of Utah, 257 South 1400 East, Salt Lake City, UT, 84112-0840, USA.
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25
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Raices M, Bowman R, Smolikove S, Yanowitz JL. Aging Negatively Impacts DNA Repair and Bivalent Formation in the C. elegans Germ Line. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:695333. [PMID: 34422819 PMCID: PMC8371636 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.695333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2021] [Accepted: 07/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Defects in crossover (CO) formation during meiosis are a leading cause of birth defects, embryonic lethality, and infertility. In a wide range of species, maternal aging increases aneuploidy and decreases oocyte quality. In C. elegans which produce oocytes throughout the first half of adulthood, aging both decreases oocytes quality and increases meiotic errors. Phenotypes of mutations in genes encoding double-strand break (DSB)-associated proteins get more severe with maternal age suggesting that early meiosis reflects a particularly sensitive node during reproductive aging in the worm. We observed that aging has a direct effect on the integrity of C. elegans meiotic CO formation, as observed by an increase of univalent chromosomes and fusions at diakinesis, with a considerable increase starting at 4 days. We also characterize the possible causes for the age-related changes in CO formation by analyzing both steady-state levels and kinetics of the ssDNA binding proteins RPA-1 and RAD-51. Profound reductions in numbers of both RPA-1 and RAD-51 foci suggests that both DSB formation and early meiotic repair are compromised in aging worms. Using laser microirradiation and γ-irradiation to induce exogenous damage, we show specifically that recruitment of these homologous recombination proteins is altered. Repair defects can be seen in two-and-one-half day-old adults making the loss of germline repair capacity among the earliest aging phenotypes in the worm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marilina Raices
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Magee-Womens Research Institute, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Richard Bowman
- Department of Biology, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States
| | - Sarit Smolikove
- Department of Biology, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States
| | - Judith L Yanowitz
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Magee-Womens Research Institute, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, United States.,Department of Developmental Biology, Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
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26
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Rappaport Y, Achache H, Falk R, Murik O, Ram O, Tzur YB. Bisection of the X chromosome disrupts the initiation of chromosome silencing during meiosis in Caenorhabditis elegans. Nat Commun 2021; 12:4802. [PMID: 34376665 PMCID: PMC8355143 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-24815-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2020] [Accepted: 07/01/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
During meiosis, gene expression is silenced in aberrantly unsynapsed chromatin and in heterogametic sex chromosomes. Initiation of sex chromosome silencing is disrupted in meiocytes with sex chromosome-autosome translocations. To determine whether this is due to aberrant synapsis or loss of continuity of sex chromosomes, we engineered Caenorhabditis elegans nematodes with non-translocated, bisected X chromosomes. In early meiocytes of mutant males and hermaphrodites, X segments are enriched with euchromatin assembly markers and active RNA polymerase II staining, indicating active transcription. Analysis of RNA-seq data showed that genes from the X chromosome are upregulated in gonads of mutant worms. Contrary to previous models, which predicted that any unsynapsed chromatin is silenced during meiosis, our data indicate that unsynapsed X segments are transcribed. Therefore, our results suggest that sex chromosome chromatin has a unique character that facilitates its meiotic expression when its continuity is lost, regardless of whether or not it is synapsed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yisrael Rappaport
- Department of Genetics, The Institute of Life Sciences, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Hanna Achache
- Department of Genetics, The Institute of Life Sciences, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Roni Falk
- Department of Genetics, The Institute of Life Sciences, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Omer Murik
- Medical Genetics Institute, Shaare Zedek Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Oren Ram
- Department of Biological Chemistry, The Institute of Life Sciences, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Yonatan B Tzur
- Department of Genetics, The Institute of Life Sciences, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel.
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Counteracting Environmental Chemicals with Coenzyme Q10: An Educational Primer for Use with "Antioxidant CoQ10 Restores Fertility by Rescuing Bisphenol A-Induced Oxidative DNA Damage in the Caenorhabditis elegans Germline". Genetics 2021; 216:879-890. [PMID: 33268390 DOI: 10.1534/genetics.120.303577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2020] [Accepted: 09/05/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Environmental toxicants are chemicals that negatively affect human health. Although there are numerous ways to limit exposure, the ubiquitous nature of certain environmental toxicants makes it impossible to avoid them entirely. Consequently, scientists are continuously working toward developing strategies for combating their harmful effects. Using the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans, a model with many genetic and physiological similarities to humans, researchers in the Colaiácovo laboratory have identified several molecular mechanisms by which the toxic agent bisphenol A (BPA) interferes with reproduction. Here, we address their recent discovery that a widely available compound, Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), can rescue BPA-induced damage. This work is significant in that it poses a low-cost method for improving reproductive success in humans. The goal of this primer is to assist educators and students with navigating the paper entitled "Antioxidant CoQ10 Restores Fertility by Rescuing Bisphenol A-Induced Oxidative DNA Damage in the Caenorhabditis elegans Germline." It is ideally suited for integration into an upper-level undergraduate course such as Genetics, Cell and Molecular Biology, Developmental Biology, or Toxicology. The primer provides background information on the history of BPA, the utility of the C. elegans germ line as a model for studying reproductive toxicity, and research methods including assessment of programmed cell death, fluorescent microscopy applications, and assays to quantify gene expression. Questions for deeper exploration in-class or online are provided.Related article in GENETICS: Hornos Carneiro MF, Shin N, Karthikraj R, Barbosa F Jr, Kannan K, Colaiácovo MP. Antioxidant CoQ10 restores fertility by rescuing bisphenol A-induced oxidative DNA damage in the Caenorhabditis elegans Germline. Genetics 214:381-395.
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Grey C, de Massy B. Chromosome Organization in Early Meiotic Prophase. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:688878. [PMID: 34150782 PMCID: PMC8209517 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.688878] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Accepted: 05/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
One of the most fascinating aspects of meiosis is the extensive reorganization of the genome at the prophase of the first meiotic division (prophase I). The first steps of this reorganization are observed with the establishment of an axis structure, that connects sister chromatids, from which emanate arrays of chromatin loops. This axis structure, called the axial element, consists of various proteins, such as cohesins, HORMA-domain proteins, and axial element proteins. In many organisms, axial elements are required to set the stage for efficient sister chromatid cohesion and meiotic recombination, necessary for the recognition of the homologous chromosomes. Here, we review the different actors involved in axial element formation in Saccharomyces cerevisiae and in mouse. We describe the current knowledge of their localization pattern during prophase I, their functional interdependence, their role in sister chromatid cohesion, loop axis formation, homolog pairing before meiotic recombination, and recombination. We also address further challenges that need to be resolved, to fully understand the interplay between the chromosome structure and the different molecular steps that take place in early prophase I, which lead to the successful outcome of meiosis I.
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Affiliation(s)
- Corinne Grey
- Institut de Génétique Humaine, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Université de Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Bernard de Massy
- Institut de Génétique Humaine, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Université de Montpellier, Montpellier, France
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Achache H, Falk R, Lerner N, Beatus T, Tzur YB. Oocyte aging is controlled by mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling. Aging Cell 2021; 20:e13386. [PMID: 34061407 PMCID: PMC8208789 DOI: 10.1111/acel.13386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2020] [Revised: 03/25/2021] [Accepted: 05/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Oogenesis is one of the first processes to fail during aging. In women, most oocytes cannot successfully complete meiotic divisions already during the fourth decade of life. Studies of the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans have uncovered conserved genetic pathways that control lifespan, but our knowledge regarding reproductive aging in worms and humans is limited. Specifically, little is known about germline internal signals that dictate the oogonial biological clock. Here, we report a thorough characterization of the changes in the worm germline during aging. We found that shortly after ovulation halts, germline proliferation declines, while apoptosis continues, leading to a gradual reduction in germ cell numbers. In late aging stages, we observed that meiotic progression is disturbed and crossover designation and DNA double-strand break repair decrease. In addition, we detected a decline in the quality of mature oocytes during aging, as reflected by decreasing size and elongation of interhomolog distance, a phenotype also observed in human oocytes. Many of these altered processes were previously attributed to MAPK signaling variations in young worms. In support of this, we observed changes in activation dynamics of MPK-1 during aging. We therefore tested the hypothesis that MAPK controls oocyte quality in aged worms using both genetic and pharmacological tools. We found that in mutants with high levels of activated MPK-1, oocyte quality deteriorates more rapidly than in wild-type worms, whereas reduction of MPK-1 levels enhances quality. Thus, our data suggest that MAPK signaling controls germline aging and could be used to attenuate the rate of oogenesis quality decline.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanna Achache
- Department of GeneticsInstitute of Life SciencesThe Hebrew University of JerusalemJerusalemIsrael
| | - Roni Falk
- Department of GeneticsInstitute of Life SciencesThe Hebrew University of JerusalemJerusalemIsrael
| | - Noam Lerner
- Department of NeurobiologyThe Institute of Life ScienceThe Hebrew University of JerusalemJerusalemIsrael
- The Alexander Grass Center for BioengineeringThe Rachel and Selim Benin School of Computer Science and EngineeringThe Hebrew University of JerusalemJerusalemIsrael
| | - Tsevi Beatus
- Department of NeurobiologyThe Institute of Life ScienceThe Hebrew University of JerusalemJerusalemIsrael
- The Alexander Grass Center for BioengineeringThe Rachel and Selim Benin School of Computer Science and EngineeringThe Hebrew University of JerusalemJerusalemIsrael
| | - Yonatan B. Tzur
- Department of GeneticsInstitute of Life SciencesThe Hebrew University of JerusalemJerusalemIsrael
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30
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Hernandez Sanchez-Rebato M, Bouatta AM, Gallego ME, White CI, Da Ines O. RAD54 is essential for RAD51-mediated repair of meiotic DSB in Arabidopsis. PLoS Genet 2021; 17:e1008919. [PMID: 34003859 PMCID: PMC8162660 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1008919] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2020] [Revised: 05/28/2021] [Accepted: 05/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
An essential component of the homologous recombination machinery in eukaryotes, the RAD54 protein is a member of the SWI2/SNF2 family of helicases with dsDNA-dependent ATPase, DNA translocase, DNA supercoiling and chromatin remodelling activities. It is a motor protein that translocates along dsDNA and performs multiple functions in homologous recombination. In particular, RAD54 is an essential cofactor for regulating RAD51 activity. It stabilizes the RAD51 nucleofilament, remodels nucleosomes, and stimulates the homology search and strand invasion activities of RAD51. Accordingly, deletion of RAD54 has dramatic consequences on DNA damage repair in mitotic cells. In contrast, its role in meiotic recombination is less clear. RAD54 is essential for meiotic recombination in Drosophila and C. elegans, but plays minor roles in yeast and mammals. We present here characterization of the roles of RAD54 in meiotic recombination in the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana. Absence of RAD54 has no detectable effect on meiotic recombination in otherwise wild-type plants but RAD54 becomes essential for meiotic DSB repair in absence of DMC1. In Arabidopsis, dmc1 mutants have an achiasmate meiosis, in which RAD51 repairs meiotic DSBs. Lack of RAD54 leads to meiotic chromosomal fragmentation in absence of DMC1. The action of RAD54 in meiotic RAD51 activity is thus mainly downstream of the role of RAD51 in supporting the activity of DMC1. Equivalent analyses show no effect on meiosis of combining dmc1 with the mutants of the RAD51-mediators RAD51B, RAD51D and XRCC2. RAD54 is thus required for repair of meiotic DSBs by RAD51 and the absence of meiotic phenotype in rad54 plants is a consequence of RAD51 playing a RAD54-independent supporting role to DMC1 in meiotic recombination. Homologous recombination is a universal pathway which repairs broken DNA molecules through the use of homologous DNA templates. It is both essential for maintenance of genome stability and for the generation of genetic diversity through sexual reproduction. A central step of the homologous recombination process is the search for and invasion of a homologous, intact DNA sequence that will be used as template. This key step is catalysed by the RAD51 recombinase in somatic cells and RAD51 and DMC1 in meiotic cells, assisted by a number of associated factors. Among these, the chromatin-remodelling protein RAD54 is a required cofactor for RAD51 in mitotic cells. Understanding of its role during meiotic recombination however remains elusive. We show here that RAD54 is required for repair of meiotic double strand breaks by RAD51 in the plant Arabidopsis thaliana, and this function is downstream of the meiotic role of RAD51 in supporting the activity of DMC1. These results provide new insights into the regulation of the central step of homologous recombination in plants and very probably also other multicellular eukaryotes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miguel Hernandez Sanchez-Rebato
- Institut Génétique Reproduction et Développement (iGReD), Université Clermont Auvergne, UMR 6293 CNRS, U1103 INSERM, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Alida M Bouatta
- Institut Génétique Reproduction et Développement (iGReD), Université Clermont Auvergne, UMR 6293 CNRS, U1103 INSERM, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Maria E Gallego
- Institut Génétique Reproduction et Développement (iGReD), Université Clermont Auvergne, UMR 6293 CNRS, U1103 INSERM, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Charles I White
- Institut Génétique Reproduction et Développement (iGReD), Université Clermont Auvergne, UMR 6293 CNRS, U1103 INSERM, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Olivier Da Ines
- Institut Génétique Reproduction et Développement (iGReD), Université Clermont Auvergne, UMR 6293 CNRS, U1103 INSERM, Clermont-Ferrand, France
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31
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Nadarajan S, Altendorfer E, Saito TT, Martinez-Garcia M, Colaiácovo MP. HIM-17 regulates the position of recombination events and GSP-1/2 localization to establish short arm identity on bivalents in meiosis. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2021; 118:e2016363118. [PMID: 33883277 PMCID: PMC8092412 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2016363118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The position of recombination events established along chromosomes in early prophase I and the chromosome remodeling that takes place in late prophase I are intrinsically linked steps of meiosis that need to be tightly regulated to ensure accurate chromosome segregation and haploid gamete formation. Here, we show that RAD-51 foci, which form at the sites of programmed meiotic DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs), exhibit a biased distribution toward off-centered positions along the chromosomes in wild-type Caenorhabditis elegans, and we identify two meiotic roles for chromatin-associated protein HIM-17 that ensure normal chromosome remodeling in late prophase I. During early prophase I, HIM-17 regulates the distribution of DSB-dependent RAD-51 foci and crossovers on chromosomes, which is critical for the formation of distinct chromosome subdomains (short and long arms of the bivalents) later during chromosome remodeling. During late prophase I, HIM-17 promotes the normal expression and localization of protein phosphatases GSP-1/2 to the surface of the bivalent chromosomes and may promote GSP-1 phosphorylation, thereby antagonizing Aurora B kinase AIR-2 loading on the long arms and preventing premature loss of sister chromatid cohesion. We propose that HIM-17 plays distinct roles at different stages during meiotic progression that converge to promote normal chromosome remodeling and accurate chromosome segregation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Elisabeth Altendorfer
- Department of Genetics, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115
| | - Takamune T Saito
- Department of Genetics, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115
| | | | - Monica P Colaiácovo
- Department of Genetics, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115
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32
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Toraason E, Adler VL, Kurhanewicz NA, DiNardo A, Saunders AM, Cahoon CK, Libuda DE. Automated and customizable quantitative image analysis of whole Caenorhabditis elegans germlines. Genetics 2021; 217:iyab010. [PMID: 33772283 PMCID: PMC8045727 DOI: 10.1093/genetics/iyab010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2020] [Accepted: 01/11/2021] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Arranged in a spatial-temporal gradient for germ cell development, the adult germline of Caenorhabditis elegans is an excellent system for understanding the generation, differentiation, function, and maintenance of germ cells. Imaging whole C. elegans germlines along the distal-proximal axis enables powerful cytological analyses of germ cell nuclei as they progress from the pre-meiotic tip through all the stages of meiotic prophase I. To enable high-content image analysis of whole C. elegans gonads, we developed a custom algorithm and pipelines to function with image processing software that enables: (1) quantification of cytological features at single nucleus resolution from immunofluorescence images; and (2) assessment of these individual nuclei based on their position within the germline. We show the capability of our quantitative image analysis approach by analyzing multiple cytological features of meiotic nuclei in whole C. elegans germlines. First, we quantify double-strand DNA breaks (DSBs) per nucleus by analyzing DNA-associated foci of the recombinase RAD-51 at single-nucleus resolution in the context of whole germline progression. Second, we quantify the DSBs that are licensed for crossover repair by analyzing foci of MSH-5 and COSA-1 when they associate with the synaptonemal complex during meiotic prophase progression. Finally, we quantify P-granule composition across the whole germline by analyzing the colocalization of PGL-1 and ZNFX-1 foci. Our image analysis pipeline is an adaptable and useful method for researchers spanning multiple fields using the C. elegans germline as a model system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erik Toraason
- Department of Biology, Institute of Molecular Biology, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR 97403, USA
| | - Victoria L Adler
- Department of Biology, Institute of Molecular Biology, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR 97403, USA
| | - Nicole A Kurhanewicz
- Department of Biology, Institute of Molecular Biology, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR 97403, USA
| | - Acadia DiNardo
- Department of Biology, Institute of Molecular Biology, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR 97403, USA
| | - Adam M Saunders
- Department of Biology, Institute of Molecular Biology, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR 97403, USA
| | - Cori K Cahoon
- Department of Biology, Institute of Molecular Biology, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR 97403, USA
| | - Diana E Libuda
- Department of Biology, Institute of Molecular Biology, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR 97403, USA
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33
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Almanzar DE, Gordon SG, Rog O. Meiotic sister chromatid exchanges are rare in C. elegans. Curr Biol 2021; 31:1499-1507.e3. [PMID: 33740426 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2020.11.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2020] [Revised: 10/08/2020] [Accepted: 11/05/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Sexual reproduction shuffles the parental genomes to generate new genetic combinations. To achieve that, the genome is subjected to numerous double-strand breaks, the repair of which involves two crucial decisions: repair pathway and repair template.1 Use of crossover pathways with the homologous chromosome as template exchanges genetic information and directs chromosome segregation. Crossover repair, however, can compromise the integrity of the repair template and is therefore tightly regulated. The extent to which crossover pathways are used during sister-directed repair is unclear because the identical sister chromatids are difficult to distinguish. Nonetheless, indirect assays have led to the suggestion that inter-sister crossovers, or sister chromatid exchanges (SCEs), are quite common.2-11 Here we devised a technique to directly score physiological SCEs in the C. elegans germline using selective sister chromatid labeling with the thymidine analog 5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine (EdU). Surprisingly, we find SCEs to be rare in meiosis, accounting for <2% of repair events. SCEs remain rare even when the homologous chromosome is unavailable, indicating that almost all sister-directed repair is channeled into noncrossover pathways. We identify two mechanisms that limit SCEs. First, SCEs are elevated in the absence of the RecQ helicase BLMHIM-6. Second, the synaptonemal complex-a conserved interface that promotes crossover repair12,13-promotes SCEs when localized between the sisters. Our data suggest that crossover pathways in C. elegans are only used to generate the single necessary link between the homologous chromosomes. Noncrossover pathways repair almost all other breaks, regardless of the repair template.
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Affiliation(s)
- David E Almanzar
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Utah, 257 South 1400 East, Salt Lake City, UT 84112-0840, USA
| | - Spencer G Gordon
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Utah, 257 South 1400 East, Salt Lake City, UT 84112-0840, USA
| | - Ofer Rog
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Utah, 257 South 1400 East, Salt Lake City, UT 84112-0840, USA.
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34
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Gartner A, Engebrecht J. DNA repair, recombination, and damage signaling. Genetics 2021; 220:6522877. [PMID: 35137093 PMCID: PMC9097270 DOI: 10.1093/genetics/iyab178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2021] [Accepted: 10/10/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
DNA must be accurately copied and propagated from one cell division to the next, and from one generation to the next. To ensure the faithful transmission of the genome, a plethora of distinct as well as overlapping DNA repair and recombination pathways have evolved. These pathways repair a large variety of lesions, including alterations to single nucleotides and DNA single and double-strand breaks, that are generated as a consequence of normal cellular function or by external DNA damaging agents. In addition to the proteins that mediate DNA repair, checkpoint pathways have also evolved to monitor the genome and coordinate the action of various repair pathways. Checkpoints facilitate repair by mediating a transient cell cycle arrest, or through initiation of cell suicide if DNA damage has overwhelmed repair capacity. In this chapter, we describe the attributes of Caenorhabditis elegans that facilitate analyses of DNA repair, recombination, and checkpoint signaling in the context of a whole animal. We review the current knowledge of C. elegans DNA repair, recombination, and DNA damage response pathways, and their role during development, growth, and in the germ line. We also discuss how the analysis of mutational signatures in C. elegans is helping to inform cancer mutational signatures in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anton Gartner
- Department for Biological Sciences, IBS Center for Genomic Integrity, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology, Ulsan 689-798, Republic of Korea,Corresponding author: (A.G.); (J.E.)
| | - JoAnne Engebrecht
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of California Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA,Corresponding author: (A.G.); (J.E.)
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35
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Zhang ZH, Jiang TX, Chen LB, Zhou W, Liu Y, Gao F, Qiu XB. Proteasome subunit α4s is essential for formation of spermatoproteasomes and histone degradation during meiotic DNA repair in spermatocytes. J Biol Chem 2021; 296:100130. [PMID: 33262216 PMCID: PMC7949063 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.ra120.016485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2020] [Revised: 11/18/2020] [Accepted: 12/01/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Meiosis, which produces haploid progeny, is critical to ensuring both faithful genome transmission and genetic diversity. Proteasomes play critical roles at various stages of spermatogenesis, including meiosis, but the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. The atypical proteasomes, which contain the activator PA200, catalyze the acetylation-dependent degradation of the core histones in elongated spermatids and DNA repair in somatic cells. We show here that the testis-specific proteasome subunit α4s/PSMA8 is essential for male fertility by promoting proper formation of spermatoproteasomes, which harbor both PA200 and constitutive catalytic subunits. Immunostaining of a spermatocyte marker, SYCP3, indicated that meiosis was halted at the stage of spermatocytes in the α4s-deficient testes. α4s stimulated the in vitro degradation of the acetylated core histones, instead of nonacetylated histones, by the PA200-proteasome. Deletion of α4s blocked degradation of the core histones at DNA damage loci in spermatocytes, leading to meiotic arrest at metaphase I. Thus, α4s is required for histone degradation at meiotic DNA damage loci, proper progression of meiosis, and fertility in males by promoting proper formation of spermatoproteasomes. These results are important for understanding male infertility and might provide potential targets for male contraception or treatment of male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zi-Hui Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation & Regulation Biology, Ministry of Education and College of Life Sciences, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Tian-Xia Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation & Regulation Biology, Ministry of Education and College of Life Sciences, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China.
| | - Lian-Bin Chen
- Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation & Regulation Biology, Ministry of Education and College of Life Sciences, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Wenhui Zhou
- Medical Center for Human Reproduction, Beijing Chaoyang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Yixun Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Fei Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xiao-Bo Qiu
- Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation & Regulation Biology, Ministry of Education and College of Life Sciences, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China.
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36
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Farboud B, Novak CS, Nicoll M, Quiogue A, Meyer BJ. Dose-dependent action of the RNA binding protein FOX-1 to relay X-chromosome number and determine C. elegans sex. eLife 2020; 9:62963. [PMID: 33372658 PMCID: PMC7787662 DOI: 10.7554/elife.62963] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2020] [Accepted: 12/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
We demonstrate how RNA binding protein FOX-1 functions as a dose-dependent X-signal element to communicate X-chromosome number and thereby determine nematode sex. FOX-1, an RNA recognition motif protein, triggers hermaphrodite development in XX embryos by causing non-productive alternative pre-mRNA splicing of xol-1, the master sex-determination switch gene that triggers male development in XO embryos. RNA binding experiments together with genome editing demonstrate that FOX-1 binds to multiple GCAUG and GCACG motifs in a xol-1 intron, causing intron retention or partial exon deletion, thereby eliminating male-determining XOL-1 protein. Transforming all motifs to GCAUG or GCACG permits accurate alternative splicing, demonstrating efficacy of both motifs. Mutating subsets of both motifs partially alleviates non-productive splicing. Mutating all motifs blocks it, as does transforming them to low-affinity GCUUG motifs. Combining multiple high-affinity binding sites with the twofold change in FOX-1 concentration between XX and XO embryos achieves dose-sensitivity in splicing regulation to determine sex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Behnom Farboud
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of California at Berkeley, Berkeley, United States.,Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California at Berkeley, Berkeley, United States
| | - Catherine S Novak
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of California at Berkeley, Berkeley, United States.,Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California at Berkeley, Berkeley, United States
| | - Monique Nicoll
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of California at Berkeley, Berkeley, United States.,Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California at Berkeley, Berkeley, United States
| | - Alyssa Quiogue
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of California at Berkeley, Berkeley, United States.,Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California at Berkeley, Berkeley, United States
| | - Barbara J Meyer
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of California at Berkeley, Berkeley, United States.,Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California at Berkeley, Berkeley, United States
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37
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Santonicola P, Germoglio M, d'Abbusco DS, Adamo A. Functional characterization of Caenorhabditis elegans cbs-2 gene during meiosis. Sci Rep 2020; 10:20913. [PMID: 33262405 PMCID: PMC7708620 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-78006-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2020] [Accepted: 11/18/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Cystathionine β-synthase (CBS) is a eukaryotic enzyme that maintains the cellular homocysteine homeostasis and catalyzes the conversion of homocysteine to L-cystathionine and Hydrogen sulfide, via the trans-sulfuration pathway. In Caenorhabditis elegans, two cbs genes are present: cbs-1 functions similarly as to human CBS, and cbs-2, whose roles are instead unknown. In the present study we performed a phenotypic characterization of the cbs-2 mutant. The null cbs-2 mutant is viable, fertile and shows the wild-type complement of six bivalents in most oocyte nuclei, which is indicative of a correct formation of crossover recombination. In absence of synaptonemal complex formation (syp-2 mutant), loss of cbs-2 leads to chromosome fragmentation, suggesting that cbs-2 is essential during inter-sister repair. Interestingly, although proficient in the activation of the DNA damage checkpoint after exposure to genotoxic stress, the cbs-2 mutant is defective in DNA damage-induced apoptosis in meiotic germ cells. These results suggest possible functions for CBS-2 in meiosis, distinct from a role in the trans-sulfuration pathway. We propose that the C. elegans CBS-2 protein is required for both inter-sister repair and execution of DNA damage-induced apoptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pamela Santonicola
- Institute of Biosciences and BioResources, National Research Council, Via Pietro Castellino 111, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Marcello Germoglio
- Institute of Biosciences and BioResources, National Research Council, Via Pietro Castellino 111, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Domenico Scotto d'Abbusco
- Institute of Biosciences and BioResources, National Research Council, Via Pietro Castellino 111, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Adele Adamo
- Institute of Biosciences and BioResources, National Research Council, Via Pietro Castellino 111, 80131, Naples, Italy.
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38
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Lascarez-Lagunas LI, Herruzo E, Grishok A, San-Segundo PA, Colaiácovo MP. DOT-1.1-dependent H3K79 methylation promotes normal meiotic progression and meiotic checkpoint function in C. elegans. PLoS Genet 2020; 16:e1009171. [PMID: 33104701 PMCID: PMC7644094 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1009171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2020] [Revised: 11/05/2020] [Accepted: 10/06/2020] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Epigenetic modifiers are emerging as important regulators of the genome. However, how they regulate specific processes during meiosis is not well understood. Methylation of H3K79 by the histone methyltransferase Dot1 has been shown to be involved in the maintenance of genomic stability in various organisms. In S. cerevisiae, Dot1 modulates the meiotic checkpoint response triggered by synapsis and/or recombination defects by promoting Hop1-dependent Mek1 activation and Hop1 distribution along unsynapsed meiotic chromosomes, at least in part, by regulating Pch2 localization. However, how this protein regulates meiosis in metazoans is unknown. Here, we describe the effects of H3K79me depletion via analysis of dot-1.1 or zfp-1 mutants during meiosis in Caenorhabditis elegans. We observed decreased fertility and increased embryonic lethality in dot-1.1 mutants suggesting meiotic dysfunction. We show that DOT-1.1 plays a role in the regulation of pairing, synapsis and recombination in the worm. Furthermore, we demonstrate that DOT-1.1 is an important regulator of mechanisms surveilling chromosome synapsis during meiosis. In sum, our results reveal that regulation of H3K79me plays an important role in coordinating events during meiosis in C. elegans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura I. Lascarez-Lagunas
- Department of Genetics, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States of America
| | - Esther Herruzo
- Instituto de Biología Funcional y Genómica, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas and University of Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
| | - Alla Grishok
- Department of Biochemistry, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, United States of America
- Genome Science Institute, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, United States of America
| | - Pedro A. San-Segundo
- Instituto de Biología Funcional y Genómica, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas and University of Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
| | - Mónica P. Colaiácovo
- Department of Genetics, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States of America
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39
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Li Q, Hariri S, Engebrecht J. Meiotic Double-Strand Break Processing and Crossover Patterning Are Regulated in a Sex-Specific Manner by BRCA1-BARD1 in Caenorhabditis elegans. Genetics 2020; 216:359-379. [PMID: 32796008 PMCID: PMC7536853 DOI: 10.1534/genetics.120.303292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2020] [Accepted: 08/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Meiosis is regulated in a sex-specific manner to produce two distinct gametes, sperm and oocytes, for sexual reproduction. To determine how meiotic recombination is regulated in spermatogenesis, we analyzed the meiotic phenotypes of mutants in the tumor suppressor E3 ubiquitin ligase BRC-1-BRD-1 complex in Caenorhabditis elegans male meiosis. Unlike in mammals, this complex is not required for meiotic sex chromosome inactivation, the process whereby hemizygous sex chromosomes are transcriptionally silenced. Interestingly, brc-1 and brd-1 mutants show meiotic recombination phenotypes that are largely opposing to those previously reported for female meiosis. Fewer meiotic recombination intermediates marked by the recombinase RAD-51 were observed in brc-1 and brd-1 mutants, and the reduction in RAD-51 foci could be suppressed by mutation of nonhomologous-end-joining proteins. Analysis of GFP::RPA-1 revealed fewer foci in the brc-1brd-1 mutant and concentration of BRC-1-BRD-1 to sites of meiotic recombination was dependent on DNA end resection, suggesting that the complex regulates the processing of meiotic double-strand breaks to promote repair by homologous recombination. Further, BRC-1-BRD-1 is important to promote progeny viability when male meiosis is perturbed by mutations that block the pairing and synapsis of different chromosome pairs, although the complex is not required to stabilize the RAD-51 filament as in female meiosis under the same conditions. Analyses of crossover designation and formation revealed that BRC-1-BRD-1 inhibits supernumerary COs when meiosis is perturbed. Together, our findings suggest that BRC-1-BRD-1 regulates different aspects of meiotic recombination in male and female meiosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qianyan Li
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, and Biochemistry, Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology Graduate Group, University of California, Davis, California 95616
| | - Sara Hariri
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, and Biochemistry, Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology Graduate Group, University of California, Davis, California 95616
| | - JoAnne Engebrecht
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, and Biochemistry, Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology Graduate Group, University of California, Davis, California 95616
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40
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Janisiw E, Raices M, Balmir F, Paulin LF, Baudrimont A, von Haeseler A, Yanowitz JL, Jantsch V, Silva N. Poly(ADP-ribose) glycohydrolase coordinates meiotic DNA double-strand break induction and repair independent of its catalytic activity. Nat Commun 2020; 11:4869. [PMID: 32978394 PMCID: PMC7519143 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-18693-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2020] [Accepted: 09/07/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Poly(ADP-ribosyl)ation is a reversible post-translational modification synthetized by ADP-ribose transferases and removed by poly(ADP-ribose) glycohydrolase (PARG), which plays important roles in DNA damage repair. While well-studied in somatic tissues, much less is known about poly(ADP-ribosyl)ation in the germline, where DNA double-strand breaks are introduced by a regulated program and repaired by crossover recombination to establish a tether between homologous chromosomes. The interaction between the parental chromosomes is facilitated by meiotic specific adaptation of the chromosome axes and cohesins, and reinforced by the synaptonemal complex. Here, we uncover an unexpected role for PARG in coordinating the induction of meiotic DNA breaks and their homologous recombination-mediated repair in Caenorhabditis elegans. PARG-1/PARG interacts with both axial and central elements of the synaptonemal complex, REC-8/Rec8 and the MRN/X complex. PARG-1 shapes the recombination landscape and reinforces the tightly regulated control of crossover numbers without requiring its catalytic activity. We unravel roles in regulating meiosis, beyond its enzymatic activity in poly(ADP-ribose) catabolism. Poly(ADP-ribose) glycohydrolase (PARG) is involved in different cellular processes including DNA repair. Here the authors reveal a role for PARG in regulating meiotic DNA double strand break induction and repair in Caenorhabditis elegans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva Janisiw
- Department of Chromosome Biology, Max Perutz Laboratories, Vienna Biocenter, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.,Centre for Anatomy and Cell Biology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Marilina Raices
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Magee-Womens Research Institute, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Fabiola Balmir
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Magee-Womens Research Institute, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.,AHN Center for Reproductive Medicine, AHN McCandless, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Luis F Paulin
- Center for Integrative Bioinformatics Vienna (CIBIV), Max Perutz Laboratories, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna BioCenter, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Antoine Baudrimont
- Department of Chromosome Biology, Max Perutz Laboratories, Vienna Biocenter, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Arndt von Haeseler
- Center for Integrative Bioinformatics Vienna (CIBIV), Max Perutz Laboratories, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna BioCenter, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.,Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, Faculty of Computer Science, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Judith L Yanowitz
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Magee-Womens Research Institute, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Verena Jantsch
- Department of Chromosome Biology, Max Perutz Laboratories, Vienna Biocenter, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Nicola Silva
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic.
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41
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Herbette M, Robert V, Bailly A, Gely L, Feil R, Llères D, Palladino F. A Role for Caenorhabditis elegans COMPASS in Germline Chromatin Organization. Cells 2020; 9:cells9092049. [PMID: 32911802 PMCID: PMC7565041 DOI: 10.3390/cells9092049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2020] [Revised: 09/02/2020] [Accepted: 09/03/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Deposition of histone H3 lysine 4 (H3K4) methylation at promoters is catalyzed by the SET1/COMPASS complex and is associated with context-dependent effects on gene expression and local changes in chromatin organization. The role of SET1/COMPASS in shaping chromosome architecture has not been investigated. Here we used Caenorhabditis elegans to address this question through a live imaging approach and genetic analysis. Using quantitative FRET (Förster resonance energy transfer)-based fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy (FLIM) on germ cells expressing histones eGFP-H2B and mCherry-H2B, we find that SET1/COMPASS influences meiotic chromosome organization, with marked effects on the close proximity between nucleosomes. We further show that inactivation of set-2, encoding the C. elegans SET1 homologue, or CFP-1, encoding the chromatin targeting subunit of COMPASS, enhances germline chromosome organization defects and sterility of condensin-II depleted animals. set-2 loss also aggravates germline defects resulting from conditional inactivation of topoisomerase II, another structural component of chromosomes. Expression profiling of set-2 mutant germlines revealed only minor transcriptional changes, suggesting that the observed effects are at least partly independent of transcription. Altogether, our results are consistent with a role for SET1/COMPASS in shaping meiotic chromosomes in C. elegans, together with the non-histone proteins condensin-II and topoisomerase. Given the high degree of conservation, our findings expand the range of functions attributed to COMPASS and suggest a broader role in genome organization in different species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marion Herbette
- Laboratory of Biology and Modeling of the Cell (LBMC), CNRS, Ecole Normale Supérieure de Lyon, Université de Lyon, 69007 Lyon, France; (M.H.); (V.R.); (L.G.)
| | - Valérie Robert
- Laboratory of Biology and Modeling of the Cell (LBMC), CNRS, Ecole Normale Supérieure de Lyon, Université de Lyon, 69007 Lyon, France; (M.H.); (V.R.); (L.G.)
| | - Aymeric Bailly
- Centre de Recherche en Biologie cellulaire de Montpellier, CRBM, CNRS, University of Montpellier, 34090 Montpellier, France;
| | - Loïc Gely
- Laboratory of Biology and Modeling of the Cell (LBMC), CNRS, Ecole Normale Supérieure de Lyon, Université de Lyon, 69007 Lyon, France; (M.H.); (V.R.); (L.G.)
| | - Robert Feil
- Institute of Molecular Genetics of Montpellier (IGMM), CNRS, University of Montpellier, 34090 Montpellier, France; (R.F.); (D.L.)
| | - David Llères
- Institute of Molecular Genetics of Montpellier (IGMM), CNRS, University of Montpellier, 34090 Montpellier, France; (R.F.); (D.L.)
| | - Francesca Palladino
- Laboratory of Biology and Modeling of the Cell (LBMC), CNRS, Ecole Normale Supérieure de Lyon, Université de Lyon, 69007 Lyon, France; (M.H.); (V.R.); (L.G.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +33-047-2728-126
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42
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Kleinschnitz K, Vießmann N, Jordan M, Heidmann SK. Condensin I is required for faithful meiosis in Drosophila males. Chromosoma 2020; 129:141-160. [PMID: 32314039 PMCID: PMC7260282 DOI: 10.1007/s00412-020-00733-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2019] [Revised: 02/17/2020] [Accepted: 02/20/2020] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
The heteropentameric condensin complexes play vital roles in the formation and faithful segregation of mitotic chromosomes in eukaryotes. While the different contributions of the two common condensin complexes, condensin I and condensin II, to chromosome morphology and behavior in mitosis have been thoroughly investigated, much less is known about the specific roles of the two complexes during meiotic divisions. In Drosophila melanogaster, faithful mitotic divisions depend on functional condensin I, but not on condensin II. However, meiotic divisions in Drosophila males require functional condensin II subunits. The role of condensin I during male meiosis in Drosophila has been unresolved. Here, we show that condensin I-specific subunits localize to meiotic chromatin in both meiosis I and II during Drosophila spermatogenesis. Live cell imaging reveals defects during meiotic divisions after RNAi-mediated knockdown of condensin I-specific mRNAs. This phenotype correlates with reduced male fertility and an increase in nondisjunction events both in meiosis I and meiosis II. Consistently, a reduction in male fertility was also observed after proteasome-mediated degradation of the condensin I subunit Barren. Taken together, our results demonstrate an essential role of condensin I during male meiosis in Drosophila melanogaster.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Nina Vießmann
- Lehrstuhl für Genetik, University of Bayreuth, Bayreuth, Germany
| | - Mareike Jordan
- Lehrstuhl für Genetik, University of Bayreuth, Bayreuth, Germany
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics, Dresden, Germany
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43
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Zhang M, Li W, Feng J, Gong Z, Yao Y, Zheng C. Integrative transcriptomics and proteomics analysis constructs a new molecular model for ovule abortion in the female-sterile line of Pinus tabuliformis Carr. PLANT SCIENCE : AN INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL PLANT BIOLOGY 2020; 294:110462. [PMID: 32234230 DOI: 10.1016/j.plantsci.2020.110462] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2019] [Revised: 02/26/2020] [Accepted: 02/28/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Ovule development is critical to plant reproduction and free nuclear mitosis of megagametophyte (FNMM) is vital for ovule development. However, most results of ovule development were based on the studies in angiosperms, and its molecular regulation remained largely unknown in gymnosperms, particularly, during FNMM. In this context, we studied the genome-wide difference between sterile line (SL) and fertile line (FL) ovules using transcriptomics and proteomics approaches in Pinus tabuliformis Carr. Comparative analyses revealed that genes involved in DNA replication, DNA damage repair, Cell cycle, Apoptosis and Energy metabolism were highlighted. Further results showed the low expressions of MCM 2-7, RRM1, etc. perhaps led to abnormal DNA replication and damage repair, and the significantly different expressions of PARP2, CCs1, CCs3, etc. implied that the accumulated DNA double-stranded breaks were failed to be repaired and the cell cycle was arrested at G2/M in SL ovules, potentially resulting in the occurrence of apoptosis. Moreover, the deficiency of ETF-QO might hinder FNMM. Consequently, FNMM stopped and ovule aborted in SL ovules. Our results suggested a selective regulatory mechanism led to FNMM half-stop and ovule abortion in P. tabuliformis and these insights could be exploited to investigate the molecular regulations of ovule development in woody gymnosperms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Zhang
- College of Biological Sciences and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, No. 35, Tsinghua East Road, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Wenhai Li
- College of Biological Sciences and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, No. 35, Tsinghua East Road, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Jun Feng
- College of Biological Sciences and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, No. 35, Tsinghua East Road, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Zaixin Gong
- College of Biological Sciences and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, No. 35, Tsinghua East Road, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Yang Yao
- College of Biological Sciences and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, No. 35, Tsinghua East Road, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Caixia Zheng
- College of Biological Sciences and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, No. 35, Tsinghua East Road, Beijing, 100083, China.
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44
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Altendorfer E, Láscarez-Lagunas LI, Nadarajan S, Mathieson I, Colaiácovo MP. Crossover Position Drives Chromosome Remodeling for Accurate Meiotic Chromosome Segregation. Curr Biol 2020; 30:1329-1338.e7. [PMID: 32142707 PMCID: PMC7162695 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2020.01.079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2019] [Revised: 12/16/2019] [Accepted: 01/28/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Interhomolog crossovers (COs) are a prerequisite for achieving accurate chromosome segregation during meiosis [1, 2]. COs are not randomly positioned, occurring at distinct genomic intervals during meiosis in all species examined [3-10]. The role of CO position as a major determinant of accurate chromosome segregation has not been previously directly analyzed in a metazoan. Here, we use spo-11 mutants, which lack endogenous DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs), to induce a single DSB by Mos1 transposon excision at defined chromosomal locations in the C. elegans germline and show that the position of the resulting CO directly affects the formation of distinct chromosome subdomains during meiotic chromosome remodeling. CO formation in the typically CO-deprived center region of autosomes leads to premature loss of sister chromatid cohesion and chromosome missegregation, whereas COs at an off-centered position, as in wild type, can result in normal remodeling and accurate segregation. Ionizing radiation (IR)-induced DSBs lead to the same outcomes, and modeling of IR dose-response reveals that the CO-unfavorable center region encompasses up to 6% of the total chromosome length. DSBs proximal to telomeres rarely form COs, likely because of formation of unstable recombination intermediates that cannot be sustained as chiasmata until late prophase. Our work supports a model in which regulation of CO position early in meiotic prophase is required for proper designation of chromosome subdomains and normal chromosome remodeling in late meiotic prophase I, resulting in accurate chromosome segregation and providing a mechanism to prevent aneuploid gamete formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabeth Altendorfer
- Department of Genetics, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, 77 Avenue Louis Pasteur, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Laura I Láscarez-Lagunas
- Department of Genetics, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, 77 Avenue Louis Pasteur, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Saravanapriah Nadarajan
- Department of Genetics, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, 77 Avenue Louis Pasteur, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Iain Mathieson
- Department of Genetics, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, 77 Avenue Louis Pasteur, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Monica P Colaiácovo
- Department of Genetics, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, 77 Avenue Louis Pasteur, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
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45
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Hornos Carneiro MF, Shin N, Karthikraj R, Barbosa F, Kannan K, Colaiácovo MP. Antioxidant CoQ10 Restores Fertility by Rescuing Bisphenol A-Induced Oxidative DNA Damage in the Caenorhabditis elegans Germline. Genetics 2020; 214:381-395. [PMID: 31852725 PMCID: PMC7017011 DOI: 10.1534/genetics.119.302939] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2019] [Accepted: 12/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Endocrine-disrupting chemicals are ubiquitously present in our environment, but the mechanisms by which they adversely affect human reproductive health and strategies to circumvent their effects remain largely unknown. Here, we show in Caenorhabditis elegans that supplementation with the antioxidant Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) rescues the reprotoxicity induced by the widely used plasticizer and endocrine disruptor bisphenol A (BPA), in part by neutralizing DNA damage resulting from oxidative stress. CoQ10 significantly reduces BPA-induced elevated levels of germ cell apoptosis, phosphorylated checkpoint kinase 1 (CHK-1), double-strand breaks (DSBs), and chromosome defects in diakinesis oocytes. BPA-induced oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, and increased gene expression of antioxidant enzymes in the germline are counteracted by CoQ10. Finally, CoQ10 treatment also reduced the levels of aneuploid embryos and BPA-induced defects observed in early embryonic divisions. We propose that CoQ10 may counteract BPA-induced reprotoxicity through the scavenging of reactive oxygen species and free radicals, and that this natural antioxidant could constitute a low-risk and low-cost strategy to attenuate the impact on fertility by BPA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Fernanda Hornos Carneiro
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirao Preto, Universidade de Sao Paulo, 14040-903, Brazil
| | - Nara Shin
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115
| | | | - Fernando Barbosa
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirao Preto, Universidade de Sao Paulo, 14040-903, Brazil
| | - Kurunthachalam Kannan
- Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, Albany, New York 12201
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University at Albany, State University of New York, New York 12201
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46
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Cuenca L, Shin N, Lascarez-Lagunas LI, Martinez-Garcia M, Nadarajan S, Karthikraj R, Kannan K, Colaiácovo MP. Environmentally-relevant exposure to diethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP) alters regulation of double-strand break formation and crossover designation leading to germline dysfunction in Caenorhabditis elegans. PLoS Genet 2020; 16:e1008529. [PMID: 31917788 PMCID: PMC6952080 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1008529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2019] [Accepted: 11/19/2019] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Exposure to diethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP), the most abundant plasticizer used in the production of polyvinyl-containing plastics, has been associated to adverse reproductive health outcomes in both males and females. While the effects of DEHP on reproductive health have been widely investigated, the molecular mechanisms by which exposure to environmentally-relevant levels of DEHP and its metabolites impact the female germline in the context of a multicellular organism have remained elusive. Using the Caenorhabditis elegans germline as a model for studying reprotoxicity, we show that exposure to environmentally-relevant levels of DEHP and its metabolites results in increased meiotic double-strand breaks (DSBs), altered DSB repair progression, activation of p53/CEP-1-dependent germ cell apoptosis, defects in chromosome remodeling at late prophase I, aberrant chromosome morphology in diakinesis oocytes, increased chromosome non-disjunction and defects during early embryogenesis. Exposure to DEHP results in a subset of nuclei held in a DSB permissive state in mid to late pachytene that exhibit defects in crossover (CO) designation/formation. In addition, these nuclei show reduced Polo-like kinase-1/2 (PLK-1/2)-dependent phosphorylation of SYP-4, a synaptonemal complex (SC) protein. Moreover, DEHP exposure leads to germline-specific change in the expression of prmt-5, which encodes for an arginine methyltransferase, and both increased SC length and altered CO designation levels on the X chromosome. Taken together, our data suggest a model by which impairment of a PLK-1/2-dependent negative feedback loop set in place to shut down meiotic DSBs, together with alterations in chromosome structure, contribute to the formation of an excess number of DSBs and altered CO designation levels, leading to genomic instability. Faithful chromosome segregation during meiosis, the specialized cell division program that produces haploid gametes (i.e. eggs and sperm) from a diploid organism, is key for successful sexual reproduction. Diethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP), a commonly used plasticizer found in personal care and household products, has emerged as an endocrine disruptor that exerts reprotoxicity in mammals. In this study, we provide mechanistic insight into the modes of action by which environmentally-relevant levels of DEHP and its metabolites impair female meiosis in the C. elegans germline. Exposure to DEHP leads to defects in late prophase I chromosome remodeling, altered chromosome morphology in oocytes at diakinesis, errors in chromosome segregation, and impaired embryogenesis. Underlying these defects are higher levels of DSBs, altered DSB repair, defects in crossover (CO) designation/formation, germline-specific change in prmt-5 gene expression and altered chromosome structure. We propose that DEHP exposure induces an excess number of DSBs by interfering with mechanisms set in place to turn off DSBs once CO designation is accomplished and by altering chromosome structure resulting in increased chromatin accessibility to the DSB machinery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luciann Cuenca
- Department of Genetics, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Nara Shin
- Department of Genetics, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Laura I. Lascarez-Lagunas
- Department of Genetics, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Marina Martinez-Garcia
- Department of Genetics, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Saravanapriah Nadarajan
- Department of Genetics, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Rajendiran Karthikraj
- Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, Empire State Plaza, Albany, New York, United States of America
| | - Kurunthachalam Kannan
- Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, Empire State Plaza, Albany, New York, United States of America
- Department of Pediatrics, New York University School of Medicine, New York City, New York, United States of America
| | - Mónica P. Colaiácovo
- Department of Genetics, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Alleva B, Clausen S, Koury E, Hefel A, Smolikove S. CRL4 regulates recombination and synaptonemal complex aggregation in the Caenorhabditis elegans germline. PLoS Genet 2019; 15:e1008486. [PMID: 31738749 PMCID: PMC6886871 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1008486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2019] [Revised: 12/02/2019] [Accepted: 10/21/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
To maintain the integrity of the genome, meiotic DNA double strand breaks (DSBs) need to form by the meiosis-specific nuclease Spo11 and be repaired by homologous recombination. One class of products formed by recombination are crossovers, which are required for proper chromosome segregation in the first meiotic division. The synaptonemal complex (SC) is a protein structure that connects homologous chromosomes during meiotic prophase I. The proper assembly of the SC is important for recombination, crossover formation, and the subsequent chromosome segregation. Here we identify the components of Cullin RING E3 ubiquitin ligase 4 (CRL4) that play a role in SC assembly in Caenorhabditis elegans. Mutants of the CRL4 complex (cul-4, ddb-1, and gad-1) show defects in SC assembly manifested in the formation of polycomplexes (PCs), impaired progression of meiotic recombination, and reduction in crossover numbers. PCs that are formed in cul-4 mutants lack the mobile properties of wild type SC, but are likely not a direct target of ubiquitination. In C. elegans, SC assembly does not require recombination and there is no evidence that PC formation is regulated by recombination as well. However, in one cul-4 mutant PC formation is dependent upon early meiotic recombination, indicating that proper assembly of the SC can be diminished by recombination in some scenarios. Lastly, our studies suggest that CUL-4 deregulation leads to transposition of the Tc3 transposable element, and defects in formation of SPO-11-mediated DSBs. Our studies highlight previously unknown functions of CRL4 in C. elegans meiosis and show that CUL-4 likely plays multiple roles in meiosis that are essential for maintaining genome integrity. Defects in the formation of the structure named the synaptonemal complex (SC) lead to the missegregation of chromosomes in the divisions that generate sperm and egg cells. In humans, this chromosome missegregation is associated with infertility and developmental disabilities of the surviving progeny. Abnormal SC structures composed of misfolded and aggregated SC proteins are associated with an inability to properly repair DNA damage and accurately segregate meiotic chromosomes. How SC proteins assemble such that they do not form misfolded protein aggregates is poorly understood. The germlines of nematodes (Caenorhabditis elegans) that lack protein components of the Cullin 4 E3 Ubiquitin ligase complex (CRL4), have defects in the formation of the SC that can be due to misfolding of SC proteins and their aggregation. CRL4 appears to be involved in other germline functions that directly affect chromosome stability (DNA damage repair and transposition), indicating that CRL4 has a central function in the formation of functional sperm and egg cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Alleva
- The department of Biology, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, United States of America
| | - Sean Clausen
- The department of Biology, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, United States of America
| | - Emily Koury
- The department of Biology, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, United States of America
| | - Adam Hefel
- The department of Biology, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, United States of America
| | - Sarit Smolikove
- The department of Biology, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Large-scale chromatin organisation in interphase, mitosis and meiosis. Biochem J 2019; 476:2141-2156. [DOI: 10.1042/bcj20180512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2019] [Revised: 07/16/2019] [Accepted: 07/18/2019] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
AbstractThe spatial configuration of chromatin is fundamental to ensure any given cell can fulfil its functional duties, from gene expression to specialised cellular division. Significant technological innovations have facilitated further insights into the structure, function and regulation of three-dimensional chromatin organisation. To date, the vast majority of investigations into chromatin organisation have been conducted in interphase and mitotic cells leaving meiotic chromatin relatively unexplored. In combination, cytological and genome-wide contact frequency analyses in mammalian germ cells have recently demonstrated that large-scale chromatin structures in meiotic prophase I are reminiscent of the sequential loop arrays found in mitotic cells, although interphase-like segmentation of transcriptionally active and inactive regions are also evident along the length of chromosomes. Here, we discuss the similarities and differences of such large-scale chromatin architecture, between interphase, mitotic and meiotic cells, as well as their functional relevance and the proposed modulatory mechanisms which underlie them.
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Lee J. The Regulation and Function of Cohesin and Condensin in Mammalian Oocytes and Spermatocytes. Results Probl Cell Differ 2019; 63:355-372. [PMID: 28779325 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-60855-6_15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Germ cells, such as oocytes and spermatocytes, produce haploid gametes by a special type of cell division called meiosis. The reduction of chromosome number is achieved in meiosis I, in which homologous chromosomes (homologs) are paired and recombined with their counterparts and finally segregated from each other. How meiotic chromosomes behave in a different manner from mitotic chromosomes has been a fascinating problem for cellular and developmental biology. Cohesin and condensin are multi-subunit protein complexes that play central roles in sister chromatid cohesion and chromosome condensation (also segregation), respectively. Recent studies investigating the expression and function of cohesin and condensin in mammalian germ cells greatly advance our understanding of the molecular mechanism underlying the meiotic chromosomal events. Furthermore, accumulating evidence suggests that reduction of cohesin during prophase I arrest in mammalian oocytes is one of the major causes for age-related chromosome segregation error. This review focuses on the regulation and functions of cohesins and condensins during mammalian meiosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jibak Lee
- Laboratory of Developmental Biotechnology, Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Kobe University, 1-1 Rokkodai-cho, Nada-ku, Kobe, 657-8501, Japan.
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Diversity and Determinants of Meiotic Recombination Landscapes. Trends Genet 2019; 35:359-370. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tig.2019.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2018] [Revised: 02/06/2019] [Accepted: 02/08/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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