101
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Li X, Zhang J, Huang J, Xu J, Chen Z, Copenhaver GP, Wang Y. Regulation of interference-sensitive crossover distribution ensures crossover assurance in Arabidopsis. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2021; 118:e2107543118. [PMID: 34795056 PMCID: PMC8617516 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2107543118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
During meiosis, crossovers (COs) are typically required to ensure faithful chromosomal segregation. Despite the requirement for at least one CO between each pair of chromosomes, closely spaced double COs are usually underrepresented due to a phenomenon called CO interference. Like Mus musculus and Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Arabidopsis thaliana has both interference-sensitive (Class I) and interference-insensitive (Class II) COs. However, the underlying mechanism controlling CO distribution remains largely elusive. Both AtMUS81 and AtFANCD2 promote the formation of Class II CO. Using both AtHEI10 and AtMLH1 immunostaining, two markers of Class I COs, we show that AtFANCD2 but not AtMUS81 is required for normal Class I CO distribution among chromosomes. Depleting AtFANCD2 leads to a CO distribution pattern that is intermediate between that of wild-type and a Poisson distribution. Moreover, in Atfancm, Atfigl1, and Atrmi1 mutants where increased Class II CO frequency has been reported previously, we observe Class I CO distribution patterns that are strikingly similar to Atfancd2. Surprisingly, we found that AtFANCD2 plays opposite roles in regulating CO frequency in Atfancm compared with either in Atfigl1 or Atrmi1. Together, these results reveal that although AtFANCD2, AtFANCM, AtFIGL1, and AtRMI1 regulate Class II CO frequency by distinct mechanisms, they have similar roles in controlling the distribution of Class I COs among chromosomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiang Li
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Institute of Plant Biology, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Biodiversity Sciences and Ecological Engineering, Institute of Plant Biology, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China
| | - Jun Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Institute of Plant Biology, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Biodiversity Sciences and Ecological Engineering, Institute of Plant Biology, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China
| | - Jiyue Huang
- Department of Biology and the Integrative Program for Biological and Genome Sciences, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599
| | - Jing Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Institute of Plant Biology, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Biodiversity Sciences and Ecological Engineering, Institute of Plant Biology, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China
| | - Zhiyu Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Institute of Plant Biology, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Biodiversity Sciences and Ecological Engineering, Institute of Plant Biology, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China
| | - Gregory P Copenhaver
- Department of Biology and the Integrative Program for Biological and Genome Sciences, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC 27599
| | - Yingxiang Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Institute of Plant Biology, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China;
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Biodiversity Sciences and Ecological Engineering, Institute of Plant Biology, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China
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102
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Papaioannou IA, Dutreux F, Peltier FA, Maekawa H, Delhomme N, Bardhan A, Friedrich A, Schacherer J, Knop M. Sex without crossing over in the yeast Saccharomycodes ludwigii. Genome Biol 2021; 22:303. [PMID: 34732243 PMCID: PMC8567612 DOI: 10.1186/s13059-021-02521-w] [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: 05/28/2021] [Accepted: 10/20/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Intermixing of genomes through meiotic reassortment and recombination of homologous chromosomes is a unifying theme of sexual reproduction in eukaryotic organisms and is considered crucial for their adaptive evolution. Previous studies of the budding yeast species Saccharomycodes ludwigii suggested that meiotic crossing over might be absent from its sexual life cycle, which is predominated by fertilization within the meiotic tetrad. RESULTS We demonstrate that recombination is extremely suppressed during meiosis in Sd. ludwigii. DNA double-strand break formation by the conserved transesterase Spo11, processing and repair involving interhomolog interactions are required for normal meiosis but do not lead to crossing over. Although the species has retained an intact meiotic gene repertoire, genetic and population analyses suggest the exceptionally rare occurrence of meiotic crossovers in its genome. A strong AT bias of spontaneous mutations and the absence of recombination are likely responsible for its unusually low genomic GC level. CONCLUSIONS Sd. ludwigii has followed a unique evolutionary trajectory that possibly derives fitness benefits from the combination of frequent mating between products of the same meiotic event with the extreme suppression of meiotic recombination. This life style ensures preservation of heterozygosity throughout its genome and may enable the species to adapt to its environment and survive with only minimal levels of rare meiotic recombination. We propose Sd. ludwigii as an excellent natural forum for the study of genome evolution and recombination rates.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Fabien Dutreux
- Université de Strasbourg, CNRS, GMGM UMR 7156, Strasbourg, France
| | - France A. Peltier
- Center for Molecular Biology of Heidelberg University (ZMBH), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Hiromi Maekawa
- Center for Molecular Biology of Heidelberg University (ZMBH), Heidelberg, Germany
- Current affiliation: Faculty of Agriculture, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Nicolas Delhomme
- Umeå Plant Science Centre, Department of Forest Genetics and Plant Physiology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Amit Bardhan
- Center for Molecular Biology of Heidelberg University (ZMBH), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Anne Friedrich
- Université de Strasbourg, CNRS, GMGM UMR 7156, Strasbourg, France
| | - Joseph Schacherer
- Université de Strasbourg, CNRS, GMGM UMR 7156, Strasbourg, France
- Institut Universitaire de France (IUF), Paris, France
| | - Michael Knop
- Center for Molecular Biology of Heidelberg University (ZMBH), Heidelberg, Germany
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), DKFZ-ZMBH Alliance, Heidelberg, Germany
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103
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Imai Y, Olaya I, Sakai N, Burgess SM. Meiotic Chromosome Dynamics in Zebrafish. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:757445. [PMID: 34692709 PMCID: PMC8531508 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.757445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2021] [Accepted: 09/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent studies in zebrafish have revealed key features of meiotic chromosome dynamics, including clustering of telomeres in the bouquet configuration, biogenesis of chromosome axis structures, and the assembly and disassembly of the synaptonemal complex that aligns homologs end-to-end. The telomere bouquet stage is especially pronounced in zebrafish meiosis and sub-telomeric regions play key roles in mediating pairing and homologous recombination. In this review, we discuss the temporal progression of these events in meiosis prophase I and highlight the roles of proteins associated with meiotic chromosome architecture in homologous recombination. Finally, we discuss the interplay between meiotic mutants and gonadal sex differentiation and future research directions to study meiosis in living cells, including cell culture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yukiko Imai
- Department of Gene Function and Phenomics, National Institute of Genetics, Mishima, Japan
| | - Ivan Olaya
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States.,Integrative Genetics and Genomics Graduate Group, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
| | - Noriyoshi Sakai
- Department of Gene Function and Phenomics, National Institute of Genetics, Mishima, Japan.,Department of Genetics, School of Life Sciences, SOKENDAI (The Graduate University for Advanced Studies), Mishima, Japan
| | - Sean M Burgess
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
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104
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Zuo W, Chen G, Gao Z, Li S, Chen Y, Huang C, Chen J, Chen Z, Lei M, Bian Q. Stage-resolved Hi-C analyses reveal meiotic chromosome organizational features influencing homolog alignment. Nat Commun 2021; 12:5827. [PMID: 34625553 PMCID: PMC8501046 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-26033-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2020] [Accepted: 09/14/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
During meiosis, chromosomes exhibit dramatic changes in morphology and intranuclear positioning. How these changes influence homolog pairing, alignment, and recombination remain elusive. Using Hi-C, we systematically mapped 3D genome architecture throughout all meiotic prophase substages during mouse spermatogenesis. Our data uncover two major chromosome organizational features varying along the chromosome axis during early meiotic prophase, when homolog alignment occurs. First, transcriptionally active and inactive genomic regions form alternating domains consisting of shorter and longer chromatin loops, respectively. Second, the force-transmitting LINC complex promotes the alignment of ends of different chromosomes over a range of up to 20% of chromosome length. Both features correlate with the pattern of homolog interactions and the distribution of recombination events. Collectively, our data reveal the influences of transcription and force on meiotic chromosome structure and suggest chromosome organization may provide an infrastructure for the modulation of meiotic recombination in higher eukaryotes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wu Zuo
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 200031, Shanghai, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100049, Beijing, China
| | - Guangming Chen
- Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 200125, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Institute of Precision Medicine, 200125, Shanghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Vector Biology and Pathogen Control of Zhejiang Province, Huzhou University, 313000, Huzhou, China
| | - Zhimei Gao
- Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 200125, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Institute of Precision Medicine, 200125, Shanghai, China
| | - Shuai Li
- Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 200125, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Institute of Precision Medicine, 200125, Shanghai, China
| | - Yanyan Chen
- Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 200125, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Institute of Precision Medicine, 200125, Shanghai, China
| | - Chenhui Huang
- Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 200125, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Institute of Precision Medicine, 200125, Shanghai, China
| | - Juan Chen
- Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 200125, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Institute of Precision Medicine, 200125, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhengjun Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 200031, Shanghai, China
| | - Ming Lei
- Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 200125, Shanghai, China.
- Shanghai Institute of Precision Medicine, 200125, Shanghai, China.
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 200025, Shanghai, China.
- Key Laboratory of Cell Differentiation and Apoptosis of Chinese Ministry of Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 200025, Shanghai, China.
| | - Qian Bian
- Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 200125, Shanghai, China.
- Shanghai Institute of Precision Medicine, 200125, Shanghai, China.
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105
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Barakate A, Arrieta M, Macaulay M, Vivera S, Davidson D, Stephens J, Orr J, Schreiber M, Ramsay L, Halpin C, Waugh R. Downregulation of Barley Regulator of Telomere Elongation Helicase 1 Alters the Distribution of Meiotic Crossovers. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2021; 12:745070. [PMID: 34659314 PMCID: PMC8515186 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2021.745070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2021] [Accepted: 08/31/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Programmed meiotic DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs), necessary for proper chromosomal segregation and viable gamete formation, are repaired by homologous recombination (HR) as crossovers (COs) or non-crossovers (NCOs). The mechanisms regulating the number and distribution of COs are still poorly understood. The regulator of telomere elongation helicase 1 (RTEL1) DNA helicase was previously shown to enforce the number of meiotic COs in Caenorhabditis elegans but its function in plants has been studied only in the vegetative phase. Here, we characterised barley RTEL1 gene structure and expression using RNA-seq data previously obtained from vegetative and reproductive organs and tissues. Using RNAi, we downregulated RTEL1 expression specifically in reproductive tissues and analysed its impact on recombination using a barley 50k iSelect SNP Array. Unlike in C. elegans, in a population segregating for RTEL1 downregulated by RNAi, high resolution genome-wide genetic analysis revealed a significant increase of COs at distal chromosomal regions of barley without a change in their total number. Our data reveal the important role of RTEL1 helicase in plant meiosis and control of recombination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdellah Barakate
- Cell and Molecular Sciences, The James Hutton Institute, Dundee, United Kingdom
- School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, United Kingdom
| | - Mikel Arrieta
- Cell and Molecular Sciences, The James Hutton Institute, Dundee, United Kingdom
| | - Malcolm Macaulay
- Cell and Molecular Sciences, The James Hutton Institute, Dundee, United Kingdom
| | - Sebastian Vivera
- School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, United Kingdom
| | - Diane Davidson
- Cell and Molecular Sciences, The James Hutton Institute, Dundee, United Kingdom
| | - Jennifer Stephens
- Cell and Molecular Sciences, The James Hutton Institute, Dundee, United Kingdom
| | - Jamie Orr
- Cell and Molecular Sciences, The James Hutton Institute, Dundee, United Kingdom
| | - Miriam Schreiber
- Cell and Molecular Sciences, The James Hutton Institute, Dundee, United Kingdom
| | - Luke Ramsay
- Cell and Molecular Sciences, The James Hutton Institute, Dundee, United Kingdom
| | - Claire Halpin
- School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, United Kingdom
| | - Robbie Waugh
- Cell and Molecular Sciences, The James Hutton Institute, Dundee, United Kingdom
- School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, United Kingdom
- School of Agriculture and Wine, University of Adelaide, Waite Campus, Adelaide, SA, Australia
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106
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Wang Y, van Rengs WMJ, Zaidan MWAM, Underwood CJ. Meiosis in crops: from genes to genomes. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL BOTANY 2021; 72:6091-6109. [PMID: 34009331 PMCID: PMC8483783 DOI: 10.1093/jxb/erab217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2021] [Accepted: 05/14/2021] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Meiosis is a key feature of sexual reproduction. During meiosis homologous chromosomes replicate, recombine, and randomly segregate, followed by the segregation of sister chromatids to produce haploid cells. The unique genotypes of recombinant gametes are an essential substrate for the selection of superior genotypes in natural populations and in plant breeding. In this review we summarize current knowledge on meiosis in diverse monocot and dicot crop species and provide a comprehensive resource of cloned meiotic mutants in six crop species (rice, maize, wheat, barley, tomato, and Brassica species). Generally, the functional roles of meiotic proteins are conserved between plant species, but we highlight notable differences in mutant phenotypes. The physical lengths of plant chromosomes vary greatly; for instance, wheat chromosomes are roughly one order of magnitude longer than those of rice. We explore how chromosomal distribution for crossover recombination can vary between species. We conclude that research on meiosis in crops will continue to complement that in Arabidopsis, and alongside possible applications in plant breeding will facilitate a better understanding of how the different stages of meiosis are controlled in plant species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yazhong Wang
- Department of Chromosome Biology, Max Planck Institute for Plant Breeding Research, Carl-von-Linné-Weg, Cologne, Germany
| | - Willem M J van Rengs
- Department of Chromosome Biology, Max Planck Institute for Plant Breeding Research, Carl-von-Linné-Weg, Cologne, Germany
| | - Mohd Waznul Adly Mohd Zaidan
- Department of Chromosome Biology, Max Planck Institute for Plant Breeding Research, Carl-von-Linné-Weg, Cologne, Germany
| | - Charles J Underwood
- Department of Chromosome Biology, Max Planck Institute for Plant Breeding Research, Carl-von-Linné-Weg, Cologne, Germany
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107
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Wang Y, Zhai B, Tan T, Yang X, Zhang J, Song M, Tan Y, Yang X, Chu T, Zhang S, Wang S, Zhang L. ESA1 regulates meiotic chromosome axis and crossover frequency via acetylating histone H4. Nucleic Acids Res 2021; 49:9353-9373. [PMID: 34417612 PMCID: PMC8450111 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkab722] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2021] [Revised: 08/05/2021] [Accepted: 08/11/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Meiotic recombination is integrated into and regulated by meiotic chromosomes, which is organized as loop/axis architecture. However, the regulation of chromosome organization is poorly understood. Here, we show Esa1, the NuA4 complex catalytic subunit, is constitutively expressed and localizes on chromatin loops during meiosis. Esa1 plays multiple roles including homolog synapsis, sporulation efficiency, spore viability, and chromosome segregation in meiosis. Detailed analyses show the meiosis-specific depletion of Esa1 results in decreased chromosome axis length independent of another axis length regulator Pds5, which further leads to a decreased number of Mer2 foci, and consequently a decreased number of DNA double-strand breaks, recombination intermediates, and crossover frequency. However, Esa1 depletion does not impair the occurrence of the obligatory crossover required for faithful chromosome segregation, or the strength of crossover interference. Further investigations demonstrate Esa1 regulates chromosome axis length via acetylating the N-terminal tail of histone H4 but not altering transcription program. Therefore, we firstly show a non-chromosome axis component, Esa1, acetylates histone H4 on chromatin loops to regulate chromosome axis length and consequently recombination frequency but does not affect the basic meiotic recombination process. Additionally, Esa1 depletion downregulates middle induced meiotic genes, which probably causing defects in sporulation and chromosome segregation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Wang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, China
| | - Binyuan Zhai
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, China
| | - Taicong Tan
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, China
| | - Xiao Yang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, China
| | - Jiaming Zhang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, China
| | - Meihui Song
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, China
| | - Yingjin Tan
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, China
| | - Xuan Yang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, China
| | - Tingting Chu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, China
| | - Shuxian Zhang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, China
| | - Shunxin Wang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, China.,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, Shandong250001, China.,Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
| | - Liangran Zhang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, China.,Advanced Medical Research Institute, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong250012, China.,Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Resistance Biology, College of Life Sciences, Shandong Normal University, Jinan250014, Shandong, China
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108
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Fan X, Moustakas I, Torrens-Juaneda V, Lei Q, Hamer G, Louwe LA, Pilgram GSK, Szuhai K, Matorras R, Eguizabal C, van der Westerlaken L, Mei H, Chuva de Sousa Lopes SM. Transcriptional progression during meiotic prophase I reveals sex-specific features and X chromosome dynamics in human fetal female germline. PLoS Genet 2021; 17:e1009773. [PMID: 34499650 PMCID: PMC8428764 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1009773] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2020] [Accepted: 08/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
During gametogenesis in mammals, meiosis ensures the production of haploid gametes. The timing and length of meiosis to produce female and male gametes differ considerably. In contrast to males, meiotic prophase I in females initiates during development. Hence, the knowledge regarding progression through meiotic prophase I is mainly focused on human male spermatogenesis and female oocyte maturation during adulthood. Therefore, it remains unclear how the different stages of meiotic prophase I between human oogenesis and spermatogenesis compare. Analysis of single-cell transcriptomics data from human fetal germ cells (FGC) allowed us to identify the molecular signatures of female meiotic prophase I stages leptotene, zygotene, pachytene and diplotene. We have compared those between male and female germ cells in similar stages of meiotic prophase I and revealed conserved and specific features between sexes. We identified not only key players involved in the process of meiosis, but also highlighted the molecular components that could be responsible for changes in cellular morphology that occur during this developmental period, when the female FGC acquire their typical (sex-specific) oocyte shape as well as sex-differences in the regulation of DNA methylation. Analysis of X-linked expression between sexes during meiotic prophase I suggested a transient X-linked enrichment during female pachytene, that contrasts with the meiotic sex chromosome inactivation in males. Our study of the events that take place during meiotic prophase I provide a better understanding not only of female meiosis during development, but also highlights biomarkers that can be used to study infertility and offers insights in germline sex dimorphism in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xueying Fan
- Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Ioannis Moustakas
- Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
- Sequencing Analysis Support Core, Department of Biomedical Data Sciences, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Vanessa Torrens-Juaneda
- Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Qijing Lei
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Reproductive Biology Laboratory, Amsterdam Reproduction and Development Research Institute, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Location AMC, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Geert Hamer
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Reproductive Biology Laboratory, Amsterdam Reproduction and Development Research Institute, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Location AMC, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Leoni A. Louwe
- Department of Gynaecology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Gonneke S. K. Pilgram
- Department of Gynaecology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Karoly Szuhai
- Department of Cell and Chemical Biology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Roberto Matorras
- IVIRMA, IVI Bilbao, Bilbao, Spain; Human Reproduction Unit, Cruces University Hospital, Bilbao, Spain; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Basque Country University, Spain; Biocruces Bizkaia Health Research Institute, Bilbao, Spain
| | - Cristina Eguizabal
- Cell Therapy, Stem Cells and Tissues Group, Basque Centre for Blood Transfusion and Human Tissues, Galdakao, Spain
- Biocruces Bizkaia Health Research Institute, Cell Therapy, Stem Cells and Tissues Group, Barakaldo, Spain
| | | | - Hailiang Mei
- Sequencing Analysis Support Core, Department of Biomedical Data Sciences, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Susana M. Chuva de Sousa Lopes
- Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
- Department for Reproductive Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
- * E-mail:
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109
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Beverley R, Snook ML, Brieño-Enríquez MA. Meiotic Cohesin and Variants Associated With Human Reproductive Aging and Disease. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:710033. [PMID: 34409039 PMCID: PMC8365356 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.710033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2021] [Accepted: 07/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Successful human reproduction relies on the well-orchestrated development of competent gametes through the process of meiosis. The loading of cohesin, a multi-protein complex, is a key event in the initiation of mammalian meiosis. Establishment of sister chromatid cohesion via cohesin rings is essential for ensuring homologous recombination-mediated DNA repair and future proper chromosome segregation. Cohesin proteins loaded during female fetal life are not replenished over time, and therefore are a potential etiology of age-related aneuploidy in oocytes resulting in decreased fecundity and increased infertility and miscarriage rates with advancing maternal age. Herein, we provide a brief overview of meiotic cohesin and summarize the human genetic studies which have identified genetic variants of cohesin proteins and the associated reproductive phenotypes including primary ovarian insufficiency, trisomy in offspring, and non-obstructive azoospermia. The association of cohesion defects with cancer predisposition and potential impact on aging are also described. Expansion of genetic testing within clinical medicine, with a focus on cohesin protein-related genes, may provide additional insight to previously unknown etiologies of disorders contributing to gamete exhaustion in females, and infertility and reproductive aging in both men and women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Beverley
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Meredith L Snook
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Miguel Angel Brieño-Enríquez
- Magee-Womens Research Institute, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
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110
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Singh P, Fragoza R, Blengini CS, Tran TN, Pannafino G, Al-Sweel N, Schimenti KJ, Schindler K, Alani EA, Yu H, Schimenti JC. Human MLH1/3 variants causing aneuploidy, pregnancy loss, and premature reproductive aging. Nat Commun 2021; 12:5005. [PMID: 34408140 PMCID: PMC8373927 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-25028-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2021] [Accepted: 07/20/2021] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Embryonic aneuploidy from mis-segregation of chromosomes during meiosis causes pregnancy loss. Proper disjunction of homologous chromosomes requires the mismatch repair (MMR) genes MLH1 and MLH3, essential in mice for fertility. Variants in these genes can increase colorectal cancer risk, yet the reproductive impacts are unclear. To determine if MLH1/3 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in human populations could cause reproductive abnormalities, we use computational predictions, yeast two-hybrid assays, and MMR and recombination assays in yeast, selecting nine MLH1 and MLH3 variants to model in mice via genome editing. We identify seven alleles causing reproductive defects in mice including female subfertility and male infertility. Remarkably, in females these alleles cause age-dependent decreases in litter size and increased embryo resorption, likely a consequence of fewer chiasmata that increase univalents at meiotic metaphase I. Our data suggest that hypomorphic alleles of meiotic recombination genes can predispose females to increased incidence of pregnancy loss from gamete aneuploidy. Proper meiotic chromosome segregation requires mismatch repair genes MLH1 and MLH3, of which variants occur in the human population. Here, the authors use computational predictions and yeast assays to select human MLH1/3 variants for modelling in mice, observing reproductive defects from abnormal levels of crossing over.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priti Singh
- Dept of Biomedical Sciences, Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, Ithaca, NY, USA.,Preclinical Modeling Core Lab, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Robert Fragoza
- Weill Institute for Cell and Molecular Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA.,Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | | | - Tina N Tran
- Dept of Biomedical Sciences, Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Gianno Pannafino
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Najla Al-Sweel
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Kerry J Schimenti
- Dept of Biomedical Sciences, Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | | | - Eric A Alani
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Haiyuan Yu
- Weill Institute for Cell and Molecular Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA.,Department of Computational Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - John C Schimenti
- Dept of Biomedical Sciences, Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, Ithaca, NY, USA. .,Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA.
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111
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Zhang X, Li M, Jiang X, Ma H, Fan S, Li Y, Yu C, Xu J, Khan R, Jiang H, Shi Q. Nuclear translocation of MTL5 from cytoplasm requires its direct interaction with LIN9 and is essential for male meiosis and fertility. PLoS Genet 2021; 17:e1009753. [PMID: 34388164 PMCID: PMC8386835 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1009753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2021] [Revised: 08/25/2021] [Accepted: 07/29/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Meiosis is essential for the generation of gametes and sexual reproduction, yet the factors and underlying mechanisms regulating meiotic progression remain largely unknown. Here, we showed that MTL5 translocates into nuclei of spermatocytes during zygotene-pachytene transition and ensures meiosis advances beyond pachytene stage. MTL5 shows strong interactions with MuvB core complex components, a well-known transcriptional complex regulating mitotic progression, and the zygotene-pachytene transition of MTL5 is mediated by its direct interaction with the component LIN9, through MTL5 C-terminal 443–475 residues. Male Mtl5c-mu/c-mu mice expressing the truncated MTL5 (p.Ser445Arg fs*3) that lacks the interaction with LIN9 and is detained in cytoplasm showed male infertility and spermatogenic arrest at pachytene stage, same as that of Mtl5 knockout mice, indicating that the interaction with LIN9 is essential for the nuclear translocation and function of MTL5 during meiosis. Our data demonstrated MTL5 translocates into nuclei during the zygotene-pachytene transition to initiate its function along with the MuvB core complex in pachytene spermatocytes, highlighting a new mechanism regulating the progression of male meiosis. Meiosis is essential for spermatogenesis and male fertility. However, the factors regulating the progression of meiosis remain largely unknown. We reported the testis specific protein MTL5 translocated into the nuclei of spermatocytes at the zygotene-pachytene transition by direct interaction with LIN9, which is an essential component of MuvB core complex, to promote meiotic progression beyond the pachytene stage. We also showed that MTL5 pulls down MYBL1 and all of the MuvB core complex (except LIN54) in spermatocytes. Given the known role of the MuvB core complex as a cell cycle regulator in mitotic cells, we suggested that MTL5 promotes meiotic progression along with the MuvB core complex to ensure male fertility. Our results indicated a novel function of the MuvB complex in male meiosis and also shed light on the master regulator proteins that control meiotic progression at the pachytene stage. MTL5 is a novel and germ-cell specific regulator of cell cycle progression to function at a specific stage by nuclear translocation in meiosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xingxia Zhang
- First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Ming Li
- First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Xiaohua Jiang
- First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
- * E-mail: (XJ); (HJ); (QS)
| | - Hui Ma
- First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Suixing Fan
- First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Yang Li
- First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Changping Yu
- First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Jianze Xu
- First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Ranjha Khan
- First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Hanwei Jiang
- First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
- * E-mail: (XJ); (HJ); (QS)
| | - Qinghua Shi
- First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
- * E-mail: (XJ); (HJ); (QS)
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112
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Jiang X, Zhao D, Ali A, Xu B, Liu W, Wen J, Zhang H, Shi Q, Zhang Y. MeiosisOnline: A Manually Curated Database for Tracking and Predicting Genes Associated With Meiosis. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:673073. [PMID: 34485275 PMCID: PMC8415030 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.673073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2021] [Accepted: 07/12/2021] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Meiosis, an essential step in gametogenesis, is the key event in sexually reproducing organisms. Thousands of genes have been reported to be involved in meiosis. Therefore, a specialist database is much needed for scientists to know about the function of these genes quickly and to search for genes with potential roles in meiosis. Here, we developed "MeiosisOnline," a publicly accessible, comprehensive database of known functional genes and potential candidates in meiosis (https://mcg.ustc.edu.cn/bsc/meiosis/index.html). A total of 2,052 meiotic genes were manually curated from literature resource and were classified into different categories. Annotation information was provided for both meiotic genes and predicted candidates, including basic information, function, protein-protein interaction (PPI), and expression data. On the other hand, 165 mouse genes were predicted as potential candidates in meiosis using the "Greed AUC Stepwise" algorithm. Thus, MeiosisOnline provides the most updated and detailed information of experimental verified and predicted genes in meiosis. Furthermore, the searching tools and friendly interface of MeiosisOnline will greatly help researchers in studying meiosis in an easy and efficient way.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Huan Zhang
- First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Qinghua Shi
- First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Yuanwei Zhang
- First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
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113
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Gergelits V, Parvanov E, Simecek P, Forejt J. Chromosome-wide characterization of meiotic noncrossovers (gene conversions) in mouse hybrids. Genetics 2021; 217:1-14. [PMID: 33683354 DOI: 10.1093/genetics/iyaa013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2020] [Accepted: 11/13/2020] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
During meiosis, the recombination-initiating DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) are repaired by crossovers or noncrossovers (gene conversions). While crossovers are easily detectable, noncrossover identification is hampered by the small size of their converted tracts and the necessity of sequence polymorphism. We report identification and characterization of a mouse chromosome-wide set of noncrossovers by next-generation sequencing of 10 mouse intersubspecific chromosome substitution strains. Based on 94 identified noncrossovers, we determined the mean length of a conversion tract to be 32 bp. The spatial chromosome-wide distribution of noncrossovers and crossovers significantly differed, although both sets overlapped the known hotspots of PRDM9-directed histone methylation and DNA DSBs, thus supporting their origin in the standard DSB repair pathway. A significant deficit of noncrossovers descending from asymmetric DSBs proved their proposed adverse effect on meiotic recombination and pointed to sister chromatids as an alternative template for their repair. The finding has implications for the molecular mechanism of hybrid sterility in mice from crosses between closely related Mus musculus musculus and Mus musculus domesticus subspecies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vaclav Gergelits
- Laboratory of Mouse Molecular Genetics, Division BIOCEV, Institute of Molecular Genetics, Czech Academy of Sciences, CZ-25250 Vestec, Czech Republic.,Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, CZ-12000 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Emil Parvanov
- Laboratory of Mouse Molecular Genetics, Division BIOCEV, Institute of Molecular Genetics, Czech Academy of Sciences, CZ-25250 Vestec, Czech Republic
| | - Petr Simecek
- Laboratory of Mouse Molecular Genetics, Division BIOCEV, Institute of Molecular Genetics, Czech Academy of Sciences, CZ-25250 Vestec, Czech Republic
| | - Jiri Forejt
- Laboratory of Mouse Molecular Genetics, Division BIOCEV, Institute of Molecular Genetics, Czech Academy of Sciences, CZ-25250 Vestec, Czech Republic
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114
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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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115
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Diffusion-mediated HEI10 coarsening can explain meiotic crossover positioning in Arabidopsis. Nat Commun 2021; 12:4674. [PMID: 34344879 PMCID: PMC8333306 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-24827-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2020] [Accepted: 07/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
In most organisms, the number and distribution of crossovers that occur during meiosis are tightly controlled. All chromosomes must receive at least one ‘obligatory crossover’ and crossovers are prevented from occurring near one another by ‘crossover interference’. However, the mechanistic basis of this phenomenon of crossover interference has remained mostly mysterious. Using quantitative super-resolution cytogenetics and mathematical modelling, we investigate crossover positioning in the Arabidopsis thaliana wild-type, an over-expressor of the conserved E3 ligase HEI10, and a hei10 heterozygous line. We show that crossover positions can be explained by a predictive, diffusion-mediated coarsening model, in which large, approximately evenly-spaced HEI10 foci grow at the expense of smaller, closely-spaced clusters. We propose this coarsening process explains many aspects of Arabidopsis crossover positioning, including crossover interference. Consistent with this model, we also demonstrate that crossover positioning can be predictably modified in vivo simply by altering HEI10 dosage, with higher and lower dosage leading to weaker and stronger crossover interference, respectively. As HEI10 is a conserved member of the RING finger protein family that functions in the interference-sensitive pathway for crossover formation, we anticipate that similar mechanisms may regulate crossover positioning in diverse eukaryotes. Crossover numbers and positions are tightly controlled but the mechanism involved is still obscure. Here, the authors, using quantitative super-resolution cytogenetics and mathematical modelling, show that diffusion mediated coarsening of HEI10, an E3-ligase domain containing protein, may explain meiotic crossover positioning in Arabidopsis.
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116
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van Eeden G, Uren C, van der Spuy G, Tromp G, Möller M. Local ancestry inference in heterogeneous populations-Are recent recombination events more relevant? Brief Bioinform 2021; 22:6337894. [PMID: 34343255 DOI: 10.1093/bib/bbab300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2021] [Revised: 06/29/2021] [Accepted: 07/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
To date, numerous software tools have been developed to infer recombination maps. Many of these software tools infer the recombination rate from linkage disequilibrium, and therefore they infer recombination many generations into the past. Other recently developed methods rely on the inference of recent recombination events to determine the recombination rate, such as identity by descent- and local ancestry inference (LAI)-based tools. Methods that mainly use recent recombination events to infer the recombination rate might be more relevant for certain analyses like LAI. We therefore describe a protocol for creating high-resolution, population-specific recombination maps using methods that mainly use recent recombination events and a method that uses recent and distant recombination events for recombination rate inference. Subsequently, we compared the effect of using maps inferred by these two paradigms on LAI accuracy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Gian van der Spuy
- Department of Molecular Biology and Human Genetics, Stellenbosch University, South Africa
| | - Gerard Tromp
- South African Tuberculosis Bioinformatics Initiative (SATBBI), South Africa
| | - Marlo Möller
- Department of Molecular Biology and Human Genetics, Stellenbosch University, South Africa
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117
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Rybnikov S, Weissman DB, Hübner S, Korol AB. Fitness dependence preserves selection for recombination across diverse mixed mating strategies. J Theor Biol 2021; 528:110849. [PMID: 34331961 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtbi.2021.110849] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2021] [Revised: 06/13/2021] [Accepted: 07/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Meiotic recombination and the factors affecting its rate and fate in nature have inspired many studies in theoretical evolutionary biology. Classical theoretical models have inferred that recombination can be favored under a rather restricted parameter range. Thus, the ubiquity of recombination in nature remains an open question. However, these models assumed constant recombination with an equal rate across all individuals within the population, whereas empirical evidence suggests that recombination may display certain sensitivity to ecological stressors and/or genotype fitness. Models assuming condition-dependent recombination show that such a strategy can often be favored over constant recombination. Moreover, in our recent model with panmictic populations subjected to purifying selection, fitness-dependent recombination was quite often favored even when any constant recombination was rejected. By using numerical modeling, we test whether such a 'recombination-rescuing potential' of fitness dependence holds also beyond panmixia, given the recognized effect of mating strategy on the evolution of recombination. We show that deviations from panmixia generally increase the recombination-rescuing potential of fitness dependence, with the strongest effect under intermediate selfing or high clonality. We find that under partial clonality, the evolutionary advantage of fitness-dependent recombination is determined mostly by selection against heterozygotes and additive-by-additive epistasis, while under partial selfing, additive-by-dominance epistasis is also a driver.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sviatoslav Rybnikov
- Institute of Evolution, University of Haifa, Haifa 3498838, Israel; Department of Evolutionary and Environmental Biology, University of Haifa, Haifa 3498838, Israel.
| | | | - Sariel Hübner
- Institute of Evolution, University of Haifa, Haifa 3498838, Israel; Galilee Research Institute (MIGAL), Tel-Hai College, Upper Galilee 1220800, Israel
| | - Abraham B Korol
- Institute of Evolution, University of Haifa, Haifa 3498838, Israel; Department of Evolutionary and Environmental Biology, University of Haifa, Haifa 3498838, Israel
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118
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OsMLH1 interacts with OsMLH3 to regulate synapsis and interference-sensitive crossover formation during meiosis in rice. J Genet Genomics 2021; 48:485-496. [PMID: 34257043 DOI: 10.1016/j.jgg.2021.04.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2021] [Revised: 04/25/2021] [Accepted: 04/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Meiotic recombination is essential for reciprocal exchange of genetic information between homologous chromosomes and their subsequent proper segregation in sexually reproducing organisms. MLH1 and MLH3 belong to meiosis-specific members of the MutL-homolog family, which are required for normal level of crossovers (COs) in some eukaryotes. However, their functions in plants need to be further elucidated. Here, we report the identification of OsMLH1 and reveal its functions during meiosis in rice. Using CRISPR-Cas9 approach, two independent mutants, Osmlh1-1 and Osmlh1-2, are generated and exhibited significantly reduced male fertility. In Osmlh1-1, the clearance of PAIR2 is delayed and partial ZEP1 proteins are not loaded into the chromosomes, which might be due to the deficient in resolution of interlocks at late zygotene. Thus, OsMLH1 is required for the assembly of synapsis complex. In Osmlh1-1, CO number is dropped by ~53% and the distribution of residual COs is consistent with predicted Poisson distribution, indicating that OsMLH1 is essential for the formation of interference-sensitive COs (class I COs). OsMLH1 interacts with OsMLH3 through their C-terminal domains. Mutation in OsMLH3 also affects the pollen fertility. Thus, our experiments reveal that the conserved heterodimer MutLγ (OsMLH1-OsMLH3) is essential for the formation of class I COs in rice.
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119
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Abstract
The formation of crossovers between homologous chromosomes is key to sexual reproduction. In most species, crossovers are spaced further apart than would be expected if they formed independently, a phenomenon termed crossover interference. Despite more than a century of study, the molecular mechanisms implementing crossover interference remain a subject of active debate. Recent findings of how signaling proteins control the formation of crossovers and about the interchromosomal interface in which crossovers form offer new insights into this process. In this Review, we present a cell biological and biophysical perspective on crossover interference, summarizing the evidence that links interference to the spatial, dynamic, mechanical and molecular properties of meiotic chromosomes. We synthesize this physical understanding in the context of prevailing mechanistic models that aim to explain how crossover interference is implemented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lexy von Diezmann
- Center for Cell and Genome Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA.,School of Biological Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - Ofer Rog
- Center for Cell and Genome Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA.,School of Biological Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
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120
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Wang X, Pepling ME. Regulation of Meiotic Prophase One in Mammalian Oocytes. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:667306. [PMID: 34095134 PMCID: PMC8172968 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.667306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2021] [Accepted: 04/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
In female mammals, meiotic prophase one begins during fetal development. Oocytes transition through the prophase one substages consisting of leptotene, zygotene, and pachytene, and are finally arrested at the diplotene substage, for months in mice and years in humans. After puberty, luteinizing hormone induces ovulation and meiotic resumption in a cohort of oocytes, driving the progression from meiotic prophase one to metaphase two. If fertilization occurs, the oocyte completes meiosis two followed by fusion with the sperm nucleus and preparation for zygotic divisions; otherwise, it is passed into the uterus and degenerates. Specifically in the mouse, oocytes enter meiosis at 13.5 days post coitum. As meiotic prophase one proceeds, chromosomes find their homologous partner, synapse, exchange genetic material between homologs and then begin to separate, remaining connected at recombination sites. At postnatal day 5, most of the oocytes have reached the late diplotene (or dictyate) substage of prophase one where they remain arrested until ovulation. This review focuses on events and mechanisms controlling the progression through meiotic prophase one, which include recombination, synapsis and control by signaling pathways. These events are prerequisites for proper chromosome segregation in meiotic divisions; and if they go awry, chromosomes mis-segregate resulting in aneuploidy. Therefore, elucidating the mechanisms regulating meiotic progression is important to provide a foundation for developing improved treatments of female infertility.
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121
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Gray S, Santiago ER, Chappie JS, Cohen PE. Cyclin N-Terminal Domain-Containing-1 Coordinates Meiotic Crossover Formation with Cell-Cycle Progression in a Cyclin-Independent Manner. Cell Rep 2021; 32:107858. [PMID: 32640224 PMCID: PMC7341696 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2020.107858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2019] [Revised: 05/14/2020] [Accepted: 06/12/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
During mammalian meiotic prophase I, programmed DNA double-strand breaks are repaired by non-crossover or crossover events, the latter predominantly occurring via the class I crossover pathway and requiring the cyclin N-terminal domain-containing 1(CNTD1) protein. Using an epitope-tagged Cntd1 allele, we detect a short isoform of CNTD1 in vivo that lacks a predicted N-terminal cyclin domain and does not bind cyclin-dependent kinases. Instead, we find that the short-form CNTD1 variant associates with components of the replication factor C (RFC) machinery to facilitate crossover formation, and with the E2 ubiquitin conjugating enzyme, CDC34, to regulate ubiquitylation and subsequent degradation of the WEE1 kinase, thereby modulating cell-cycle progression. We propose that these interactions facilitate a role for CNTD1 as a stop-go regulator during prophase I, ensuring accurate and complete crossover formation before allowing metaphase progression and the first meiotic division. CNTD1 associates with sites of crossing over in meiosis, co-localizing with MutLγ In the testis, CNTD1 does not interact with CDKs or with known crossover regulators CNTD1 regulates crossing over via interactions with the replication factor C complex CNTD1 regulates cell-cycle progression via interactions with the SCF complex
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen Gray
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Center for Reproductive Genomics, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA.
| | - Emerson R Santiago
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
| | - Joshua S Chappie
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
| | - Paula E Cohen
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Center for Reproductive Genomics, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA.
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122
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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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123
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Li Q, Engebrecht J. BRCA1 and BRCA2 Tumor Suppressor Function in Meiosis. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:668309. [PMID: 33996823 PMCID: PMC8121103 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.668309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2021] [Accepted: 03/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Meiosis is a specialized cell cycle that results in the production of haploid gametes for sexual reproduction. During meiosis, homologous chromosomes are connected by chiasmata, the physical manifestation of crossovers. Crossovers are formed by the repair of intentionally induced double strand breaks by homologous recombination and facilitate chromosome alignment on the meiotic spindle and proper chromosome segregation. While it is well established that the tumor suppressors BRCA1 and BRCA2 function in DNA repair and homologous recombination in somatic cells, the functions of BRCA1 and BRCA2 in meiosis have received less attention. Recent studies in both mice and the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans have provided insight into the roles of these tumor suppressors in a number of meiotic processes, revealing both conserved and organism-specific functions. BRCA1 forms an E3 ubiquitin ligase as a heterodimer with BARD1 and appears to have regulatory roles in a number of key meiotic processes. BRCA2 is a very large protein that plays an intimate role in homologous recombination. As women with no indication of cancer but carrying BRCA mutations show decreased ovarian reserve and accumulated oocyte DNA damage, studies in these systems may provide insight into why BRCA mutations impact reproductive success in addition to their established roles in cancer.
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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, Davis, CA, United States
| | - JoAnne Engebrecht
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, and Biochemistry, Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology Graduate Group, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
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124
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Kar FM, Hochwagen A. Phospho-Regulation of Meiotic Prophase. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:667073. [PMID: 33928091 PMCID: PMC8076904 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.667073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2021] [Accepted: 03/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Germ cells undergoing meiosis rely on an intricate network of surveillance mechanisms that govern the production of euploid gametes for successful sexual reproduction. These surveillance mechanisms are particularly crucial during meiotic prophase, when cells execute a highly orchestrated program of chromosome morphogenesis and recombination, which must be integrated with the meiotic cell division machinery to ensure the safe execution of meiosis. Dynamic protein phosphorylation, controlled by kinases and phosphatases, has emerged as one of the main signaling routes for providing readout and regulation of chromosomal and cellular behavior throughout meiotic prophase. In this review, we discuss common principles and provide detailed examples of how these phosphorylation events are employed to ensure faithful passage of chromosomes from one generation to the next.
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Affiliation(s)
- Funda M Kar
- Department of Biology, New York University, New York, NY, United States
| | - Andreas Hochwagen
- Department of Biology, New York University, New York, NY, United States
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125
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Mytlis A, Elkouby YM. Live and Time-Lapse Imaging of Early Oogenesis and Meiotic Chromosomal Dynamics in Cultured Juvenile Zebrafish Ovaries. Methods Mol Biol 2021; 2218:137-155. [PMID: 33606229 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-0970-5_12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/21/2023]
Abstract
Oocyte production is crucial for sexual reproduction. Recent findings in zebrafish and other established model organisms emphasize that the early steps of oogenesis involve the coordination of simultaneous and tightly sequential processes across cellular compartments and between sister cells. To fully understand the mechanistic framework of these coordinated processes, cellular and morphological analysis in high temporal resolution is required. Here, we provide a protocol for four-dimensional live time-lapse analysis of cultured juvenile zebrafish ovaries. We describe how multiple-stage oocytes can be simultaneously analyzed in single ovaries, and several ovaries can be processed in single experiments. In addition, we detail adequate conditions for quantitative image acquisition. Finally, we demonstrate that using this protocol, we successfully capture rapid meiotic chromosomal movements in early prophase for the first time in zebrafish oocytes, in four dimensions and in vivo. Our protocol expands the use of the zebrafish as a model system to understand germ cell and ovarian development in postembryonic stages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Avishag Mytlis
- Department of Developmental Biology and Cancer Research, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Faculty of Medicine, Institute for Medical Research - Israel-Canada (IMRIC), Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Yaniv M Elkouby
- Department of Developmental Biology and Cancer Research, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Faculty of Medicine, Institute for Medical Research - Israel-Canada (IMRIC), Jerusalem, Israel.
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126
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Imai Y, Saito K, Takemoto K, Velilla F, Kawasaki T, Ishiguro KI, Sakai N. Sycp1 Is Not Required for Subtelomeric DNA Double-Strand Breaks but Is Required for Homologous Alignment in Zebrafish Spermatocytes. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:664377. [PMID: 33842489 PMCID: PMC8033029 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.664377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2021] [Accepted: 03/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
In meiotic prophase I, homologous chromosomes are bound together by the synaptonemal complex, in which two axial elements are connected by transverse filaments and central element proteins. In human and zebrafish spermatocytes, homologous recombination and assembly of the synaptonemal complex initiate predominantly near telomeres. In mice, synapsis is not required for meiotic double-strand breaks (DSBs) and homolog alignment but is required for DSB repair; however, the interplay of these meiotic events in the context of peritelomeric bias remains unclear. In this study, we identified a premature stop mutation in the zebrafish gene encoding the transverse filament protein Sycp1. In sycp1 mutant zebrafish spermatocytes, axial elements were formed and paired at chromosome ends between homologs during early to mid-zygonema. However, they did not synapse, and their associations were mostly lost in late zygotene- or pachytene-like stages. In sycp1 mutant spermatocytes, γH2AX signals were observed, and Dmc1/Rad51 and RPA signals appeared predominantly near telomeres, resembling wild-type phenotypes. We observed persistent localization of Hormad1 along the axis in sycp1 mutant spermatocytes, while the majority of Iho1 signals appeared and disappeared with kinetics similar to those in wild-type spermatocytes. Notably, persistent Iho1 foci were observed in spo11 mutant spermatocytes, suggesting that Iho1 dissociation from axes occurs in a DSB-dependent manner. Our results demonstrated that Sycp1 is not required for peritelomeric DSB formation but is necessary for complete pairing of homologs in zebrafish meiosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yukiko Imai
- Department of Gene Function and Phenomics, National Institute of Genetics, Mishima, Japan
| | - Kenji Saito
- Department of Gene Function and Phenomics, National Institute of Genetics, Mishima, Japan
| | - Kazumasa Takemoto
- Department of Gene Function and Phenomics, National Institute of Genetics, Mishima, Japan
| | - Fabien Velilla
- Department of Gene Function and Phenomics, National Institute of Genetics, Mishima, Japan
| | - Toshihiro Kawasaki
- Department of Gene Function and Phenomics, National Institute of Genetics, Mishima, Japan.,Department of Genetics, School of Life Sciences, SOKENDAI (The Graduate University for Advanced Studies), Mishima, Japan
| | - Kei-Ichiro Ishiguro
- Department of Chromosome Biology, Institute of Molecular Embryology and Genetics, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Noriyoshi Sakai
- Department of Gene Function and Phenomics, National Institute of Genetics, Mishima, Japan.,Department of Genetics, School of Life Sciences, SOKENDAI (The Graduate University for Advanced Studies), Mishima, Japan
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127
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Toraason E, Horacek A, Clark C, Glover ML, Adler VL, Premkumar T, Salagean A, Cole F, Libuda DE. Meiotic DNA break repair can utilize homolog-independent chromatid templates in C. elegans. Curr Biol 2021; 31:1508-1514.e5. [PMID: 33740427 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2021.03.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2020] [Revised: 02/09/2021] [Accepted: 03/02/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
During meiosis, the maintenance of genome integrity is critical for generating viable haploid gametes.1 In meiotic prophase I, double-strand DNA breaks (DSBs) are induced and a subset of these DSBs are repaired as interhomolog crossovers to ensure proper chromosome segregation. DSBs not resolved as crossovers with the homolog must be repaired by other pathways to ensure genome integrity.2 To determine if alternative repair templates can be engaged for meiotic DSB repair during oogenesis, we developed an assay to detect sister and/or intra-chromatid repair events at a defined DSB site during Caenorhabditis elegans meiosis. Using this assay, we directly demonstrate that the sister chromatid or the same DNA molecule can be engaged as a meiotic repair template for both crossover and noncrossover recombination, with noncrossover events being the predominant recombination outcome. We additionally find that the sister or intra-chromatid substrate is available as a recombination partner for DSBs induced throughout meiotic prophase I, including late prophase when the homolog is unavailable. Analysis of noncrossover conversion tract sequences reveals that DSBs are processed similarly throughout prophase I. We further present data indicating that the XPF-1 nuclease functions in late prophase to promote sister or intra-chromatid repair at steps of recombination following joint molecule processing. Despite its function in sister or intra-chromatid repair, we find that xpf-1 mutants do not exhibit severe defects in progeny viability following exposure to ionizing radiation. Overall, we propose that C. elegans XPF-1 may assist as an intersister or intrachromatid resolvase only in late prophase I.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erik Toraason
- Institute of Molecular Biology, Department of Biology, University of Oregon, 1229 Franklin Boulevard, Eugene, OR 97403, USA
| | - Anna Horacek
- Institute of Molecular Biology, Department of Biology, University of Oregon, 1229 Franklin Boulevard, Eugene, OR 97403, USA
| | - Cordell Clark
- Institute of Molecular Biology, Department of Biology, University of Oregon, 1229 Franklin Boulevard, Eugene, OR 97403, USA
| | - Marissa L Glover
- Institute of Molecular Biology, Department of Biology, University of Oregon, 1229 Franklin Boulevard, Eugene, OR 97403, USA
| | - Victoria L Adler
- Institute of Molecular Biology, Department of Biology, University of Oregon, 1229 Franklin Boulevard, Eugene, OR 97403, USA
| | - Tolkappiyan Premkumar
- Department of Epigenetics and Molecular Carcinogenesis, MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1808 Park Road 1C, Smithville, TX 78957, USA
| | - Alina Salagean
- Institute of Molecular Biology, Department of Biology, University of Oregon, 1229 Franklin Boulevard, Eugene, OR 97403, USA
| | - Francesca Cole
- Department of Epigenetics and Molecular Carcinogenesis, MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1808 Park Road 1C, Smithville, TX 78957, USA
| | - Diana E Libuda
- Institute of Molecular Biology, Department of Biology, University of Oregon, 1229 Franklin Boulevard, Eugene, OR 97403, USA.
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128
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Yadav VK, Claeys Bouuaert C. Mechanism and Control of Meiotic DNA Double-Strand Break Formation in S. cerevisiae. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:642737. [PMID: 33748134 PMCID: PMC7968521 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.642737] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2020] [Accepted: 02/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Developmentally programmed formation of DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) by Spo11 initiates a recombination mechanism that promotes synapsis and the subsequent segregation of homologous chromosomes during meiosis. Although DSBs are induced to high levels in meiosis, their formation and repair are tightly regulated to minimize potentially dangerous consequences for genomic integrity. In S. cerevisiae, nine proteins participate with Spo11 in DSB formation, but their molecular functions have been challenging to define. Here, we describe our current view of the mechanism of meiotic DSB formation based on recent advances in the characterization of the structure and function of DSB proteins and discuss regulatory pathways in the light of recent models.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Corentin Claeys Bouuaert
- Louvain Institute of Biomolecular Science and Technology, Université catholique de Louvain, Louvain-La-Neuve, Belgium
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129
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Song M, Zhai B, Yang X, Tan T, Wang Y, Yang X, Tan Y, Chu T, Cao Y, Song Y, Wang S, Zhang L. Interplay between Pds5 and Rec8 in regulating chromosome axis length and crossover frequency. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2021; 7:7/11/eabe7920. [PMID: 33712462 PMCID: PMC7954452 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abe7920] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2020] [Accepted: 02/04/2021] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Meiotic chromosomes have a loop/axis architecture, with axis length determining crossover frequency. Meiosis-specific Pds5 depletion mutants have shorter chromosome axes and lower homologous chromosome pairing and recombination frequency. However, it is poorly understood how Pds5 coordinately regulates these processes. In this study, we show that only ~20% of wild-type level of Pds5 is required for homolog pairing and that higher levels of Pds5 dosage-dependently regulate axis length and crossover frequency. Moderate changes in Pds5 protein levels do not explicitly impair the basic recombination process. Further investigations show that Pds5 does not regulate chromosome axes by altering Rec8 abundance. Conversely, Rec8 regulates chromosome axis length by modulating Pds5. These findings highlight the important role of Pds5 in regulating meiosis and its relationship with Rec8 to regulate chromosome axis length and crossover frequency with implications for evolutionary adaptation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meihui Song
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
| | - Binyuan Zhai
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Jinan, Shandong 250001, China
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
- Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
- National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
| | - Xiao Yang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Jinan, Shandong 250001, China
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
- Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
- National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
| | - Taicong Tan
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
| | - Ying Wang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
| | - Xuan Yang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Jinan, Shandong 250001, China
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
- Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
- National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
| | - Yingjin Tan
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
- Advanced Medical Research Institute, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
| | - Tingting Chu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
- Advanced Medical Research Institute, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
| | - Yanding Cao
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
| | - Yulong Song
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
| | - Shunxin Wang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Jinan, Shandong 250001, China
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
- Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
- National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
| | - Liangran Zhang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China.
- Advanced Medical Research Institute, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Resistance Biology, College of Life Sciences, Shandong Normal University, Jinan, Shandong 250014, China
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130
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Escorcia W, Tripathi VP, Yuan JP, Forsburg SL. A visual atlas of meiotic protein dynamics in living fission yeast. Open Biol 2021; 11:200357. [PMID: 33622106 PMCID: PMC8061692 DOI: 10.1098/rsob.200357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Meiosis is a carefully choreographed dynamic process that re-purposes proteins from somatic/vegetative cell division, as well as meiosis-specific factors, to carry out the differentiation and recombination pathway common to sexually reproducing eukaryotes. Studies of individual proteins from a variety of different experimental protocols can make it difficult to compare details between them. Using a consistent protocol in otherwise wild-type fission yeast cells, this report provides an atlas of dynamic protein behaviour of representative proteins at different stages during normal zygotic meiosis in fission yeast. This establishes common landmarks to facilitate comparison of different proteins and shows that initiation of S phase likely occurs prior to nuclear fusion/karyogamy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wilber Escorcia
- Molecular and Computational Biology Program, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA.,Leonard Davis School of Gerontology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 45207, USA
| | - Vishnu P Tripathi
- Molecular and Computational Biology Program, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA
| | - Ji-Ping Yuan
- Molecular and Computational Biology Program, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA
| | - Susan L Forsburg
- Molecular and Computational Biology Program, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA
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131
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Bhagwat NR, Owens SN, Ito M, Boinapalli JV, Poa P, Ditzel A, Kopparapu S, Mahalawat M, Davies OR, Collins SR, Johnson JR, Krogan NJ, Hunter N. SUMO is a pervasive regulator of meiosis. eLife 2021; 10:57720. [PMID: 33502312 PMCID: PMC7924959 DOI: 10.7554/elife.57720] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2020] [Accepted: 01/26/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Protein modification by SUMO helps orchestrate the elaborate events of meiosis to faithfully produce haploid gametes. To date, only a handful of meiotic SUMO targets have been identified. Here, we delineate a multidimensional SUMO-modified meiotic proteome in budding yeast, identifying 2747 conjugation sites in 775 targets, and defining their relative levels and dynamics. Modified sites cluster in disordered regions and only a minority match consensus motifs. Target identities and modification dynamics imply that SUMOylation regulates all levels of chromosome organization and each step of meiotic prophase I. Execution-point analysis confirms these inferences, revealing functions for SUMO in S-phase, the initiation of recombination, chromosome synapsis and crossing over. K15-linked SUMO chains become prominent as chromosomes synapse and recombine, consistent with roles in these processes. SUMO also modifies ubiquitin, forming hybrid oligomers with potential to modulate ubiquitin signaling. We conclude that SUMO plays diverse and unanticipated roles in regulating meiotic chromosome metabolism. Most mammalian, yeast and other eukaryote cells have two sets of chromosomes, one from each parent, which contain all the cell’s DNA. Sex cells – like the sperm and egg – however, have half the number of chromosomes and are formed by a specialized type of cell division known as meiosis. At the start of meiosis, each cell replicates its chromosomes so that it has twice the amount of DNA. The cell then undergoes two rounds of division to form sex cells which each contain only one set of chromosomes. Before the cell divides, the two duplicated sets of chromosomes pair up and swap sections of their DNA. This exchange allows each new sex cell to have a unique combination of DNA, resulting in offspring that are genetically distinct from their parents. This complex series of events is tightly regulated, in part, by a protein called the 'small ubiquitin-like modifier' (or SUMO for short), which attaches itself to other proteins and modifies their behavior. This process, known as SUMOylation, can affect a protein’s stability, where it is located in the cell and how it interacts with other proteins. However, despite SUMO being known as a key regulator of meiosis, only a handful of its protein targets have been identified. To gain a better understanding of what SUMO does during meiosis, Bhagwat et al. set out to find which proteins are targeted by SUMO in budding yeast and to map the specific sites of modification. The experiments identified 2,747 different sites on 775 different proteins, suggesting that SUMO regulates all aspects of meiosis. Consistently, inactivating SUMOylation at different times revealed SUMO plays a role at every stage of meiosis, including the replication of DNA and the exchanges between chromosomes. In depth analysis of the targeted proteins also revealed that SUMOylation targets different groups of proteins at different stages of meiosis and interacts with other protein modifications, including the ubiquitin system which tags proteins for destruction. The data gathered by Bhagwat et al. provide a starting point for future research into precisely how SUMO proteins control meiosis in yeast and other organisms. In humans, errors in meiosis are the leading cause of pregnancy loss and congenital diseases. Most of the proteins identified as SUMO targets in budding yeast are also present in humans. So, this research could provide a platform for medical advances in the future. The next step is to study mammalian models, such as mice, to confirm that the regulation of meiosis by SUMO is the same in mammals as in yeast.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikhil R Bhagwat
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of California Davis, Davis, United States.,Department of Microbiology & Molecular Genetics, University of California Davis, Davis, United States
| | - Shannon N Owens
- Department of Microbiology & Molecular Genetics, University of California Davis, Davis, United States
| | - Masaru Ito
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of California Davis, Davis, United States.,Department of Microbiology & Molecular Genetics, University of California Davis, Davis, United States
| | - Jay V Boinapalli
- Department of Microbiology & Molecular Genetics, University of California Davis, Davis, United States
| | - Philip Poa
- Department of Microbiology & Molecular Genetics, University of California Davis, Davis, United States
| | - Alexander Ditzel
- Department of Microbiology & Molecular Genetics, University of California Davis, Davis, United States
| | - Srujan Kopparapu
- Department of Microbiology & Molecular Genetics, University of California Davis, Davis, United States
| | - Meghan Mahalawat
- Department of Microbiology & Molecular Genetics, University of California Davis, Davis, United States
| | - Owen Richard Davies
- Institute for Cell and Molecular Biosciences, University of Newcastle, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Sean R Collins
- Department of Microbiology & Molecular Genetics, University of California Davis, Davis, United States
| | - Jeffrey R Johnson
- Department of Cellular & Molecular Pharmacology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, United States
| | - Nevan J Krogan
- Department of Cellular & Molecular Pharmacology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, United States
| | - Neil Hunter
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of California Davis, Davis, United States.,Department of Microbiology & Molecular Genetics, University of California Davis, Davis, United States.,Department of Molecular & Cellular Biology, University of California Davis, Davis, United States
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132
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The S. pombe CDK5 Orthologue Pef1 Cooperates with Three Cyclins, Clg1, Pas1 and Psl1, to Promote Pre-Meiotic DNA Replication. Biomolecules 2021; 11:biom11010089. [PMID: 33445784 PMCID: PMC7828282 DOI: 10.3390/biom11010089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2020] [Revised: 01/05/2021] [Accepted: 01/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Meiosis is a specialized cell division process that mediates genetic information transfer to the next generation. Meiotic chromosomal segregation occurs when DNA replication is completed during the pre-meiotic S phase. Here, we show that Schizosaccharomyces pombe Pef1, an orthologue of mammalian cyclin-dependent kinase 5 (CDK5), is required to promote pre-meiotic DNA replication. We examined the efficiency of meiotic initiation using pat1-114 mutants and found that, meiotic nuclear divisions did not occur in the pef1Δ pat1-114 strain. Deletion of pef1 also suppressed the expression of DNA replication factors and the phosphorylation of Cdc2 Tyr-15. The double deletion of clg1 and psl1 arrested meiotic initiation in pat1-114 mutant cells, similar to that of pef1-deficient cells. Meiotic progression was also slightly delayed in the pas1-deficient strain. Our results reveal that Pef1 regulates cyclin-coordinated meiotic progression.
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133
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Sakamoto Y, Kokuta T, Teshigahara A, Iijima K, Kitao H, Takata M, Tauchi H. Mitotic cells can repair DNA double-strand breaks via a homology-directed pathway. JOURNAL OF RADIATION RESEARCH 2021; 62:25-33. [PMID: 33009557 PMCID: PMC7779344 DOI: 10.1093/jrr/rraa095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2020] [Revised: 08/21/2020] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
The choice of repair pathways of DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) is dependent upon the cell cycle phases. While homologous recombination repair (HRR) is active between the S and G2 phases, its involvement in mitotic DSB repair has not been examined in detail. In the present study, we developed a new reporter assay system to detect homology-directed repair (HDR), a major pathway used for HRR, in combination with an inducible DSB-generation system. As expected, the maximal HDR activity was observed in the late S phase, along with minimal activity in the G1 phase and at the G1/S boundary. Surprisingly, significant HDR activity was observed in M phase, and the repair efficiency was similar to that observed in late S phase. HDR was also confirmed in metaphase cells collected with continuous colcemid exposure. ChIP assays revealed the recruitment of RAD51 to the vicinity of DSBs in M phase. In addition, the ChIP assay for gamma-H2AX and phosphorylated DNA-PKcs indicated that a part of M-phase cells with DSBs could proceed into the next G1 phase. These results provide evidence showing that a portion of mitotic cell DSBs are undoubtedly repaired through action of the HDR repair pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuki Sakamoto
- Department of Biological Sciences, Ibaraki University, Bunkyo 2-1-1, Mito, Ibaraki 310-8512, Japan
| | - Tetsuya Kokuta
- Department of Biological Sciences, Ibaraki University, Bunkyo 2-1-1, Mito, Ibaraki 310-8512, Japan
| | - Ai Teshigahara
- Department of Biological Sciences, Ibaraki University, Bunkyo 2-1-1, Mito, Ibaraki 310-8512, Japan
| | - Kenta Iijima
- Department of Biological Sciences, Ibaraki University, Bunkyo 2-1-1, Mito, Ibaraki 310-8512, Japan
- Department of Cancer Biology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, 65 Tsurumai-cho, Showa-ku, Nagoya 466-8550, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Kitao
- Department of Molecular Cancer Biology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyushu University, Maidashi 3-1-1, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan
| | - Minoru Takata
- Radiation Biology Center, Kyoto University, Yoshida-Konoe Cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Tauchi
- Corresponding author. Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, Ibaraki University, Bunkyo 2-1-1, Mito, Ibaraki 310-8512, Japan. Tel: +81-29-228-8383; Fax: +81-29-228-8403;
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Sims J, Rabanal FA, Elgert C, von Haeseler A, Schlögelhofer P. It Is Just a Matter of Time: Balancing Homologous Recombination and Non-homologous End Joining at the rDNA Locus During Meiosis. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2021; 12:773052. [PMID: 34777453 PMCID: PMC8580885 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2021.773052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2021] [Accepted: 10/04/2021] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
Ribosomal RNA genes (rDNAs) are located in large domains of hundreds of rDNA units organized in a head-to-tail manner. The proper and stable inheritance of rDNA clusters is of paramount importance for survival. Yet, these highly repetitive elements pose a potential risk to the genome since they can undergo non-allelic exchanges. Here, we review the current knowledge of the organization of the rDNA clusters in Arabidopsis thaliana and their stability during meiosis. Recent findings suggest that during meiosis, all rDNA loci are embedded within the nucleolus favoring non-homologous end joining (NHEJ) as a repair mechanism, while DNA repair via homologous recombination (HR) appears to be a rare event. We propose a model where (1) frequent meiotic NHEJ events generate abundant single nucleotide polymorphisms and insertions/deletions within the rDNA, resulting in a heterogeneous population of rDNA units and (2) rare HR events dynamically change rDNA unit numbers, only to be observed in large populations over many generations. Based on the latest efforts to delineate the entire rDNA sequence in A. thaliana, we discuss evidence supporting this model. The results compiled so far draw a surprising picture of rDNA sequence heterogeneity between individual units. Furthermore, rDNA cluster sizes have been recognized as relatively stable when observing less than 10 generations, yet emerged as major determinant of genome size variation between different A. thaliana ecotypes. The sequencing efforts also revealed that transcripts from the diverse rDNA units yield heterogenous ribosome populations with potential functional implications. These findings strongly motivate further research to understand the mechanisms that maintain the metastable state of rDNA loci.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason Sims
- Department of Chromosome Biology, Max Perutz Labs, University of Vienna, Vienna BioCenter, Vienna, Austria
- *Correspondence: Jason Sims,
| | - Fernando A. Rabanal
- Department of Molecular Biology, Max Planck Institute for Developmental Biology, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Christiane Elgert
- Center for Integrative Bioinformatics Vienna (CIBIV), Max Perutz Labs, University of Vienna and Medical University of Vienna, Vienna BioCenter, Vienna, Austria
| | - Arndt von Haeseler
- Center for Integrative Bioinformatics Vienna (CIBIV), Max Perutz Labs, University of Vienna and Medical University of Vienna, Vienna BioCenter, Vienna, Austria
- Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, Faculty of Computer Science, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Peter Schlögelhofer
- Department of Chromosome Biology, Max Perutz Labs, University of Vienna, Vienna BioCenter, Vienna, Austria
- Peter Schlögelhofer,
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135
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Zhu Z, Bani Ismail M, Shinohara M, Shinohara A. SCF Cdc4 ubiquitin ligase regulates synaptonemal complex formation during meiosis. Life Sci Alliance 2020; 4:4/2/e202000933. [PMID: 33293336 PMCID: PMC7756916 DOI: 10.26508/lsa.202000933] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2020] [Revised: 11/23/2020] [Accepted: 11/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
During meiosis, homologous chromosomes pair to form the synaptonemal complex (SC). This study showed that SCFCdc4 ubiquitin ligase is required for and works with Pch2 AAA+ ATPase for SC assembly. Homologous chromosomes pair with each other during meiosis, culminating in the formation of the synaptonemal complex (SC), which is coupled with meiotic recombination. In this study, we showed that a meiosis-specific depletion mutant of a cullin (Cdc53) in the SCF (Skp-Cullin-F-box) ubiquitin ligase, which plays a critical role in cell cycle regulation during mitosis, is deficient in SC formation. However, the mutant is proficient in forming crossovers, indicating the uncoupling of meiotic recombination with SC formation in the mutant. Furthermore, the deletion of the PCH2 gene encoding a meiosis-specific AAA+ ATPase suppresses SC-assembly defects induced by CDC53 depletion. On the other hand, the pch2 cdc53 double mutant is defective in meiotic crossover formation, suggesting the assembly of SC with unrepaired DNA double-strand breaks. A temperature-sensitive mutant of CDC4, which encodes an F-box protein of SCF, shows meiotic defects similar to those of the CDC53-depletion mutant. These results suggest that SCFCdc4, probably SCFCdc4-dependent protein ubiquitylation, regulates and collaborates with Pch2 in SC assembly and meiotic recombination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhihui Zhu
- Institute for Protein Research, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | | | - Miki Shinohara
- Institute for Protein Research, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Akira Shinohara
- Institute for Protein Research, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
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136
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Gebel J, Tuppi M, Sänger N, Schumacher B, Dötsch V. DNA Damaged Induced Cell Death in Oocytes. Molecules 2020; 25:molecules25235714. [PMID: 33287328 PMCID: PMC7730327 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25235714] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2020] [Revised: 11/25/2020] [Accepted: 11/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The production of haploid gametes through meiosis is central to the principle of sexual reproduction. The genetic diversity is further enhanced by exchange of genetic material between homologous chromosomes by the crossover mechanism. This mechanism not only requires correct pairing of homologous chromosomes but also efficient repair of the induced DNA double-strand breaks. Oocytes have evolved a unique quality control system that eliminates cells if chromosomes do not correctly align or if DNA repair is not possible. Central to this monitoring system that is conserved from nematodes and fruit fly to humans is the p53 protein family, and in vertebrates in particular p63. In mammals, oocytes are stored for a long time in the prophase of meiosis I which, in humans, can last more than 50 years. During the entire time of this arrest phase, the DNA damage checkpoint remains active. The treatment of female cancer patients with DNA damaging irradiation or chemotherapeutics activates this checkpoint and results in elimination of the oocyte pool causing premature menopause and infertility. Here, we review the molecular mechanisms of this quality control system and discuss potential therapeutic intervention for the preservation of the oocyte pool during chemotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jakob Gebel
- Institute of Biophysical Chemistry and Center for Biomolecular Magnetic Resonance, Goethe University, 60438 Frankfurt, Germany; (J.G.); (M.T.)
| | - Marcel Tuppi
- Institute of Biophysical Chemistry and Center for Biomolecular Magnetic Resonance, Goethe University, 60438 Frankfurt, Germany; (J.G.); (M.T.)
| | - Nicole Sänger
- Department for Gynecological Endocrinology and Reproductive Medicine, University Hospital of Bonn, Venusberg-Campus 1, 53217 Bonn, Germany;
| | - Björn Schumacher
- Institute for Genome Stability in Aging and Disease, Cologne Cluster of Excellence in Cellular Stress Responses in Aging-Associated Diseases (CECAD) Research Center, and Center for Molecular Medicine, University of Cologne, Joseph-Stelzmann-Str. 26, 50931 Cologne, Germany;
| | - Volker Dötsch
- Institute of Biophysical Chemistry and Center for Biomolecular Magnetic Resonance, Goethe University, 60438 Frankfurt, Germany; (J.G.); (M.T.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-69-798-29631
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137
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Exo1 recruits Cdc5 polo kinase to MutLγ to ensure efficient meiotic crossover formation. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2020; 117:30577-30588. [PMID: 33199619 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2013012117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Crossovers generated during the repair of programmed meiotic double-strand breaks must be tightly regulated to promote accurate homolog segregation without deleterious outcomes, such as aneuploidy. The Mlh1-Mlh3 (MutLγ) endonuclease complex is critical for crossover resolution, which involves mechanistically unclear interplay between MutLγ and Exo1 and polo kinase Cdc5. Using budding yeast to gain temporal and genetic traction on crossover regulation, we find that MutLγ constitutively interacts with Exo1. Upon commitment to crossover repair, MutLγ-Exo1 associate with recombination intermediates, followed by direct Cdc5 recruitment that triggers MutLγ crossover activity. We propose that Exo1 serves as a central coordinator in this molecular interplay, providing a defined order of interaction that prevents deleterious, premature activation of crossovers. MutLγ associates at a lower frequency near centromeres, indicating that spatial regulation across chromosomal regions reduces risky crossover events. Our data elucidate the temporal and spatial control surrounding a constitutive, potentially harmful, nuclease. We also reveal a critical, noncatalytic role for Exo1, through noncanonical interaction with polo kinase. These mechanisms regulating meiotic crossovers may be conserved across species.
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138
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Marshall CJ, Santangelo TJ. Archaeal DNA Repair Mechanisms. Biomolecules 2020; 10:E1472. [PMID: 33113933 PMCID: PMC7690668 DOI: 10.3390/biom10111472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2020] [Revised: 10/14/2020] [Accepted: 10/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Archaea often thrive in environmental extremes, enduring levels of heat, pressure, salinity, pH, and radiation that prove intolerable to most life. Many environmental extremes raise the propensity for DNA damaging events and thus, impact DNA stability, placing greater reliance on molecular mechanisms that recognize DNA damage and initiate accurate repair. Archaea can presumably prosper in harsh and DNA-damaging environments in part due to robust DNA repair pathways but surprisingly, no DNA repair pathways unique to Archaea have been described. Here, we review the most recent advances in our understanding of archaeal DNA repair. We summarize DNA damage types and their consequences, their recognition by host enzymes, and how the collective activities of many DNA repair pathways maintain archaeal genomic integrity.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Thomas J. Santangelo
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA;
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139
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Palmer N, Talib SZA, Singh P, Goh CMF, Liu K, Schimenti JC, Kaldis P. A novel function for CDK2 activity at meiotic crossover sites. PLoS Biol 2020; 18:e3000903. [PMID: 33075054 PMCID: PMC7595640 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.3000903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2020] [Revised: 10/29/2020] [Accepted: 09/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Genetic diversity in offspring is induced by meiotic recombination, which is initiated between homologs at >200 sites originating from meiotic double-strand breaks (DSBs). Of this initial pool, only 1-2 DSBs per homolog pair will be designated to form meiotic crossovers (COs), where reciprocal genetic exchange occurs between parental chromosomes. Cyclin-dependent kinase 2 (CDK2) is known to localize to so-called "late recombination nodules" (LRNs) marking incipient CO sites. However, the role of CDK2 kinase activity in the process of CO formation remains uncertain. Here, we describe the phenotype of 2 Cdk2 point mutants with elevated or decreased activity, respectively. Elevated CDK2 activity was associated with increased numbers of LRN-associated proteins, including CDK2 itself and the MutL homolog 1 (MLH1) component of the MutLγ complex, but did not lead to increased numbers of COs. In contrast, reduced CDK2 activity leads to the complete absence of CO formation during meiotic prophase I. Our data suggest an important role for CDK2 in regulating MLH1 focus numbers and that the activity of this kinase is a key regulatory factor in the formation of meiotic COs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathan Palmer
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology (IMCB), A*STAR (Agency for Science, Technology, and Research), Singapore, Republic of Singapore
- Department of Biochemistry, National University of Singapore (NUS), Singapore, Republic of Singapore
| | - S. Zakiah A. Talib
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology (IMCB), A*STAR (Agency for Science, Technology, and Research), Singapore, Republic of Singapore
| | - Priti Singh
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, United States of America
| | - Christine M. F. Goh
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology (IMCB), A*STAR (Agency for Science, Technology, and Research), Singapore, Republic of Singapore
| | - Kui Liu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, Center of Assisted Reproduction and Embryology, The University of Hong Kong—Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - John C. Schimenti
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, United States of America
| | - Philipp Kaldis
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology (IMCB), A*STAR (Agency for Science, Technology, and Research), Singapore, Republic of Singapore
- Department of Biochemistry, National University of Singapore (NUS), Singapore, Republic of Singapore
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Clinical Research Centre, Lund University, Malmö, Sweden
- * E-mail:
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140
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Biggs RJ, Liu N, Peng Y, Marko JF, Qiao H. Micromanipulation of prophase I chromosomes from mouse spermatocytes reveals high stiffness and gel-like chromatin organization. Commun Biol 2020; 3:542. [PMID: 32999386 PMCID: PMC7528058 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-020-01265-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2020] [Accepted: 08/31/2020] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Meiosis produces four haploid cells after two successive divisions in sexually reproducing organisms. A critical event during meiosis is construction of the synaptonemal complex (SC), a large, protein-based bridge that physically links homologous chromosomes. The SC facilitates meiotic recombination, chromosome compaction, and the eventual separation of homologous chromosomes at metaphase I. We present experiments directly measuring physical properties of captured mammalian meiotic prophase I chromosomes. Mouse meiotic chromosomes are about ten-fold stiffer than somatic mitotic chromosomes, even for genetic mutants lacking SYCP1, the central element of the SC. Meiotic chromosomes dissolve when treated with nucleases, but only weaken when treated with proteases, suggesting that the SC is not rigidly connected, and that meiotic prophase I chromosomes are a gel meshwork of chromatin, similar to mitotic chromosomes. These results are consistent with a liquid- or liquid-crystal SC, but with SC-chromatin stiff enough to mechanically drive crossover interference. Ronald Biggs et al. report biophysical measurements of intact chromosomes isolated from mouse spermatocytes. They compare chromosomes in meiosis prophase I to mitotic chromosomes and find that meiotic chromosomes are much stiffer, and this stiffness does not depend on the central element of the synaptonemal complex (SYCP1).
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Affiliation(s)
- Ronald J Biggs
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, 60208, USA
| | - Ning Liu
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign, Urbana, IL, 61802, USA
| | - Yiheng Peng
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign, Urbana, IL, 61802, USA
| | - John F Marko
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, 60208, USA. .,Department of Physics and Astronomy, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, 60208, USA.
| | - Huanyu Qiao
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign, Urbana, IL, 61802, USA.
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141
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Tran TN, Schimenti JC. A segregating human allele of SPO11 modeled in mice disrupts timing and amounts of meiotic recombination, causing oligospermia and a decreased ovarian reserve†. Biol Reprod 2020; 101:347-359. [PMID: 31074776 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioz089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2019] [Revised: 04/29/2019] [Accepted: 05/09/2019] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
A major challenge in medical genetics is to characterize variants of unknown significance (VUS). Doing so would help delineate underlying causes of disease and the design of customized treatments. Infertility has presented an especially difficult challenge with respect to not only determining if a given patient has a genetic basis, but also to identify the causative genetic factor(s). Though genome sequencing can identify candidate variants, in silico predictions of causation are not always sufficiently reliable so as to be actionable. Thus, experimental validation is crucial. Here, we describe the phenotype of mice containing a non-synonymous (proline-to-threonine at position 306) change in Spo11, corresponding to human SNP rs185545661. SPO11 is a topoisomerase-like protein that is essential for meiosis because it induces DNA double stranded breaks (DSBs) that stimulate pairing and recombination of homologous chromosomes. Although both male and female Spo11P306T/P306T mice were fertile, they had reduced sperm and oocytes, respectively. Spermatocyte chromosomes exhibited synapsis defects (especially between the X and Y chromosomes), elevated apoptotic cells, persistent markers of DSBs, and most importantly, fewer Type 1 crossovers that causes some chromosomes to have none. Spo11P306T/- mice were sterile and made fewer meiotic DSBs than Spo11+/- animals, suggesting that the Spo11P306T allele is a hypomorph and likely is delayed in making sufficient DSBs in a timely fashion. If the consequences are recapitulated in humans, it would predict phenotypes of premature ovarian failure, reduced sperm counts, and possible increased number of aneuploid gametes. These results emphasize the importance of deep phenotyping in order to accurately assess the impact of VUSs in reproduction genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tina N Tran
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and the Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853
| | - John C Schimenti
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and the Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853
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142
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Shang Y, Huang T, Liu H, Liu Y, Liang H, Yu X, Li M, Zhai B, Yang X, Wei Y, Wang G, Chen Z, Wang S, Zhang L. MEIOK21: a new component of meiotic recombination bridges required for spermatogenesis. Nucleic Acids Res 2020; 48:6624-6639. [PMID: 32463460 PMCID: PMC7337969 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkaa406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2019] [Revised: 05/02/2020] [Accepted: 05/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Repair of DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) with homologous chromosomes is a hallmark of meiosis that is mediated by recombination ‘bridges’ between homolog axes. This process requires cooperation of DMC1 and RAD51 to promote homology search and strand exchange. The mechanism(s) regulating DMC1/RAD51-ssDNA nucleoprotein filament and the components of ‘bridges’ remain to be investigated. Here we show that MEIOK21 is a newly identified component of meiotic recombination bridges and is required for efficient formation of DMC1/RAD51 foci. MEIOK21 dynamically localizes on chromosomes from on-axis foci to ‘hanging foci’, then to ‘bridges’, and finally to ‘fused foci’ between homolog axes. Its chromosome localization depends on DSBs. Knockout of Meiok21 decreases the numbers of HSF2BP and DMC1/RAD51 foci, disrupting DSB repair, synapsis and crossover recombination and finally causing male infertility. Therefore, MEIOK21 is a novel recombination factor and probably mediates DMC1/RAD51 recruitment to ssDNA or their stability on chromosomes through physical interaction with HSF2BP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongliang Shang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, School of Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong Provincial Clinical Medicine Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
| | - Tao Huang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, School of Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong Provincial Clinical Medicine Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
| | - Hongbin Liu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, School of Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong Provincial Clinical Medicine Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
| | - Yanlei Liu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, School of Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong Provincial Clinical Medicine Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
| | - Heng Liang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, School of Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong Provincial Clinical Medicine Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
| | - Xiaoxia Yu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, School of Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong Provincial Clinical Medicine Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
| | - Mengjing Li
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, School of Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong Provincial Clinical Medicine Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
| | - Binyuan Zhai
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, School of Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong Provincial Clinical Medicine Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China.,Advanced Medical Research Institute, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250014, China
| | - Xiao Yang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, School of Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong Provincial Clinical Medicine Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
| | - Yudong Wei
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, School of Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong Provincial Clinical Medicine Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
| | - Guoqiang Wang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, School of Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong Provincial Clinical Medicine Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
| | - Zijiang Chen
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, School of Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong Provincial Clinical Medicine Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
| | - Shunxin Wang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, School of Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong Provincial Clinical Medicine Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
| | - Liangran Zhang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, School of Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong Provincial Clinical Medicine Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China.,Advanced Medical Research Institute, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250014, China.,State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, Qingdao 266237, China
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143
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Systematic analysis of long intergenic non-coding RNAs in C. elegans germline uncovers roles in somatic growth. RNA Biol 2020; 18:435-445. [PMID: 32892705 DOI: 10.1080/15476286.2020.1814549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Long intergenic non-coding RNAs (lincRNAs) are transcripts longer than 200 nucleotides that are transcribed from non-coding loci yet undergo biosynthesis similar to coding mRNAs. The disproportional number of lincRNAs expressed in testes suggests that lincRNAs are important during gametogenesis, but experimental evidence has implicated very few lincRNAs in this process. We took advantage of the relatively limited number of lincRNAs in the genome of the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans to systematically analyse the functions of lincRNAs during meiosis. We deleted six lincRNA genes that are highly and dynamically expressed in the C. elegans gonad and tested the effects on central meiotic processes. Surprisingly, whereas the lincRNA deletions did not strongly impact fertility, germline apoptosis, crossovers, or synapsis, linc-4 was required for somatic growth. Slower growth was observed in linc-4-deletion mutants and in worms depleted of linc-4 using RNAi, indicating that linc-4 transcripts are required for this post-embryonic process. Unexpectedly, analysis of worms depleted of linc-4 in soma versus germline showed that the somatic role stems from linc-4 expression in germline cells. This unique feature suggests that some lincRNAs, like some small non-coding RNAs, are required for germ-soma interactions.
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144
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Hollis JA, Glover ML, Schlientz AJ, Cahoon CK, Bowerman B, Wignall SM, Libuda DE. Excess crossovers impede faithful meiotic chromosome segregation in C. elegans. PLoS Genet 2020; 16:e1009001. [PMID: 32886661 PMCID: PMC7508374 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1009001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2020] [Revised: 09/22/2020] [Accepted: 07/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
During meiosis, diploid organisms reduce their chromosome number by half to generate haploid gametes. This process depends on the repair of double strand DNA breaks as crossover recombination events between homologous chromosomes, which hold homologs together to ensure their proper segregation to opposite spindle poles during the first meiotic division. Although most organisms are limited in the number of crossovers between homologs by a phenomenon called crossover interference, the consequences of excess interfering crossovers on meiotic chromosome segregation are not well known. Here we show that extra interfering crossovers lead to a range of meiotic defects and we uncover mechanisms that counteract these errors. Using chromosomes that exhibit a high frequency of supernumerary crossovers in Caenorhabditis elegans, we find that essential chromosomal structures are mispatterned in the presence of multiple crossovers, subjecting chromosomes to improper spindle forces and leading to defects in metaphase alignment. Additionally, the chromosomes with extra interfering crossovers often exhibited segregation defects in anaphase I, with a high incidence of chromatin bridges that sometimes created a tether between the chromosome and the first polar body. However, these anaphase I bridges were often able to resolve in a LEM-3 nuclease dependent manner, and chromosome tethers that persisted were frequently resolved during Meiosis II by a second mechanism that preferentially segregates the tethered sister chromatid into the polar body. Altogether these findings demonstrate that excess interfering crossovers can severely impact chromosome patterning and segregation, highlighting the importance of limiting the number of recombination events between homologous chromosomes for the proper execution of meiosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeremy A. Hollis
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, United States of America
| | - Marissa L. Glover
- Institute of Molecular Biology, Department of Biology, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR, United States of America
| | - Aleesa J. Schlientz
- Institute of Molecular Biology, Department of Biology, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR, United States of America
| | - Cori K. Cahoon
- Institute of Molecular Biology, Department of Biology, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR, United States of America
| | - Bruce Bowerman
- Institute of Molecular Biology, Department of Biology, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR, United States of America
| | - Sarah M. Wignall
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, United States of America
- * E-mail: (SMW); (DEL)
| | - Diana E. Libuda
- Institute of Molecular Biology, Department of Biology, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR, United States of America
- * E-mail: (SMW); (DEL)
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PCNA activates the MutLγ endonuclease to promote meiotic crossing over. Nature 2020; 586:623-627. [PMID: 32814343 PMCID: PMC8284803 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-020-2645-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2020] [Accepted: 08/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
During meiosis, crossover recombination connects homologous chromosomes to direct their accurate segregation1. Defective crossing over causes infertility, miscarriage and congenital disease. Each pair of chromosomes attains at least one crossover via the formation and biased resolution of recombination intermediates known as double Holliday junctions2,3. A central principle of crossover resolution is that the two Holliday junctions are resolved in opposite planes by targeting nuclease incisions to specific DNA strands4. The endonuclease activity of the MutLγ complex has been implicated in the resolution of crossovers5-10, but the mechanisms that activate and direct strand-specific cleavage remain unknown. Here we show that the sliding clamp PCNA is important for crossover-biased resolution. In vitro assays with human enzymes show that PCNA and its loader RFC are sufficient to activate the MutLγ endonuclease. MutLγ is further stimulated by a co-dependent activity of the pro-crossover factors EXO1 and MutSγ, the latter of which binds Holliday junctions11. MutLγ also binds various branched DNAs, including Holliday junctions, but does not show canonical resolvase activity, implying that the endonuclease incises adjacent to junction branch points to achieve resolution. In vivo, RFC facilitates MutLγ-dependent crossing over in budding yeast. Furthermore, PCNA localizes to prospective crossover sites along synapsed chromosomes. These data highlight similarities between crossover resolution and the initiation steps of DNA mismatch repair12,13 and evoke a novel model for crossover-specific resolution of double Holliday junctions during meiosis.
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Pereira C, Smolka MB, Weiss RS, Brieño-Enríquez MA. ATR signaling in mammalian meiosis: From upstream scaffolds to downstream signaling. ENVIRONMENTAL AND MOLECULAR MUTAGENESIS 2020; 61:752-766. [PMID: 32725817 PMCID: PMC7747128 DOI: 10.1002/em.22401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2020] [Revised: 07/16/2020] [Accepted: 07/24/2020] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
In germ cells undergoing meiosis, the induction of double strand breaks (DSBs) is required for the generation of haploid gametes. Defects in the formation, detection, or recombinational repair of DSBs often result in defective chromosome segregation and aneuploidies. Central to the ability of meiotic cells to properly respond to DSBs are DNA damage response (DDR) pathways mediated by DNA damage sensor kinases. DDR signaling coordinates an extensive network of DDR effectors to induce cell cycle arrest and DNA repair, or trigger apoptosis if the damage is extensive. Despite their importance, the functions of DDR kinases and effector proteins during meiosis remain poorly understood and can often be distinct from their known mitotic roles. A key DDR kinase during meiosis is ataxia telangiectasia and Rad3-related (ATR). ATR mediates key signaling events that control DSB repair, cell cycle progression, and meiotic silencing. These meiotic functions of ATR depend on upstream scaffolds and regulators, including the 9-1-1 complex and TOPBP1, and converge on many downstream effectors such as the checkpoint kinase CHK1. Here, we review the meiotic functions of the 9-1-1/TOPBP1/ATR/CHK1 signaling pathway during mammalian meiosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catalina Pereira
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY
| | - Marcus B. Smolka
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Weill Institute for Cell and Molecular Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY
| | - Robert S. Weiss
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY
| | - Miguel A. Brieño-Enríquez
- Magee-Womens Research Institute, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
- Corresponding author: ; Phone: 412-641-7531
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147
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Furman CM, Elbashir R, Alani E. Expanded roles for the MutL family of DNA mismatch repair proteins. Yeast 2020; 38:39-53. [PMID: 32652606 DOI: 10.1002/yea.3512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2020] [Revised: 07/01/2020] [Accepted: 07/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The MutL family of DNA mismatch repair proteins plays a critical role in excising and repairing misincorporation errors during DNA replication. In many eukaryotes, members of this family have evolved to modulate and resolve recombination intermediates into crossovers during meiosis. In these organisms, such functions promote the accurate segregation of chromosomes during the meiosis I division. What alterations occurred in MutL homolog (MLH) family members that enabled them to acquire these new roles? In this review, we present evidence that the yeast Mlh1-Mlh3 and Mlh1-Mlh2 complexes have evolved novel enzymatic and nonenzymatic activities and protein-protein interactions that are critical for their meiotic functions. Curiously, even with these changes, these complexes retain backup and accessory roles in DNA mismatch repair during vegetative growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher M Furman
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Ryan Elbashir
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Eric Alani
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
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148
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Christophorou N, She W, Long J, Hurel A, Beaubiat S, Idir Y, Tagliaro-Jahns M, Chambon A, Solier V, Vezon D, Grelon M, Feng X, Bouché N, Mézard C. AXR1 affects DNA methylation independently of its role in regulating meiotic crossover localization. PLoS Genet 2020; 16:e1008894. [PMID: 32598340 PMCID: PMC7351236 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1008894] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2019] [Revised: 07/10/2020] [Accepted: 05/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Meiotic crossovers (COs) are important for reshuffling genetic information between homologous chromosomes and they are essential for their correct segregation. COs are unevenly distributed along chromosomes and the underlying mechanisms controlling CO localization are not well understood. We previously showed that meiotic COs are mis-localized in the absence of AXR1, an enzyme involved in the neddylation/rubylation protein modification pathway in Arabidopsis thaliana. Here, we report that in axr1-/-, male meiocytes show a strong defect in chromosome pairing whereas the formation of the telomere bouquet is not affected. COs are also redistributed towards subtelomeric chromosomal ends where they frequently form clusters, in contrast to large central regions depleted in recombination. The CO suppressed regions correlate with DNA hypermethylation of transposable elements (TEs) in the CHH context in axr1-/- meiocytes. Through examining somatic methylomes, we found axr1-/- affects DNA methylation in a plant, causing hypermethylation in all sequence contexts (CG, CHG and CHH) in TEs. Impairment of the main pathways involved in DNA methylation is epistatic over axr1-/- for DNA methylation in somatic cells but does not restore regular chromosome segregation during meiosis. Collectively, our findings reveal that the neddylation pathway not only regulates hormonal perception and CO distribution but is also, directly or indirectly, a major limiting pathway of TE DNA methylation in somatic cells. In sexually reproducing organisms, each parent transmits one and only one copy of each chromosome to their progeny via their packaging in haploid gametes. To ensure the proper transmission of the chromosomes, pairs of homologous chromosomes must associate and exchange genetic information (also called reciprocal recombination) during a special division called meiosis that lead to the formation of the gametes. The recombination process is highly controlled in terms of number and localization of the events along the chromosomes. Disruption of this control may cause an inappropriate transmission of the chromosomes in the gametes leading to abnormal chromosome numbers in the offspring which is usually deleterious. In the plant Arabidopis thaliana, we show that when the pathway modifying proteins through ubiquitination/neddylation is impaired, the number of reciprocal recombination events is maintained but they are delocalized toward the ends of the chromosomes and some chromosomes do not exchange material. We also detected changes of patterns for DNA methylation, an epigenetic modification localised on DNA cytosines. Furthermore, we demonstrate that the methylation of cytosines is not causal to the localization change of meiotic recombination events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas Christophorou
- Institut Jean-Pierre Bourgin, UMR1318 INRA-AgroParisTech, Université Paris-Saclay, Versailles, France
| | - Wenjing She
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, John Innes Centre, Norwich, United Kingdom
| | - Jincheng Long
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, John Innes Centre, Norwich, United Kingdom
| | - Aurélie Hurel
- Institut Jean-Pierre Bourgin, UMR1318 INRA-AgroParisTech, Université Paris-Saclay, Versailles, France
| | - Sébastien Beaubiat
- Institut Jean-Pierre Bourgin, UMR1318 INRA-AgroParisTech, Université Paris-Saclay, Versailles, France
| | - Yassir Idir
- Institut Jean-Pierre Bourgin, UMR1318 INRA-AgroParisTech, Université Paris-Saclay, Versailles, France
| | - Marina Tagliaro-Jahns
- Institut Jean-Pierre Bourgin, UMR1318 INRA-AgroParisTech, Université Paris-Saclay, Versailles, France
| | - Aurélie Chambon
- Institut Jean-Pierre Bourgin, UMR1318 INRA-AgroParisTech, Université Paris-Saclay, Versailles, France
| | - Victor Solier
- Institut Jean-Pierre Bourgin, UMR1318 INRA-AgroParisTech, Université Paris-Saclay, Versailles, France
| | - Daniel Vezon
- Institut Jean-Pierre Bourgin, UMR1318 INRA-AgroParisTech, Université Paris-Saclay, Versailles, France
| | - Mathilde Grelon
- Institut Jean-Pierre Bourgin, UMR1318 INRA-AgroParisTech, Université Paris-Saclay, Versailles, France
| | - Xiaoqi Feng
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, John Innes Centre, Norwich, United Kingdom
| | - Nicolas Bouché
- Institut Jean-Pierre Bourgin, UMR1318 INRA-AgroParisTech, Université Paris-Saclay, Versailles, France
- * E-mail: (NB); (CM)
| | - Christine Mézard
- Institut Jean-Pierre Bourgin, UMR1318 INRA-AgroParisTech, Université Paris-Saclay, Versailles, France
- * E-mail: (NB); (CM)
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149
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Tran TN, Martinez J, Schimenti JC. A predicted deleterious allele of the essential meiosis gene MND1, present in ~ 3% of East Asians, does not disrupt reproduction in mice. Mol Hum Reprod 2020; 25:668-673. [PMID: 31393579 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gaz048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2019] [Revised: 07/22/2019] [Accepted: 07/29/2019] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Infertility is a major health problem affecting ~15% of couples worldwide. Except for cases involving readily detectable chromosome aberrations, confident identification of a causative genetic defect is problematic. Despite the advent of genome sequencing for diagnostic purposes, the preponderance of segregating genetic variants complicates identification of culprit genetic alleles or mutations. Many algorithms have been developed to predict the effects of 'variants of unknown significance', typically single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), but these predictions are not sufficiently accurate for clinical action. As part of a project to identify population variants that impact fertility, we have been generating clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats-Cas9 edited mouse models of suspect SNPs in genes that are known to be required for fertility in mice. Here, we present data on a non-synonymous (amino acid altering) SNP (rs140107488) in the meiosis gene Mnd1, which is predicted bioinformatically to be deleterious to protein function. We report that when modeled in mice, this allele (MND1K85M), which is present at an allele frequency of ~ 3% in East Asians, has no discernable effect upon fertility, fecundity or gametogenesis, although it may cause sex skewing of progeny from homozygous males. In sum, assuming the mouse model accurately reflects the impact of this variant in humans, rs140107488 appears to be a benign allele that can be eliminated or de-prioritized in clinical genomic analyses of infertility patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tina N Tran
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | | | - John C Schimenti
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA.,Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
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150
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Holton RA, Harris AM, Mukerji B, Singh T, Dia F, Berkowitz KM. CHTF18 ensures the quantity and quality of the ovarian reserve†. Biol Reprod 2020; 103:24-35. [PMID: 32219340 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioaa036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2019] [Revised: 10/29/2019] [Accepted: 03/24/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The number and quality of oocytes, as well as the decline in both of these parameters with age, determines reproductive potential in women. However, the underlying mechanisms of this diminution are incompletely understood. Previously, we identified novel roles for CHTF18 (Chromosome Transmission Fidelity Factor 18), a component of the conserved Replication Factor C-like complex, in male fertility and gametogenesis. Currently, we reveal crucial roles for CHTF18 in female meiosis and oocyte development. Chtf18-/- female mice are subfertile and have fewer offspring beginning at 6 months of age. Consistent with age-dependent subfertility, Chtf18-/- ovaries contain fewer follicles at all stages of folliculogenesis than wild type ovaries, but the decreases are more significant at 3 and 6 months of age. By 6 months of age, both primordial and growing ovarian follicle pools are markedly reduced to near depletion. Chromosomal synapsis in Chtf18-/- oocytes is complete, but meiotic recombination is impaired resulting in persistent DNA double-strand breaks, fewer crossovers, and early homolog disjunction during meiosis I. Consistent with poor oocyte quality, the majority of Chtf18-/- oocytes fail to progress to metaphase II following meiotic resumption and a significant percentage of those that do progress are aneuploid. Collectively, our findings indicate critical functions for CHTF18 in ensuring both the quantity and quality of the mammalian oocyte pool.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Tanu Singh
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
| | - Ferdusy Dia
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
| | - Karen M Berkowitz
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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