1
|
Arter M, Keeney S. Divergence and conservation of the meiotic recombination machinery. Nat Rev Genet 2024; 25:309-325. [PMID: 38036793 DOI: 10.1038/s41576-023-00669-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023]
Abstract
Sexually reproducing eukaryotes use recombination between homologous chromosomes to promote chromosome segregation during meiosis. Meiotic recombination is almost universally conserved in its broad strokes, but specific molecular details often differ considerably between taxa, and the proteins that constitute the recombination machinery show substantial sequence variability. The extent of this variation is becoming increasingly clear because of recent increases in genomic resources and advances in protein structure prediction. We discuss the tension between functional conservation and rapid evolutionary change with a focus on the proteins that are required for the formation and repair of meiotic DNA double-strand breaks. We highlight phylogenetic relationships on different time scales and propose that this remarkable evolutionary plasticity is a fundamental property of meiotic recombination that shapes our understanding of molecular mechanisms in reproductive biology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Meret Arter
- Molecular Biology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Scott Keeney
- Molecular Biology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA.
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Daccache D, De Jonge E, Liloku P, Mechleb K, Haddad M, Corthaut S, Sterckx YGJ, Volkov AN, Claeys Bouuaert C. Evolutionary conservation of the structure and function of meiotic Rec114-Mei4 and Mer2 complexes. Genes Dev 2023; 37:535-553. [PMID: 37442581 PMCID: PMC10393190 DOI: 10.1101/gad.350462.123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2023] [Accepted: 06/22/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023]
Abstract
Meiosis-specific Rec114-Mei4 and Mer2 complexes are thought to enable Spo11-mediated DNA double-strand break (DSB) formation through a mechanism that involves DNA-dependent condensation. However, the structure, molecular properties, and evolutionary conservation of Rec114-Mei4 and Mer2 are unclear. Here, we present AlphaFold models of Rec114-Mei4 and Mer2 complexes supported by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS), and mutagenesis. We show that dimers composed of the Rec114 C terminus form α-helical chains that cup an N-terminal Mei4 α helix, and that Mer2 forms a parallel homotetrameric coiled coil. Both Rec114-Mei4 and Mer2 bind preferentially to branched DNA substrates, indicative of multivalent protein-DNA interactions. Indeed, the Rec114-Mei4 interaction domain contains two DNA-binding sites that point in opposite directions and drive condensation. The Mer2 coiled-coil domain bridges coaligned DNA duplexes, likely through extensive electrostatic interactions along the length of the coiled coil. Finally, we show that the structures of Rec114-Mei4 and Mer2 are conserved across eukaryotes, while DNA-binding properties vary significantly. This work provides insights into the mechanism whereby Rec114-Mei4 and Mer2 complexes promote the assembly of the meiotic DSB machinery and suggests a model in which Mer2 condensation is the essential driver of assembly, with the DNA-binding activity of Rec114-Mei4 playing a supportive role.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dima Daccache
- Louvain Institute of Biomolecular Science and Technology, Université Catholique de Louvain, 1348 Louvain-La-Neuve, Belgium
| | - Emma De Jonge
- Louvain Institute of Biomolecular Science and Technology, Université Catholique de Louvain, 1348 Louvain-La-Neuve, Belgium
| | - Pascaline Liloku
- Louvain Institute of Biomolecular Science and Technology, Université Catholique de Louvain, 1348 Louvain-La-Neuve, Belgium
| | - Karen Mechleb
- Louvain Institute of Biomolecular Science and Technology, Université Catholique de Louvain, 1348 Louvain-La-Neuve, Belgium
| | - Marita Haddad
- Louvain Institute of Biomolecular Science and Technology, Université Catholique de Louvain, 1348 Louvain-La-Neuve, Belgium
| | - Sam Corthaut
- Laboratory of Medical Biochemistry (LMB), the Infla-Med Centre of Excellence, University of Antwerp, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Yann G-J Sterckx
- Laboratory of Medical Biochemistry (LMB), the Infla-Med Centre of Excellence, University of Antwerp, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Alexander N Volkov
- Vlaams Instituut voor Biotechnologie (VIB)-Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) Center for Structural Biology, VIB, 1050 Brussels, Belgium;
- Jean Jeener NMR Centre, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), 1050 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Corentin Claeys Bouuaert
- Louvain Institute of Biomolecular Science and Technology, Université Catholique de Louvain, 1348 Louvain-La-Neuve, Belgium;
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Humphreys IR, Pei J, Baek M, Krishnakumar A, Anishchenko I, Ovchinnikov S, Zhang J, Ness TJ, Banjade S, Bagde SR, Stancheva VG, Li XH, Liu K, Zheng Z, Barrero DJ, Roy U, Kuper J, Femández IS, Szakal B, Branzei D, Rizo J, Kisker C, Greene EC, Biggins S, Keeney S, Miller EA, Fromme JC, Hendrickson TL, Cong Q, Baker D. Computed structures of core eukaryotic protein complexes. Science 2021; 374:eabm4805. [PMID: 34762488 PMCID: PMC7612107 DOI: 10.1126/science.abm4805] [Citation(s) in RCA: 243] [Impact Index Per Article: 81.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Protein-protein interactions play critical roles in biology, but the structures of many eukaryotic protein complexes are unknown, and there are likely many interactions not yet identified. We take advantage of advances in proteome-wide amino acid coevolution analysis and deep-learning–based structure modeling to systematically identify and build accurate models of core eukaryotic protein complexes within the Saccharomyces cerevisiae proteome. We use a combination of RoseTTAFold and AlphaFold to screen through paired multiple sequence alignments for 8.3 million pairs of yeast proteins, identify 1505 likely to interact, and build structure models for 106 previously unidentified assemblies and 806 that have not been structurally characterized. These complexes, which have as many as five subunits, play roles in almost all key processes in eukaryotic cells and provide broad insights into biological function.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ian R. Humphreys
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Institute for Protein Design, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Jimin Pei
- Eugene McDermott Center for Human Growth and Development, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
- Department of Biophysics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Minkyung Baek
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Institute for Protein Design, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Aditya Krishnakumar
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Institute for Protein Design, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Ivan Anishchenko
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Institute for Protein Design, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Sergey Ovchinnikov
- Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Division of Science, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
- John Harvard Distinguished Science Fellowship Program, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Jing Zhang
- Eugene McDermott Center for Human Growth and Development, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
- Department of Biophysics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Travis J. Ness
- Department of Chemistry, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Sudeep Banjade
- Department of Molecular Biology & Genetics, Weill Institute for Cell and Molecular Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Saket R. Bagde
- Department of Molecular Biology & Genetics, Weill Institute for Cell and Molecular Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | | | - Xiao-Han Li
- MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge, CB2 0QH, UK
| | - Kaixian Liu
- Molecular Biology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY
| | - Zhi Zheng
- Molecular Biology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY
- Gerstner Sloan Kettering Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, New York, NY
| | - Daniel J. Barrero
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Division of Basic Sciences, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Upasana Roy
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Jochen Kuper
- Rudolf Virchow Center for Integrative and Translational Bioimaging, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Israel S. Femández
- Department of Structural Biology, St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Barnabas Szakal
- IFOM, the FIRC Institute of Molecular Oncology, Via Adamello 16, 20139, Milan, Italy
| | - Dana Branzei
- IFOM, the FIRC Institute of Molecular Oncology, Via Adamello 16, 20139, Milan, Italy
- Istituto di Genetica Molecolare, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (IGM-CNR), Via Abbiategrasso 207, 27100, Pavia, Italy
| | - Josep Rizo
- Department of Biophysics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Caroline Kisker
- Rudolf Virchow Center for Integrative and Translational Bioimaging, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Eric C. Greene
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Sue Biggins
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Division of Basic Sciences, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Scott Keeney
- Molecular Biology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY
- Gerstner Sloan Kettering Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, New York, NY
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | | | - J. Christopher Fromme
- Department of Molecular Biology & Genetics, Weill Institute for Cell and Molecular Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | | | - Qian Cong
- Eugene McDermott Center for Human Growth and Development, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
- Department of Biophysics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - David Baker
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Institute for Protein Design, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Hinman AW, Yeh HY, Roelens B, Yamaya K, Woglar A, Bourbon HMG, Chi P, Villeneuve AM. Caenorhabditis elegans DSB-3 reveals conservation and divergence among protein complexes promoting meiotic double-strand breaks. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2021; 118:e2109306118. [PMID: 34389685 PMCID: PMC8379965 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2109306118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Meiotic recombination plays dual roles in the evolution and stable inheritance of genomes: Recombination promotes genetic diversity by reassorting variants, and it establishes temporary connections between pairs of homologous chromosomes that ensure their future segregation. Meiotic recombination is initiated by generation of double-strand DNA breaks (DSBs) by the conserved topoisomerase-like protein Spo11. Despite strong conservation of Spo11 across eukaryotic kingdoms, auxiliary complexes that interact with Spo11 complexes to promote DSB formation are poorly conserved. Here, we identify DSB-3 as a DSB-promoting protein in the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans Mutants lacking DSB-3 are proficient for homolog pairing and synapsis but fail to form crossovers. Lack of crossovers in dsb-3 mutants reflects a requirement for DSB-3 in meiotic DSB formation. DSB-3 concentrates in meiotic nuclei with timing similar to DSB-1 and DSB-2 (predicted homologs of yeast/mammalian Rec114/REC114), and DSB-1, DSB-2, and DSB-3 are interdependent for this localization. Bioinformatics analysis and interactions among the DSB proteins support the identity of DSB-3 as a homolog of MEI4 in conserved DSB-promoting complexes. This identification is reinforced by colocalization of pairwise combinations of DSB-1, DSB-2, and DSB-3 foci in structured illumination microscopy images of spread nuclei. However, unlike yeast Rec114, DSB-1 can interact directly with SPO-11, and in contrast to mouse REC114 and MEI4, DSB-1, DSB-2, and DSB-3 are not concentrated predominantly at meiotic chromosome axes. We speculate that variations in the meiotic program that have coevolved with distinct reproductive strategies in diverse organisms may contribute to and/or enable diversification of essential components of the meiotic machinery.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Albert W Hinman
- Department of Developmental Biology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305
| | - Hsin-Yi Yeh
- Institute of Biochemical Sciences, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10617, Taiwan
| | - Baptiste Roelens
- Department of Developmental Biology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305
| | - Kei Yamaya
- Department of Developmental Biology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305
| | - Alexander Woglar
- Department of Developmental Biology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305
| | - Henri-Marc G Bourbon
- Centre de Biologie Intégrative, Molecular, Cellular & Developmental Biology Unit, Université Fédérale de Toulouse, 31000 Toulouse, France
| | - Peter Chi
- Institute of Biochemical Sciences, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10617, Taiwan
- Institute of Biological Chemistry, Academia Sinica, Taipei 115, Taiwan
| | - Anne M Villeneuve
- Department of Developmental Biology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305;
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Claeys Bouuaert C, Pu S, Wang J, Oger C, Daccache D, Xie W, Patel DJ, Keeney S. DNA-driven condensation assembles the meiotic DNA break machinery. Nature 2021; 592:144-149. [PMID: 33731927 PMCID: PMC8016751 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-021-03374-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2020] [Accepted: 02/18/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The accurate segregation of chromosomes during meiosis-which is critical for genome stability across sexual cycles-relies on homologous recombination initiated by DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) made by the Spo11 protein1,2. The formation of DSBs is regulated and tied to the elaboration of large-scale chromosome structures3-5, but the protein assemblies that execute and control DNA breakage are poorly understood. Here we address this through the molecular characterization of Saccharomyces cerevisiae RMM (Rec114, Mei4 and Mer2) proteins-essential, conserved components of the DSB machinery2. Each subcomplex of Rec114-Mei4 (a 2:1 heterotrimer) or Mer2 (a coiled-coil-containing homotetramer) is monodispersed in solution, but they independently condense with DNA into reversible nucleoprotein clusters that share properties with phase-separated systems. Multivalent interactions drive this condensation. Mutations that weaken protein-DNA interactions strongly disrupt both condensate formation and DSBs in vivo, and thus these processes are highly correlated. In vitro, condensates fuse into mixed RMM clusters that further recruit Spo11 complexes. Our data show how the DSB machinery self-assembles on chromosome axes to create centres of DSB activity. We propose that multilayered control of Spo11 arises from the recruitment of regulatory components and modulation of the biophysical properties of the condensates.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Corentin Claeys Bouuaert
- Molecular Biology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and Howard Hughes Medical Institute, New York, New York, USA.
- Louvain Institute of Biomolecular Science and Technology, Université Catholique de Louvain, Louvain-La-Neuve, Belgium.
| | - Stephen Pu
- Molecular Biology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and Howard Hughes Medical Institute, New York, New York, USA
| | - Juncheng Wang
- Structural Biology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Cédric Oger
- Louvain Institute of Biomolecular Science and Technology, Université Catholique de Louvain, Louvain-La-Neuve, Belgium
| | - Dima Daccache
- Louvain Institute of Biomolecular Science and Technology, Université Catholique de Louvain, Louvain-La-Neuve, Belgium
| | - Wei Xie
- Structural Biology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Dinshaw J Patel
- Structural Biology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Scott Keeney
- Molecular Biology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and Howard Hughes Medical Institute, New York, New York, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
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: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [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.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Corentin Claeys Bouuaert
- Louvain Institute of Biomolecular Science and Technology, Université catholique de Louvain, Louvain-La-Neuve, Belgium
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Kariyazono R, Oda A, Yamada T, Ohta K. Conserved HORMA domain-containing protein Hop1 stabilizes interaction between proteins of meiotic DNA break hotspots and chromosome axis. Nucleic Acids Res 2019; 47:10166-10180. [PMID: 31665745 PMCID: PMC6821256 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkz754] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2019] [Revised: 08/16/2019] [Accepted: 09/02/2019] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
HORMA domain-containing proteins such as Hop1 play crucial regulatory roles in various chromosomal functions. Here, we investigated roles of the fission yeast Hop1 in the formation of recombination-initiating meiotic DNA double strand breaks (DSBs). Meiotic DSB formation in fission yeast relies on multiple protein-protein interactions such as the one between the chromosome axial protein Rec10 and the DSB-forming complex subunit Rec15. Chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing demonstrated that Hop1 is colocalized with both Rec10 and Rec15, and we observed physical interactions of Hop1 to Rec15 and Rec10. These results suggest that Hop1 promotes DSB formation by interacting with both axis components and the DSB-forming complex. We also show that Hop1 binding to DSB hotspots requires Rec15 and Rec10, while Hop1 axis binding requires Rec10 only, suggesting that Hop1 is recruited to the axis via Rec10, and to hotspots by hotspot-bound Rec15. Furthermore, we introduced separation-of-function Rec10 mutations, deficient for interaction with either Rec15 or Hop1. These single mutations and hop1Δ conferred only partial defects in meiotic recombination, while the combining the Rec15-binding-deficient rec10 mutation with hop1Δ synergistically reduced meiotic recombination, at least at a model hotspot. Taken together, Hop1 likely functions as a stabilizer for Rec15–Rec10 interaction to promote DSB formation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ryo Kariyazono
- Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8654, Japan
| | - Arisa Oda
- Department of Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, 3-8-1 Komaba, Meguro-ku, Tokyo, 153-8902, Japan
| | - Takatomi Yamada
- Department of Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, 3-8-1 Komaba, Meguro-ku, Tokyo, 153-8902, Japan
| | - Kunihiro Ohta
- Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8654, Japan.,Department of Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, 3-8-1 Komaba, Meguro-ku, Tokyo, 153-8902, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Advances Towards How Meiotic Recombination Is Initiated: A Comparative View and Perspectives for Plant Meiosis Research. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20194718. [PMID: 31547623 PMCID: PMC6801837 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20194718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2019] [Revised: 09/19/2019] [Accepted: 09/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Meiosis is an essential cell-division process for ensuring genetic diversity across generations. Meiotic recombination ensures the accuracy of genetic interchange between homolous chromosomes and segregation of parental alleles. Programmed DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs), catalyzed by the evolutionarily conserved topoisomerase VIA (a subunit of the archaeal type II DNA topoisomerase)-like enzyme Spo11 and several other factors, is a distinctive feature of meiotic recombination initiation. The meiotic DSB formation and its regulatory mechanisms are similar among species, but certain aspects are distinct. In this review, we introduced the cumulative knowledge of the plant proteins crucial for meiotic DSB formation and technical advances in DSB detection. We also summarized the genome-wide DSB hotspot profiles for different model organisms. Moreover, we highlighted the classical views and recent advances in our knowledge of the regulatory mechanisms that ensure the fidelity of DSB formation, such as multifaceted kinase-mediated phosphorylation and the consequent high-dimensional changes in chromosome structure. We provided an overview of recent findings concerning DSB formation, distribution and regulation, all of which will help us to determine whether meiotic DSB formation is evolutionarily conserved or varies between plants and other organisms.
Collapse
|
9
|
Yamada S, Kugou K, Ding DQ, Fujita Y, Hiraoka Y, Murakami H, Ohta K, Yamada T. The histone variant H2A.Z promotes initiation of meiotic recombination in fission yeast. Nucleic Acids Res 2019; 46:609-620. [PMID: 29145618 PMCID: PMC5778600 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkx1110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2017] [Accepted: 10/25/2017] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Meiotic recombination is initiated by programmed formation of DNA double strand breaks (DSBs), which are mainly formed at recombination hotspots. Meiotic DSBs require multiple proteins including the conserved protein Spo11 and its cofactors, and are influenced by chromatin structure. For example, local chromatin around hotspots directly impacts DSB formation. Moreover, DSB is proposed to occur in a higher-order chromatin architecture termed 'axis-loop', in which many loops protrude from cohesin-enriched axis. However, still much remains unknown about how meiotic DSBs are generated in chromatin. Here, we show that the conserved histone H2A variant H2A.Z promotes meiotic DSB formation in fission yeast. Detailed investigation revealed that H2A.Z is neither enriched around hotspots nor axis sites, and that transcript levels of DSB-promoting factors were maintained without H2A.Z. Moreover, H2A.Z appeared to be dispensable for chromatin binding of meiotic cohesin. Instead, in H2A.Z-lacking mutants, multiple proteins involved in DSB formation, such as the fission yeast Spo11 homolog and its regulators, were less associated with chromatin. Remarkably, nuclei were more compact in the absence of H2A.Z. Based on these, we propose that fission yeast H2A.Z promotes meiotic DSB formation partly through modulating chromosome architecture to enhance interaction between DSB-related proteins and cohesin-loaded chromatin.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shintaro Yamada
- Department of Life Sciences, Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 153-8902, Japan
| | - Kazuto Kugou
- Department of Life Sciences, Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 153-8902, Japan
| | - Da-Qiao Ding
- Advanced ICT Research Institute Kobe, National Institute of Information and Communications Technology, Kobe 651-2492, Japan
| | - Yurika Fujita
- Department of Life Sciences, Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 153-8902, Japan
| | - Yasushi Hiraoka
- Advanced ICT Research Institute Kobe, National Institute of Information and Communications Technology, Kobe 651-2492, Japan.,Graduate School of Frontier Biosciences, Osaka University, Suita 565-0871, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Murakami
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Chuo University, Tokyo 112-8551, Japan
| | - Kunihiro Ohta
- Department of Life Sciences, Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 153-8902, Japan
| | - Takatomi Yamada
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Chuo University, Tokyo 112-8551, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Kumar R, Oliver C, Brun C, Juarez-Martinez AB, Tarabay Y, Kadlec J, de Massy B. Mouse REC114 is essential for meiotic DNA double-strand break formation and forms a complex with MEI4. Life Sci Alliance 2018; 1:e201800259. [PMID: 30569039 PMCID: PMC6288613 DOI: 10.26508/lsa.201800259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2018] [Revised: 12/04/2018] [Accepted: 12/04/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Programmed formation of DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) initiates the meiotic homologous recombination pathway. This pathway is essential for proper chromosome segregation at the first meiotic division and fertility. Meiotic DSBs are catalyzed by Spo11. Several other proteins are essential for meiotic DSB formation, including three evolutionarily conserved proteins first identified in Saccharomyces cerevisiae (Mer2, Mei4, and Rec114). These three S. cerevisiae proteins and their mouse orthologs (IHO1, MEI4, and REC114) co-localize on the axes of meiotic chromosomes, and mouse IHO1 and MEI4 are essential for meiotic DSB formation. Here, we show that mouse Rec114 is required for meiotic DSB formation. Moreover, MEI4 forms a complex with REC114 and IHO1 in mouse spermatocytes, consistent with cytological observations. We then demonstrated in vitro the formation of a stable complex between REC114 C-terminal domain and MEI4 N-terminal domain. We further determine the structure of the REC114 N-terminal domain that revealed similarity with Pleckstrin homology domains. These analyses provide direct insights into the architecture of these essential components of the meiotic DSB machinery.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rajeev Kumar
- Institut Jean-Pierre Bourgin, Unité Mixte de Recherche 1318 Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique-AgroParisTech, Université Paris-Saclay, Versailles, France
| | - Cecilia Oliver
- Institut de Génétique Humaine, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Université de Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Christine Brun
- Institut de Génétique Humaine, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Université de Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Ariadna B Juarez-Martinez
- Institut de Biologie Structurale, Université Grenoble Alpes, Commissariat à l'Energie Atomique et aux Energies Alternatives, CNRS, Grenoble, France
| | - Yara Tarabay
- Institut de Génétique Humaine, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Université de Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Jan Kadlec
- Institut de Biologie Structurale, Université Grenoble Alpes, Commissariat à l'Energie Atomique et aux Energies Alternatives, CNRS, Grenoble, France
| | - Bernard de Massy
- Institut de Génétique Humaine, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Université de Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Lukaszewicz A, Lange J, Keeney S, Jasin M. Control of meiotic double-strand-break formation by ATM: local and global views. Cell Cycle 2018; 17:1155-1172. [PMID: 29963942 PMCID: PMC6110601 DOI: 10.1080/15384101.2018.1464847] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2017] [Revised: 03/19/2018] [Accepted: 04/08/2018] [Indexed: 10/28/2022] Open
Abstract
DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) generated by the SPO11 protein initiate meiotic recombination, an essential process for successful chromosome segregation during gametogenesis. The activity of SPO11 is controlled by multiple factors and regulatory mechanisms, such that the number of DSBs is limited and DSBs form at distinct positions in the genome and at the right time. Loss of this control can affect genome integrity or cause meiotic arrest by mechanisms that are not fully understood. Here we focus on the DSB-responsive kinase ATM and its functions in regulating meiotic DSB numbers and distribution. We review the recently discovered roles of ATM in this context, discuss their evolutionary conservation, and examine future research perspectives.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Agnieszka Lukaszewicz
- Developmental Biology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Julian Lange
- Molecular Biology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Scott Keeney
- Molecular Biology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Maria Jasin
- Developmental Biology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
P31comet, a member of the synaptonemal complex, participates in meiotic DSB formation in rice. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2016; 113:10577-82. [PMID: 27601671 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1607334113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The human mitotic arrest-deficient 2 (Mad2) binding protein p31(comet) participates in the spindle checkpoint and coordinates cell cycle events in mitosis although its function in meiosis remains unknown in all organisms. Here, we reveal P31(comet) as a synaptonemal complex (SC) protein in rice (Oryza sativa L.). In p31(comet), homologous pairing and synapsis are eliminated, leading to the homologous nondisjunction and complete sterility. The failure in loading of histone H2AX phosphorylation (γH2AX) in p31(comet), together with the suppressed chromosome fragmentation in rice completion of meiotic recombination 1 (com1) p31(comet) and radiation sensitive 51c (rad51c) p31(comet) double mutants, indicates that P31(comet) plays an essential role in double-strand break (DSB) formation. Interestingly, the dynamic colocalization pattern between P31(comet) and ZEP1 (a transverse filament protein of SC) by immunostaining, as well as the interaction between P31(comet) and CENTRAL REGION COMPONENT 1 (CRC1) in yeast two-hybrid assays, suggests possible involvement of P31(comet) in SC installation. Together, these data indicate that P31(comet) plays a key role in DSB formation and SC installation, mainly through its cooperation with CRC1.
Collapse
|
13
|
Lam I, Keeney S. Mechanism and regulation of meiotic recombination initiation. Cold Spring Harb Perspect Biol 2014; 7:a016634. [PMID: 25324213 DOI: 10.1101/cshperspect.a016634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 290] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Meiotic recombination involves the formation and repair of programmed DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) catalyzed by the conserved Spo11 protein. This review summarizes recent studies pertaining to the formation of meiotic DSBs, including the mechanism of DNA cleavage by Spo11, proteins required for break formation, and mechanisms that control the location, timing, and number of DSBs. Where appropriate, findings in different organisms are discussed to highlight evolutionary conservation or divergence.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Isabel Lam
- Louis V. Gerstner Jr. Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York 10065 Molecular Biology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York 10065
| | - Scott Keeney
- Louis V. Gerstner Jr. Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York 10065 Molecular Biology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York 10065 Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York 10065
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
de Massy B. Initiation of meiotic recombination: how and where? Conservation and specificities among eukaryotes. Annu Rev Genet 2014; 47:563-99. [PMID: 24050176 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-genet-110711-155423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 241] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Meiotic recombination is essential for fertility in most sexually reproducing species. This process also creates new combinations of alleles and has important consequences for genome evolution. Meiotic recombination is initiated by the formation of DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs), which are repaired by homologous recombination. DSBs are catalyzed by the evolutionarily conserved SPO11 protein, assisted by several other factors. Some of them are absolutely required, whereas others are needed only for full levels of DSB formation and may participate in the regulation of DSB timing and frequency as well as the coordination between DSB formation and repair. The sites where DSBs occur are not randomly distributed in the genome, and remarkably distinct strategies have emerged to control their localization in different species. Here, I review the recent advances in the components required for DSB formation and localization in the various model organisms in which these studies have been performed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bernard de Massy
- Institute of Human Genetics, Centre National de la Recherché Scientifique, UPR1142, 34396 Montpellier, France;
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Miyoshi T, Ito M, Kugou K, Yamada S, Furuichi M, Oda A, Yamada T, Hirota K, Masai H, Ohta K. A central coupler for recombination initiation linking chromosome architecture to S phase checkpoint. Mol Cell 2012; 47:722-33. [PMID: 22841486 DOI: 10.1016/j.molcel.2012.06.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2011] [Revised: 04/20/2012] [Accepted: 06/12/2012] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Higher-order chromosome structure is assumed to control various DNA-templated reactions in eukaryotes. Meiotic chromosomes implement developed structures called "axes" and "loops"; both are suggested to tether each other, activating Spo11 to catalyze meiotic DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) at recombination hotspots. We found that the Schizosaccharomyces pombe Spo11 homolog Rec12 and its partners form two distinct subcomplexes, DSBC (Rec6-Rec12-Rec14) and SFT (Rec7-Rec15-Rec24). Mde2, whose expression is strictly regulated by the replication checkpoint, interacts with Rec15 to stabilize the SFT subcomplex and further binds Rec14 in DSBC. Rec10 provides a docking platform for SFT binding to axes and can partially interact with DSB sites located in loops depending upon Mde2, which is indicative of the formation of multiprotein-based tethered axis-loop complex. These data lead us to propose a mechanism by which Mde2 functions as a recombination initiation mediator to tether axes and loops, in liaison with the meiotic replication checkpoint.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tomoichiro Miyoshi
- Department of Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Komaba 3-8-1, Meguro-ku, Tokyo 153-8902, Japan
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
16
|
Bonfils S, Rozalén AE, Smith GR, Moreno S, Martín-Castellanos C. Functional interactions of Rec24, the fission yeast ortholog of mouse Mei4, with the meiotic recombination-initiation complex. J Cell Sci 2011; 124:1328-38. [PMID: 21429938 PMCID: PMC3065387 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.079194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/24/2010] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
A physical connection between each pair of homologous chromosomes is crucial for reductional chromosome segregation during the first meiotic division and therefore for successful meiosis. Connection is provided by recombination (crossing over) initiated by programmed DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs). Although the topoisomerase-like protein Spo11 makes DSBs and is evolutionarily conserved, how Spo11 (Rec12 in fission yeast) is regulated to form DSBs at the proper time and place is poorly understood. Several additional (accessory) proteins for DSB formation have been inferred in different species from yeast to mice. Here, we show that Rec24 is a bona fide accessory protein in Schizosaccharomyces pombe. Rec24 is required genome-wide for crossing-over and is recruited to meiotic chromosomes during prophase in a Rec12-independent manner forming foci on linear elements (LinEs), structurally related to the synaptonemal complex of other eukaryotes. Stabilization of Rec24 on LinEs depends on another accessory protein, Rec7, with which Rec24 forms complexes in vivo. We propose that Rec24 marks LinE-associated recombination sites, that stabilization of its binding by Rec7 facilitates the loading or activation of Rec12, and that only stabilized complexes containing Rec24 and Rec7 promote DSB formation. Based on the recent report of Rec24 and Rec7 conservation, interaction between Rec24 and Rec7 might be widely conserved in DSB formation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sandrine Bonfils
- Instituto de Biología Funcional y Genómica, CSIC/Universidad de Salamanca, Campus Miguel de Unamuno, 37007 Salamanca, Spain
| | - Ana E. Rozalén
- Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular del Cáncer, CSIC/Universidad de Salamanca, Campus Miguel de Unamuno, 37007 Salamanca, Spain
| | - Gerald R. Smith
- Division of Basic Sciences, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Sergio Moreno
- Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular del Cáncer, CSIC/Universidad de Salamanca, Campus Miguel de Unamuno, 37007 Salamanca, Spain
| | - Cristina Martín-Castellanos
- Instituto de Biología Funcional y Genómica, CSIC/Universidad de Salamanca, Campus Miguel de Unamuno, 37007 Salamanca, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Hirose Y, Suzuki R, Ohba T, Hinohara Y, Matsuhara H, Yoshida M, Itabashi Y, Murakami H, Yamamoto A. Chiasmata promote monopolar attachment of sister chromatids and their co-segregation toward the proper pole during meiosis I. PLoS Genet 2011; 7:e1001329. [PMID: 21423721 PMCID: PMC3053323 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1001329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2010] [Accepted: 02/08/2011] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The chiasma is a structure that forms between a pair of homologous chromosomes by crossover recombination and physically links the homologous chromosomes during meiosis. Chiasmata are essential for the attachment of the homologous chromosomes to opposite spindle poles (bipolar attachment) and their subsequent segregation to the opposite poles during meiosis I. However, the overall function of chiasmata during meiosis is not fully understood. Here, we show that chiasmata also play a crucial role in the attachment of sister chromatids to the same spindle pole and in their co-segregation during meiosis I in fission yeast. Analysis of cells lacking chiasmata and the cohesin protector Sgo1 showed that loss of chiasmata causes frequent bipolar attachment of sister chromatids during anaphase. Furthermore, high time-resolution analysis of centromere dynamics in various types of chiasmate and achiasmate cells, including those lacking the DNA replication checkpoint factor Mrc1 or the meiotic centromere protein Moa1, showed the following three outcomes: (i) during the pre-anaphase stage, the bipolar attachment of sister chromatids occurs irrespective of chiasma formation; (ii) the chiasma contributes to the elimination of the pre-anaphase bipolar attachment; and (iii) when the bipolar attachment remains during anaphase, the chiasmata generate a bias toward the proper pole during poleward chromosome pulling that results in appropriate chromosome segregation. Based on these results, we propose that chiasmata play a pivotal role in the selection of proper attachments and provide a backup mechanism that promotes correct chromosome segregation when improper attachments remain during anaphase I.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yukinobu Hirose
- The Department of Chemistry, Shizuoka University, Shizuoka, Japan
| | - Ren Suzuki
- The Department of Chemistry, Shizuoka University, Shizuoka, Japan
| | - Tatsunori Ohba
- The Department of Chemistry, Shizuoka University, Shizuoka, Japan
| | - Yumi Hinohara
- The Department of Chemistry, Shizuoka University, Shizuoka, Japan
| | | | - Masashi Yoshida
- The Department of Chemistry, Shizuoka University, Shizuoka, Japan
| | - Yuta Itabashi
- The Department of Chemistry, Shizuoka University, Shizuoka, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Murakami
- Department of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya City University, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Ayumu Yamamoto
- The Department of Chemistry, Shizuoka University, Shizuoka, Japan
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Edlinger B, Schlögelhofer P. Have a break: determinants of meiotic DNA double strand break (DSB) formation and processing in plants. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL BOTANY 2011; 62:1545-63. [PMID: 21220780 DOI: 10.1093/jxb/erq421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
Meiosis is an essential process for sexually reproducing organisms, leading to the formation of specialized generative cells. This review intends to highlight current knowledge of early events during meiosis derived from various model organisms, including plants. It will particularly focus on cis- and trans-requirements of meiotic DNA double strand break (DSB) formation, a hallmark event during meiosis and a prerequisite for recombination of genetic traits. Proteins involved in DSB formation in different organisms, emphasizing the known factors from plants, will be introduced and their functions outlined. Recent technical advances in DSB detection and meiotic recombination analysis will be reviewed, as these new tools now allow analysis of early meiotic recombination in plants with incredible accuracy. To anticipate future directions in plant meiosis research, unpublished results will be included wherever possible.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bernd Edlinger
- University of Vienna, Max F. Perutz Laboratories, Department of Chromosome Biology, Dr. Bohr-Gasse 1, Vienna, Austria
| | | |
Collapse
|
19
|
Current awareness on yeast. Yeast 2010. [DOI: 10.1002/yea.1723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
|
20
|
Kan F, Davidson MK, Wahls WP. Meiotic recombination protein Rec12: functional conservation, crossover homeostasis and early crossover/non-crossover decision. Nucleic Acids Res 2010; 39:1460-72. [PMID: 21030440 PMCID: PMC3045620 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkq993] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
In fission yeast and other eukaryotes, Rec12 (Spo11) is thought to catalyze the formation of dsDNA breaks (DSBs) that initiate homologous recombination in meiosis. Rec12 is orthologous to the catalytic subunit of topoisomerase VI (Top6A). Guided by the crystal structure of Top6A, we engineered the rec12 locus to encode Rec12 proteins each with a single amino acid substitution in a conserved residue. Of 21 substitutions, 10 significantly reduced or abolished meiotic DSBs, gene conversion, crossover recombination and the faithful segregation of chromosomes. Critical residues map within the metal ion-binding pocket toprim (E179A, D229A, D231A), catalytic region 5Y-CAP (R94A, D95A, Y98F) and the DNA-binding interface (K201A, G202E, R209A, K242A). A subset of substitutions reduced DSBs but maintained crossovers, demonstrating crossover homeostasis. Furthermore, a strong separation of function mutation (R304A) suggests that the crossover/non-crossover decision is established early by a protein–protein interaction surface of Rec12. Fission yeast has multiple crossovers per bivalent, and chromosome segregation was robust above a threshold of about one crossover per bivalent, below which non-disjunction occurred. These results support structural and functional conservation among Rec12/Spo11/Top6A family members for the catalysis of DSBs, and they reveal how Rec12 regulates other features of meiotic chromosome dynamics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fengling Kan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, 4301 West Markham Street (slot 516), Little Rock, AR 72205-7199, USA
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
21
|
Functional conservation of Mei4 for meiotic DNA double-strand break formation from yeasts to mice. Genes Dev 2010; 24:1266-80. [PMID: 20551173 DOI: 10.1101/gad.571710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 148] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Meiotic recombination is initiated by the programmed induction of DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) catalyzed by the evolutionarily conserved Spo11 protein. Studies in yeast have shown that DSB formation requires several other proteins, the role and conservation of which remain unknown. Here we show that two of these Saccharomyces cerevisiae proteins, Mei4 and Rec114, are evolutionarily conserved in most eukaryotes. Mei4(-/-) mice are deficient in meiotic DSB formation, thus showing the functional conservation of Mei4 in mice. Cytological analyses reveal that, in mice, MEI4 is localized in discrete foci on the axes of meiotic chromosomes that do not overlap with DMC1 and RPA foci. We thus propose that MEI4 acts as a structural component of the DSB machinery that ensures meiotic DSB formation on chromosome axes. We show that mouse MEI4 and REC114 proteins interact directly, and we identify conserved motifs as required for this interaction. Finally, the unexpected, concomitant absence of Mei4 and Rec114, as well as of Mnd1, Hop2, and Dmc1, in some eukaryotic species (particularly Neurospora crassa, Drosophila melanogaster, and Caenorhabditis elegans) suggests the existence of Mei4-Rec114-dependent and Mei4-Rec114-independent mechanisms for DSB formation, and a functional relationship between the chromosome axis and DSB formation.
Collapse
|
22
|
Cole F, Keeney S, Jasin M. Evolutionary conservation of meiotic DSB proteins: more than just Spo11. Genes Dev 2010; 24:1201-7. [PMID: 20551169 DOI: 10.1101/gad.1944710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Meiotic recombination is initiated by programmed DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) generated by the Spo11 protein. In budding yeast, five other meiotic-specific proteins are also required for DSB formation, but, with rare exception, orthologs had not been identified in other species. In this issue of Genes & Development, Kumar and colleagues (pp. 1266-1280) used a phylogenomic approach to identify two of these proteins across multiple clades, and confirmed that one of these, MEI4, is a functional ortholog in mouse.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Cole
- Developmental Program, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York 10065, USA.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|