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Jones G, Kleckner N, Zickler D. Meiosis through three centuries. Chromosoma 2024; 133:93-115. [PMID: 38730132 PMCID: PMC11180163 DOI: 10.1007/s00412-024-00822-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/12/2024]
Abstract
Meiosis is the specialized cellular program that underlies gamete formation for sexual reproduction. It is therefore not only interesting but also a fundamentally important subject for investigation. An especially attractive feature of this program is that many of the processes of special interest involve organized chromosomes, thus providing the possibility to see chromosomes "in action". Analysis of meiosis has also proven to be useful in discovering and understanding processes that are universal to all chromosomal programs. Here we provide an overview of the different historical moments when the gap between observation and understanding of mechanisms and/or roles for the new discovered molecules was bridged. This review reflects also the synergy of thinking and discussion among our three laboratories during the past several decades.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gareth Jones
- School of Biosciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK
| | - Nancy Kleckner
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, 02138, USA.
| | - Denise Zickler
- Institute for Integrative Biology of the Cell (I2BC), Centre National de La Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Université Paris-Sud, Université Paris-Saclay, 91198, Gif-Sur-Yvette, France
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2
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Milano CR, Ur SN, Gu Y, Zhang J, Allison R, Brown G, Neale MJ, Tromer EC, Corbett KD, Hochwagen A. Chromatin binding by HORMAD proteins regulates meiotic recombination initiation. EMBO J 2024; 43:836-867. [PMID: 38332377 PMCID: PMC10907721 DOI: 10.1038/s44318-024-00034-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2023] [Revised: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024] Open
Abstract
The meiotic chromosome axis coordinates chromosome organization and interhomolog recombination in meiotic prophase and is essential for fertility. In S. cerevisiae, the HORMAD protein Hop1 mediates the enrichment of axis proteins at nucleosome-rich islands through a central chromatin-binding region (CBR). Here, we use cryoelectron microscopy to show that the Hop1 CBR directly recognizes bent nucleosomal DNA through a composite interface in its PHD and winged helix-turn-helix domains. Targeted disruption of the Hop1 CBR-nucleosome interface causes a localized reduction of axis protein binding and meiotic DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) in axis islands and leads to defects in chromosome synapsis. Synthetic effects with mutants of the Hop1 regulator Pch2 suggest that nucleosome binding delays a conformational switch in Hop1 from a DSB-promoting, Pch2-inaccessible state to a DSB-inactive, Pch2-accessible state to regulate the extent of meiotic DSB formation. Phylogenetic analyses of meiotic HORMADs reveal an ancient origin of the CBR, suggesting that the mechanisms we uncover are broadly conserved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolyn R Milano
- Department of Biology, New York University, New York, NY, 10003, USA
| | - Sarah N Ur
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
- Vividion Therapeutics, San Diego, CA, 92121, USA
| | - Yajie Gu
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Jessie Zhang
- Department of Biology, New York University, New York, NY, 10003, USA
| | - Rachal Allison
- Genome Damage and Stability Centre, University of Sussex, Falmer, BN1 9RQ, UK
| | - George Brown
- Genome Damage and Stability Centre, University of Sussex, Falmer, BN1 9RQ, UK
| | - Matthew J Neale
- Genome Damage and Stability Centre, University of Sussex, Falmer, BN1 9RQ, UK
| | - Eelco C Tromer
- Groningen Biomolecular Sciences and Biotechnology Institute, University of Groningen, Groningen, 9747 AG, The Netherlands
| | - Kevin D Corbett
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA.
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA.
| | - Andreas Hochwagen
- Department of Biology, New York University, New York, NY, 10003, USA.
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3
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Abstract
The raison d'être of meiosis is shuffling of genetic information via Mendelian segregation and, within individual chromosomes, by DNA crossing-over. These outcomes are enabled by a complex cellular program in which interactions between homologous chromosomes play a central role. We first provide a background regarding the basic principles of this program. We then summarize the current understanding of the DNA events of recombination and of three processes that involve whole chromosomes: homolog pairing, crossover interference, and chiasma maturation. All of these processes are implemented by direct physical interaction of recombination complexes with underlying chromosome structures. Finally, we present convergent lines of evidence that the meiotic program may have evolved by coupling of this interaction to late-stage mitotic chromosome morphogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Denise Zickler
- Institute for Integrative Biology of the Cell (I2BC), Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Université Paris-Sud, Université Paris-Saclay, Gif-sur-Yvette, France
| | - Nancy Kleckner
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA;
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Shao Q, Zhang Y, Liu Y, Shang Y, Li S, Liu L, Wang G, Zhou X, Wang P, Gao J, Zhou J, Zhang L, Wang S. ATF7IP2, a meiosis-specific partner of SETDB1, is required for proper chromosome remodeling and crossover formation during spermatogenesis. Cell Rep 2023; 42:112953. [PMID: 37542719 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2023.112953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2023] [Revised: 06/25/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 08/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Meiotic crossovers are required for the faithful segregation of homologous chromosomes and to promote genetic diversity. However, it is unclear how crossover formation is regulated, especially on the XY chromosomes, which show a homolog only at the tiny pseudoautosomal region. Here, we show that ATF7IP2 is a meiosis-specific ortholog of ATF7IP and a partner of SETDB1. In the absence of ATF7IP2, autosomes show increased axis length and more crossovers; however, many XY chromosomes lose the obligatory crossover, although the overall XY axis length is also increased. Additionally, meiotic DNA double-strand break formation/repair may also be affected by altered histone modifications. Ultimately, spermatogenesis is blocked, and male mice are infertile. These findings suggest that ATF7IP2 constraints autosomal axis length and crossovers on autosomes; meanwhile, it also modulates XY chromosomes to establish meiotic sex chromosome inactivation for cell-cycle progression and to ensure XY crossover formation during spermatogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiqi Shao
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
| | - Yanan Zhang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
| | - Yanlei Liu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
| | - Yongliang Shang
- Advanced Medical Research Institute, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
| | - Si Li
- Advanced Medical Research Institute, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
| | - Lin Liu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
| | - Guoqiang Wang
- Advanced Medical Research Institute, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
| | - Xu Zhou
- Advanced Medical Research Institute, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
| | - Ping Wang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
| | - Jinmin Gao
- Center for Cell Structure and Function, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Resistance Biology, College of Life Sciences, Shandong Normal University, Jinan 250014, Shandong, China
| | - Jun Zhou
- Center for Cell Structure and Function, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Resistance Biology, College of Life Sciences, Shandong Normal University, Jinan 250014, Shandong, China
| | - Liangran Zhang
- Advanced Medical Research Institute, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China; Center for Cell Structure and Function, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Resistance Biology, College of Life Sciences, Shandong Normal University, Jinan 250014, Shandong, China.
| | - Shunxin Wang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China; Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China; Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China.
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Marín-Gual L, González-Rodelas L, M. Garcias M, Kratochvíl L, Valenzuela N, Georges A, Waters PD, Ruiz-Herrera A. Meiotic chromosome dynamics and double strand break formation in reptiles. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:1009776. [PMID: 36313577 PMCID: PMC9597255 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.1009776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2022] [Accepted: 09/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
During meiotic prophase I, tightly regulated processes take place, from pairing and synapsis of homologous chromosomes to recombination, which are essential for the generation of genetically variable haploid gametes. These processes have canonical meiotic features conserved across different phylogenetic groups. However, the dynamics of meiotic prophase I in non-mammalian vertebrates are poorly known. Here, we compare four species from Sauropsida to understand the regulation of meiotic prophase I in reptiles: the Australian central bearded dragon (Pogona vitticeps), two geckos (Paroedura picta and Coleonyx variegatus) and the painted turtle (Chrysemys picta). We first performed a histological characterization of the spermatogenesis process in both the bearded dragon and the painted turtle. We then analyzed prophase I dynamics, including chromosome pairing, synapsis and the formation of double strand breaks (DSBs). We show that meiosis progression is highly conserved in reptiles with telomeres clustering forming the bouquet, which we propose promotes homologous pairing and synapsis, along with facilitating the early pairing of micro-chromosomes during prophase I (i.e., early zygotene). Moreover, we detected low levels of meiotic DSB formation in all taxa. Our results provide new insights into reptile meiosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laia Marín-Gual
- Departament de Biologia Cel·lular, Fisiologia i Immunologia, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain
- Genome Integrity and Instability Group, Institut de Biotecnologia i Biomedicina, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain
| | - Laura González-Rodelas
- Departament de Biologia Cel·lular, Fisiologia i Immunologia, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain
- Genome Integrity and Instability Group, Institut de Biotecnologia i Biomedicina, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain
| | - Maria M. Garcias
- Departament de Biologia Cel·lular, Fisiologia i Immunologia, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain
- Genome Integrity and Instability Group, Institut de Biotecnologia i Biomedicina, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain
| | - Lukáš Kratochvíl
- Department of Ecology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Nicole Valenzuela
- Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Organismal Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, United States
| | - Arthur Georges
- Institute for Applied Ecology, University of Canberra, Canberra, ACT, Australia
| | - Paul D. Waters
- School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, Faculty of Science, UNSW, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Aurora Ruiz-Herrera
- Departament de Biologia Cel·lular, Fisiologia i Immunologia, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain
- Genome Integrity and Instability Group, Institut de Biotecnologia i Biomedicina, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain
- *Correspondence: Aurora Ruiz-Herrera,
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Vernizzi L, Lehner CF. Dispersive forces and resisting spot welds by alternative homolog conjunction govern chromosome shape in Drosophila spermatocytes during prophase I. PLoS Genet 2022; 18:e1010327. [PMID: 35895750 PMCID: PMC9359577 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1010327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2022] [Revised: 08/08/2022] [Accepted: 07/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The bivalent chromosomes that are generated during prophase of meiosis I comprise a pair of homologous chromosomes. Homolog pairing during prophase I must include mechanisms that avoid or eliminate entanglements between non-homologous chromosomes. In Drosophila spermatocytes, non-homologous associations are disrupted by chromosome territory formation, while linkages between homologous chromosomes are maintained by special conjunction proteins. These proteins function as alternative for crossovers that link homologs during canonical meiosis but are absent during the achiasmate Drosophila male meiosis. How and where within bivalents the alternative homolog conjunction proteins function is still poorly understood. To clarify the rules that govern territory formation and alternative homolog conjunction, we have analyzed spermatocytes with chromosomal aberrations. We examined territory formation after acute chromosome cleavage by Cas9, targeted to the dodeca satellite adjacent to the centromere of chromosome 3 specifically in spermatocytes. Moreover, we studied territory organization, as well as the eventual orientation of chromosomes during meiosis I, in spermatocytes with stable structural aberrations, including heterozygous reciprocal autosomal translocations. Our observations indicate that alternative homolog conjunction is applied in a spatially confined manner. Comparable to crossovers, only a single conjunction spot per chromosome arm appears to be applied usually. These conjunction spots resist separation by the dispersing forces that drive apart homologous pericentromeric heterochromatin and embedded centromeres within territories, as well as the distinct chromosomal entities into peripheral, maximally separated territories within the spermatocyte nucleus. Already the primordial eukaryote appears to have used meiosis for sexual reproduction, because this sophisticated process follows a canonical program in lineages ranging from unicellular organisms to plants and animals. The maternal and paternal copies of a particular chromosome, i.e., the homologs, are first physically linked into a bivalent before the first meiotic division. Linkage is essential for error-free chromosome segregation. In canonical meiosis, linkage is achieved by crossovers. These are regulated so that each chromosome pair is linked, but only by very few crossovers. Surprisingly, crossovers are absent during meiosis in males of the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster. Instead, an alternative homolog conjunction system is used. It is not yet clear how this functions. Here, we demonstrate that the alternative chromosome glue appears to be applied in a locally restricted manner rather than all along the paired homologs. Just two spots of glue appear to conjoin the two homologous chromosomes usually, with one spot linking the left and another the right chromosome arm. Thus, number and location of linkages appear to be similar as crossovers, raising the possibility of mechanistic similarities in the establishment of the two distinct types of homolog linkage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luisa Vernizzi
- Department of Molecular Life Science (DMLS), University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Christian F. Lehner
- Department of Molecular Life Science (DMLS), University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- * E-mail:
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Heasley LR, Argueso JL. Genomic characterization of a wild diploid isolate of Saccharomyces cerevisiae reveals an extensive and dynamic landscape of structural variation. Genetics 2021; 220:6428545. [PMID: 34791219 PMCID: PMC9176296 DOI: 10.1093/genetics/iyab193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2021] [Accepted: 10/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae has been extensively characterized for many decades and is a critical resource for the study of numerous facets of eukaryotic biology. Recently, whole genome sequence analysis of over 1000 natural isolates of S. cerevisiae has provided critical insights into the evolutionary landscape of this species by revealing a population structure comprised of numerous genomically diverse lineages. These survey-level analyses have been largely devoid of structural genomic information, mainly because short read sequencing is not suitable for detailed characterization of genomic architecture. Consequently, we still lack a complete perspective of the genomic variation the exists within the species. Single molecule long read sequencing technologies, such as Oxford Nanopore and PacBio, provide sequencing-based approaches with which to rigorously define the structure of a genome, and have empowered yeast geneticists to explore this poorly described realm of eukaryotic genomics. Here, we present the comprehensive genomic structural analysis of a wild diploid isolate of S. cerevisiae, YJM311. We used long read sequence analysis to construct a haplotype-phased, telomere-to-telomere length assembly of the YJM311 genome and characterized the structural variations (SVs) therein. We discovered that the genome of YJM311 contains significant intragenomic structural variation, some of which imparts notable consequences to the genomic stability and developmental biology of the strain. Collectively, we outline a new methodology for creating accurate haplotype-phased genome assemblies and highlight how such genomic analyses can define the structural architectures of S. cerevisiae isolates. It is our hope that continued structural characterization of S. cerevisiae genomes, such as we have reported here for YJM311, will comprehensively advance our understanding of eukaryotic genome structure-function relationships, structural genomic diversity, and evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lydia R Heasley
- Department of Environmental and Radiological Health Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, 80523, USA
| | - Juan Lucas Argueso
- Department of Environmental and Radiological Health Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, 80523, USA
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