1
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Gordon SG, Lee CF, Rog O. The synaptonemal complex assembles between meiotic chromosomes by wetting. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.08.07.607092. [PMID: 39149313 PMCID: PMC11326210 DOI: 10.1101/2024.08.07.607092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/17/2024]
Abstract
Exchange of genetic information between the parental chromosomes during sexual reproduction is controlled by a conserved structure called the synaptonemal complex. It is composed of axes (stiff chromosomal backbones), and a central region that assembles between two parallel axes. To form exchanges, the parental chromosomes must be drawn together and aligned by the synaptonemal complex. However, its mechanism of assembly remains unknown. Here we identify an axis-central region interface in C. elegans composed of the axis component HIM-3 and the central region component SYP-5. Weaker interface prevented complete synaptonemal complex assembly, and crucially, altered its canonical layered ultrastructure. Informed by these phenotypes, we built a thermodynamic model for synaptonemal complex assembly. The model recapitulates our experimental observations, indicating that the liquid-like central region can move chromosomes by wetting the axes without active energy consumption. More broadly, our data show that condensation can bring about tightly regulated nuclear reorganization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Spencer G. Gordon
- School of Biological Sciences and Center for Cell and Genome Sciences, University of Utah, United States
| | - Chiu Fan Lee
- Department of Bioengineering, Imperial College London, United Kingdom
| | - Ofer Rog
- School of Biological Sciences and Center for Cell and Genome Sciences, University of Utah, United States
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2
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Tan Y, Tan T, Zhang S, Li B, Chen B, Zhou X, Wang Y, Yang X, Zhai B, Huang Q, Zhang L, Wang S. Temperature regulates negative supercoils to modulate meiotic crossovers and chromosome organization. SCIENCE CHINA. LIFE SCIENCES 2024:10.1007/s11427-024-2671-1. [PMID: 39048717 DOI: 10.1007/s11427-024-2671-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2024] [Accepted: 07/01/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024]
Abstract
Crossover recombination is a hallmark of meiosis that holds the paternal and maternal chromosomes (homologs) together for their faithful segregation, while promoting genetic diversity of the progeny. The pattern of crossover is mainly controlled by the architecture of the meiotic chromosomes. Environmental factors, especially temperature, also play an important role in modulating crossovers. However, it is unclear how temperature affects crossovers. Here, we examined the distribution of budding yeast axis components (Red1, Hop1, and Rec8) and the crossover-associated Zip3 foci in detail at different temperatures, and found that both increased and decreased temperatures result in shorter meiotic chromosome axes and more crossovers. Further investigations showed that temperature changes coordinately enhanced the hyperabundant accumulation of Hop1 and Red1 on chromosomes and the number of Zip3 foci. Most importantly, temperature-induced changes in the distribution of axis proteins and Zip3 foci depend on changes in DNA negative supercoils. These results suggest that yeast meiosis senses temperature changes by increasing the level of negative supercoils to increase crossovers and modulate chromosome organization. These findings provide a new perspective on understanding the effect and mechanism of temperature on meiotic recombination and chromosome organization, with important implications for evolution and breeding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingjin Tan
- Advanced Medical Research Institute, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, China
| | - Taicong Tan
- Advanced Medical Research Institute, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, China
| | - Shuxian Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Institute of Women, Children and Reproductive Health, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, China
| | - Bo Li
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Cell and Developmental Biology, School of Life Sciences, Shandong University, Qingdao, Shandong, 266237, China
| | - Beiyi Chen
- Advanced Medical Research Institute, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, China
| | - Xu Zhou
- Advanced Medical Research Institute, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, China
| | - Ying Wang
- Center for Cell Structure and Function, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Resistance Biology, College of Life Sciences, Shandong Normal University, Jinan, 250014, China
| | - Xiao Yang
- Center for Cell Structure and Function, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Resistance Biology, College of Life Sciences, Shandong Normal University, Jinan, 250014, China
| | - Binyuan Zhai
- Center for Cell Structure and Function, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Resistance Biology, College of Life Sciences, Shandong Normal University, Jinan, 250014, China
| | - Qilai Huang
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Cell and Developmental Biology, School of Life Sciences, Shandong University, Qingdao, Shandong, 266237, China
| | - Liangran Zhang
- Advanced Medical Research Institute, Shandong University, Jinan, 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, China.
| | - Shunxin Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Institute of Women, Children and Reproductive Health, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, China.
- National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, China.
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology, Shandong University, Ministry of Education, Jinan, 250012, China.
- Shandong Technology Innovation Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, 250012, China.
- Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, 250012, China.
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, 250012, China.
- Research Unit of Gametogenesis and Health of ART-Offspring, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (No.2021RU001), Jinan, 250012, China.
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3
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Haseeb MA, Weng KA, Bickel SE. Chromatin-associated cohesin turns over extensively and forms new cohesive linkages in Drosophila oocytes during meiotic prophase. Curr Biol 2024; 34:2868-2879.e6. [PMID: 38870933 PMCID: PMC11258876 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2024.05.034] [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: 08/17/2023] [Revised: 03/27/2024] [Accepted: 05/17/2024] [Indexed: 06/15/2024]
Abstract
In dividing cells, accurate chromosome segregation depends on sister chromatid cohesion, protein linkages that are established during DNA replication. Faithful chromosome segregation in oocytes requires that cohesion, first established in S phase, remain intact for days to decades, depending on the organism. Premature loss of meiotic cohesion in oocytes leads to the production of aneuploid gametes and contributes to the increased incidence of meiotic segregation errors as women age (maternal age effect). The prevailing model is that cohesive linkages do not turn over in mammalian oocytes. However, we have previously reported that cohesion-related defects arise in Drosophila oocytes when individual cohesin subunits or cohesin regulators are knocked down after meiotic S phase. Here, we use two strategies to express a tagged cohesin subunit exclusively during mid-prophase in Drosophila oocytes and demonstrate that newly expressed cohesin is used to form de novo linkages after meiotic S phase. Cohesin along the arms of oocyte chromosomes appears to completely turn over within a 2-day window during prophase, whereas replacement is less extensive at centromeres. Unlike S-phase cohesion establishment, the formation of new cohesive linkages during meiotic prophase does not require acetylation of conserved lysines within the Smc3 head. Our findings indicate that maintenance of cohesion between S phase and chromosome segregation in Drosophila oocytes requires an active cohesion rejuvenation program that generates new cohesive linkages during meiotic prophase.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad A Haseeb
- Department of Biological Sciences, Dartmouth College, 78 College Street, Hanover, NH 03755, USA
| | - Katherine A Weng
- Department of Biological Sciences, Dartmouth College, 78 College Street, Hanover, NH 03755, USA
| | - Sharon E Bickel
- Department of Biological Sciences, Dartmouth College, 78 College Street, Hanover, NH 03755, USA.
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4
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Dubois E, Boisnard S, Bourbon HM, Yefsah K, Budin K, Debuchy R, Zhang L, Kleckner N, Zickler D, Espagne E. Canonical and noncanonical roles of Hop1 are crucial for meiotic prophase in the fungus Sordaria macrospora. PLoS Biol 2024; 22:e3002705. [PMID: 38950075 PMCID: PMC11244814 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.3002705] [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] [Received: 11/03/2023] [Revised: 07/12/2024] [Accepted: 06/07/2024] [Indexed: 07/03/2024] Open
Abstract
We show here that in the fungus Sordaria macrospora, the meiosis-specific HORMA-domain protein Hop1 is not essential for the basic early events of chromosome axis development, recombination initiation, or recombination-mediated homolog coalignment/pairing. In striking contrast, Hop1 plays a critical role at the leptotene/zygotene transition which is defined by transition from pairing to synaptonemal complex (SC) formation. During this transition, Hop1 is required for maintenance of normal axis structure, formation of SC from telomere to telomere, and development of recombination foci. These hop1Δ mutant defects are DSB dependent and require Sme4/Zip1-mediated progression of the interhomolog interaction program, potentially via a pre-SC role. The same phenotype occurs not only in hop1Δ but also in absence of the cohesin Rec8 and in spo76-1, a non-null mutant of cohesin-associated Spo76/Pds5. Thus, Hop1 and cohesins collaborate at this crucial step of meiotic prophase. In addition, analysis of 4 non-null mutants that lack this transition defect reveals that Hop1 also plays important roles in modulation of axis length, homolog-axis juxtaposition, interlock resolution, and spreading of the crossover interference signal. Finally, unexpected variations in crossover density point to the existence of effects that both enhance and limit crossover formation. Links to previously described roles of the protein in other organisms are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emeline Dubois
- Université Paris-Saclay, Commissariat à l'Énergie Atomique et aux Énergies Alternatives (CEA), Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Institute for Integrative Biology of the Cell (I2BC), Gif-sur-Yvette, France
| | - Stéphanie Boisnard
- Université Paris-Saclay, Commissariat à l'Énergie Atomique et aux Énergies Alternatives (CEA), Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Institute for Integrative Biology of the Cell (I2BC), Gif-sur-Yvette, France
| | - Henri-Marc Bourbon
- Centre de Biologie Intégrative, Molecular, Cellular & Developmental Biology Unit, Université Fédérale de Toulouse, Toulouse, France
| | - Kenza Yefsah
- Université Paris-Saclay, Commissariat à l'Énergie Atomique et aux Énergies Alternatives (CEA), Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Institute for Integrative Biology of the Cell (I2BC), Gif-sur-Yvette, France
| | - Karine Budin
- Université Paris-Saclay, Commissariat à l'Énergie Atomique et aux Énergies Alternatives (CEA), Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Institute for Integrative Biology of the Cell (I2BC), Gif-sur-Yvette, France
| | - Robert Debuchy
- Université Paris-Saclay, Commissariat à l'Énergie Atomique et aux Énergies Alternatives (CEA), Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Institute for Integrative Biology of the Cell (I2BC), Gif-sur-Yvette, France
| | - Liangran Zhang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Nancy Kleckner
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Denise Zickler
- Université Paris-Saclay, Commissariat à l'Énergie Atomique et aux Énergies Alternatives (CEA), Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Institute for Integrative Biology of the Cell (I2BC), Gif-sur-Yvette, France
| | - Eric Espagne
- Université Paris-Saclay, Commissariat à l'Énergie Atomique et aux Énergies Alternatives (CEA), Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Institute for Integrative Biology of the Cell (I2BC), Gif-sur-Yvette, France
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5
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White MA, Weiner B, Chu L, Lim G, Kleckner NE. Crossover Interference Mediates Multiscale Patterning Along Meiotic Chromosomes. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.01.28.577645. [PMID: 38352537 PMCID: PMC10862706 DOI: 10.1101/2024.01.28.577645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/17/2024]
Abstract
The classical phenomenon of crossover interference is a one-dimensional spatial patterning process that produces evenly spaced crossovers during meiosis. Quantitative analysis of diagnostic molecules along budding yeast chromosomes reveals that this process also sets up a second, interdigitated pattern of related but longer periodicity, in a "two-tiered" patterning process. The second tier corresponds to a previously mysterious minority set of crossovers. Thus, in toto, the two tiers account for all detected crossover events. Both tiers of patterning set up spatially clustered assemblies of three types of molecules ("triads") representing the three major components of meiotic chromosomes (crossover recombination complexes and chromosome axis and synaptonemal complex components), and give focal and domainal signals, respectively. Roles are suggested. All observed effects are economically and synthetically explained if crossover patterning is mediated by mechanical forces along prophase chromosomes. Intensity levels of domainal triad components are further modulated, dynamically, by the conserved protein remodeler Pch2/TRIP13.
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6
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Golov AK, Gavrilov AA. Cohesin-Dependent Loop Extrusion: Molecular Mechanics and Role in Cell Physiology. BIOCHEMISTRY. BIOKHIMIIA 2024; 89:601-625. [PMID: 38831499 DOI: 10.1134/s0006297924040023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2023] [Revised: 12/29/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 06/05/2024]
Abstract
The most prominent representatives of multisubunit SMC complexes, cohesin and condensin, are best known as structural components of mitotic chromosomes. It turned out that these complexes, as well as their bacterial homologues, are molecular motors, the ATP-dependent movement of these complexes along DNA threads leads to the formation of DNA loops. In recent years, we have witnessed an avalanche-like accumulation of data on the process of SMC dependent DNA looping, also known as loop extrusion. This review briefly summarizes the current understanding of the place and role of cohesin-dependent extrusion in cell physiology and presents a number of models describing the potential molecular mechanism of extrusion in a most compelling way. We conclude the review with a discussion of how the capacity of cohesin to extrude DNA loops may be mechanistically linked to its involvement in sister chromatid cohesion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arkadiy K Golov
- Institute of Gene Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, 119334, Russia.
- Technion - Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, 3525433, Israel
| | - Alexey A Gavrilov
- Institute of Gene Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, 119334, Russia.
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7
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Cheng G, Pratto F, Brick K, Li X, Alleva B, Huang M, Lam G, Camerini-Otero RD. High resolution maps of chromatin reorganization through mouse meiosis reveal novel features of the 3D meiotic structure. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.03.25.586627. [PMID: 38903112 PMCID: PMC11188084 DOI: 10.1101/2024.03.25.586627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/22/2024]
Abstract
When germ cells transition from the mitotic cycle into meiotic prophase I (MPI), chromosomes condense into an array of chromatin loops that are required to promote homolog pairing and genetic recombination. To identify the changes in chromosomal conformation, we isolated nuclei on a trajectory from spermatogonia to the end of MPI. At each stage along this trajectory, we built genomic interaction maps with the highest temporal and spatial resolution to date. The changes in chromatin folding coincided with a concurrent decline in mitotic cohesion and a rise in meiotic cohesin complexes. We found that the stereotypical large-scale A and B compartmentalization was lost during meiotic prophase I alongside the loss of topological associating domains (TADs). Still, local subcompartments were detected and maintained throughout meiosis. The enhanced Micro-C resolution revealed that, despite the loss of TADs, higher frequency contact sites between two loci were detectable during meiotic prophase I coinciding with CTCF bound sites. The pattern of interactions around these CTCF sites with their neighboring loci showed that CTCF sites were often anchoring the meiotic loops. Additionally, the localization of CTCF to the meiotic axes indicated that these anchors were at the base of loops. Strikingly, even in the face of the dramatic reconfiguration of interphase chromatin into a condensed loop-array, the interactions between regulatory elements remained well preserved. This establishes a potential mechanism for how the meiotic chromatin maintains active transcription within a highly structured genome. In summary, the high temporal and spatial resolution of these data revealed previously unappreciated aspects of mammalian meiotic chromatin organization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gang Cheng
- Genetics and Biochemistry Branch, NIDDK, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Florencia Pratto
- Genetics and Biochemistry Branch, NIDDK, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Kevin Brick
- Genetics and Biochemistry Branch, NIDDK, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Xin Li
- Genetics and Biochemistry Branch, NIDDK, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Benjamin Alleva
- Genetics and Biochemistry Branch, NIDDK, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Mini Huang
- Present address: Sun Yat-Sen University, School of Medicine, Shen Zhen, China
| | - Gabriel Lam
- Present address: RNA Regulation Section, NIA, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
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8
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López H, Mercier R. Meiosis: The silk moth and the elephant. Curr Biol 2024; 34:R211-R213. [PMID: 38471453 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2024.01.046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/14/2024]
Abstract
In most eukaryotes, balanced chromosome segregation at meiosis requires crossovers, but female Bombyx mori lack these structures. Instead, the synaptonemal complex is repurposed to compensate for this absence of crossovers, a remarkable example of exaptation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hernán López
- Department of Chromosome Biology, Max Planck Institute for Plant Breeding Research, Carl-von-Linne Weg 10, D-50829 Cologne, Germany
| | - Raphael Mercier
- Department of Chromosome Biology, Max Planck Institute for Plant Breeding Research, Carl-von-Linne Weg 10, D-50829 Cologne, Germany.
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9
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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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10
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Fábián A, Péntek BK, Soós V, Sági L. Heat stress during male meiosis impairs cytoskeletal organization, spindle assembly and tapetum degeneration in wheat. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2024; 14:1314021. [PMID: 38259921 PMCID: PMC10800805 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2023.1314021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024]
Abstract
The significance of heat stress in agriculture is ever-increasing with the progress of global climate changes. Due to a negative effect on the yield of staple crops, including wheat, the impairment of plant reproductive development triggered by high ambient temperature became a restraint in food production. Although the heat sensitivity of male meiosis and the following gamete development in wheat has long been recognized, a detailed structural characterization combined with a comprehensive gene expression analysis has not been done about this phenomenon. We demonstrate here that heat stress severely alters the cytoskeletal configuration, triggers the failure of meiotic division in wheat. Moreover, it changes the expression of genes related to gamete development in male meiocytes and the tapetum layer in a genotype-dependent manner. 'Ellvis', a heat-tolerant winter wheat cultivar, showed high spikelet fertility rate and only scarce structural aberrations upon exposure to high temperature. In addition, heat shock genes and genes involved in scavenging reactive oxygen species were significantly upregulated in 'Ellvis', and the expression of meiosis-specific and major developmental genes showed high stability in this cultivar. In the heat-sensitive 'Mv 17-09', however, genes participating in cytoskeletal fiber nucleation, the spindle assembly checkpoint genes, and tapetum-specific developmental regulators were downregulated. These alterations may be related to the decreased cytoskeleton content, frequent micronuclei formation, and the erroneous persistence of the tapetum layer observed in the sensitive genotype. Our results suggest that understanding the heat-sensitive regulation of these gene functions would be an essential contribution to the development of new, heat-tolerant cultivars.
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Affiliation(s)
- Attila Fábián
- Centre for Agricultural Research, Hungarian Research Network, Martonvásár, Hungary
- Department of Applied Biotechnology and Food Science, Budapest University of Technology and Economics, Budapest, Hungary
- Institute of Genetics and Biotechnology, Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Gödöllő, Hungary
| | | | - Vilmos Soós
- Centre for Agricultural Research, Hungarian Research Network, Martonvásár, Hungary
| | - László Sági
- Centre for Agricultural Research, Hungarian Research Network, Martonvásár, Hungary
- Agribiotechnology and Precision Breeding for Food Security National Laboratory, Plant Biotechnology Section, Centre for Agricultural Research, Hungarian Research Network, Martonvásár, Hungary
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11
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Fajish G, Challa K, Salim S, Vp A, Mwaniki S, Zhang R, Fujita Y, Ito M, Nishant KT, Shinohara A. DNA double-strand breaks regulate the cleavage-independent release of Rec8-cohesin during yeast meiosis. Genes Cells 2024; 29:86-98. [PMID: 37968127 DOI: 10.1111/gtc.13081] [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: 01/23/2023] [Revised: 10/28/2023] [Accepted: 11/02/2023] [Indexed: 11/17/2023]
Abstract
The mitotic cohesin complex necessary for sister chromatid cohesion and chromatin loop formation shows local and global association to chromosomes in response to DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs). Here, by genome-wide binding analysis of the meiotic cohesin with Rec8, we found that the Rec8-localization profile along chromosomes is altered from middle to late meiotic prophase I with cleavage-independent dissociation. Each Rec8-binding site on the chromosome axis follows a unique alternation pattern with dissociation and probably association. Centromeres showed altered Rec8 binding in late prophase I relative to mid-prophase I, implying chromosome remodeling of the regions. Rec8 dissociation ratio per chromosome is correlated well with meiotic DSB density. Indeed, the spo11 mutant deficient in meiotic DSB formation did not change the distribution of Rec8 along chromosomes in late meiotic prophase I. These suggest the presence of a meiosis-specific regulatory pathway for the global binding of Rec8-cohesin in response to DSBs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ghanim Fajish
- Institute for Protein Research, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Kiran Challa
- Institute for Protein Research, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Sagar Salim
- School of Biology, Indian Institute of Science, Education and Research, Thiruvananthapuram, India
| | - Ajith Vp
- School of Biology, Indian Institute of Science, Education and Research, Thiruvananthapuram, India
| | - Stephen Mwaniki
- Institute for Protein Research, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Ruihao Zhang
- Institute for Protein Research, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Yurika Fujita
- Institute for Protein Research, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Masaru Ito
- Institute for Protein Research, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Koodali T Nishant
- School of Biology, Indian Institute of Science, Education and Research, Thiruvananthapuram, India
| | - Akira Shinohara
- Institute for Protein Research, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
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12
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Vrielynck N, Peuch M, Durand S, Lian Q, Chambon A, Hurel A, Guérin J, Guérois R, Mercier R, Grelon M, Mézard C. SCEP1 and SCEP2 are two new components of the synaptonemal complex central element. NATURE PLANTS 2023; 9:2016-2030. [PMID: 37973938 DOI: 10.1038/s41477-023-01558-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
The synaptonemal complex (SC) is a proteinaceous structure that forms between homologous chromosomes during meiosis prophase. The SC is widely conserved across species, but its structure and roles during meiotic recombination are still debated. While the SC central region is made up of transverse filaments and central element proteins in mammals and fungi, few central element proteins have been identified in other species. Here we report the identification of two coiled-coil proteins, SCEP1 and SCEP2, that form a complex and localize at the centre of the Arabidopsis thaliana SC. In scep1 and scep2 mutants, chromosomes are aligned but not synapsed (the ZYP1 transverse filament protein is not loaded), crossovers are increased compared with the wild type, interference is lost and heterochiasmy is strongly reduced. We thus report the identification of two plant SC central elements, and homologues of these are found in all major angiosperm clades.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathalie Vrielynck
- Université Paris-Saclay, INRAE, AgroParisTech, Institut Jean-Pierre Bourgin, Versailles, France
| | - Marion Peuch
- Université Paris-Saclay, INRAE, AgroParisTech, Institut Jean-Pierre Bourgin, Versailles, France
| | - Stéphanie Durand
- Department of Chromosome Biology, Max Planck Institute for Plant Breeding Research, Cologne, Germany
| | - Qichao Lian
- Department of Chromosome Biology, Max Planck Institute for Plant Breeding Research, Cologne, Germany
| | - Aurélie Chambon
- Université Paris-Saclay, INRAE, AgroParisTech, Institut Jean-Pierre Bourgin, Versailles, France
| | - Aurélie Hurel
- Université Paris-Saclay, INRAE, AgroParisTech, Institut Jean-Pierre Bourgin, Versailles, France
| | - Julie Guérin
- Université Paris-Saclay, INRAE, AgroParisTech, Institut Jean-Pierre Bourgin, Versailles, France
| | - Raphaël Guérois
- Université Paris-Saclay, CEA, CNRS, Institute for Integrative Biology of the Cell, Gif-sur-Yvette, France
| | - Raphaël Mercier
- Department of Chromosome Biology, Max Planck Institute for Plant Breeding Research, Cologne, Germany
| | - Mathilde Grelon
- Université Paris-Saclay, INRAE, AgroParisTech, Institut Jean-Pierre Bourgin, Versailles, France.
| | - Christine Mézard
- Université Paris-Saclay, INRAE, AgroParisTech, Institut Jean-Pierre Bourgin, Versailles, France.
- Université Paris-Saclay, INRAE, AgroParisTech, CNRS, Institut Jean-Pierre Bourgin, Versailles, France.
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13
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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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14
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Catta-Preta CMC, Ferreira TR, Ghosh K, Paun A, Sacks D. HOP1 and HAP2 are conserved components of the meiosis-related machinery required for successful mating in Leishmania. Nat Commun 2023; 14:7159. [PMID: 37935664 PMCID: PMC10630298 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-42789-z] [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: 06/22/2023] [Accepted: 10/21/2023] [Indexed: 11/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Whole genome analysis of Leishmania hybrids generated experimentally in sand flies supports a meiotic mechanism of genetic exchange, with Mendelian segregation of the nuclear genome. Here, we perform functional analyses through the generation of double drug-resistant hybrids in vitro and in vivo (during sand fly infections) to assess the importance of conserved meiosis-related genes in recombination and plasmogamy. We report that HOP1 and a HAP2-paralog (HAP2-2) are essential components of the Leishmania meiosis machinery and cell-to-cell fusion mechanism, respectively, since deletion of either gene in one or both parents significantly reduces or completely abrogates mating competence. These findings significantly advance our understanding of sexual reproduction in Leishmania, with likely relevance to other trypanosomatids, by formally demonstrating the involvement of a meiotic protein homolog and a distinct fusogen that mediates non-canonical, bilateral fusion in the hybridizing cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolina Moura Costa Catta-Preta
- Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Tiago Rodrigues Ferreira
- Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Kashinath Ghosh
- Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Andrea Paun
- Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - David Sacks
- Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA.
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15
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Haseeb MA, Weng KA, Bickel SE. Chromatin-associated cohesin turns over extensively and forms new cohesive linkages during meiotic prophase. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.08.17.553729. [PMID: 37645916 PMCID: PMC10462139 DOI: 10.1101/2023.08.17.553729] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/31/2023]
Abstract
In dividing cells, accurate chromosome segregation depends on sister chromatid cohesion, protein linkages that are established during DNA replication. Faithful chromosome segregation in oocytes requires that cohesion, first established in S phase, remain intact for days to decades, depending on the organism. Premature loss of meiotic cohesion in oocytes leads to the production of aneuploid gametes and contributes to the increased incidence of meiotic segregation errors as women age (maternal age effect). The prevailing model is that cohesive linkages do not turn over in mammalian oocytes. However, we have previously reported that cohesion-related defects arise in Drosophila oocytes when individual cohesin subunits or cohesin regulators are knocked down after meiotic S phase. Here we use two strategies to express a tagged cohesin subunit exclusively during mid-prophase in Drosophila oocytes and demonstrate that newly expressed cohesin is used to form de novo linkages after meiotic S phase. Moreover, nearly complete turnover of chromosome-associated cohesin occurs during meiotic prophase, with faster replacement on the arms than at the centromeres. Unlike S-phase cohesion establishment, the formation of new cohesive linkages during meiotic prophase does not require acetylation of conserved lysines within the Smc3 head. Our findings indicate that maintenance of cohesion between S phase and chromosome segregation in Drosophila oocytes requires an active cohesion rejuvenation program that generates new cohesive linkages during meiotic prophase.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad A. Haseeb
- Department of Biological Sciences, Dartmouth College 78 College Street, Hanover, NH 03755
| | - Katherine A. Weng
- Department of Biological Sciences, Dartmouth College 78 College Street, Hanover, NH 03755
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16
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Batty P, Langer CCH, Takács Z, Tang W, Blaukopf C, Peters J, Gerlich DW. Cohesin-mediated DNA loop extrusion resolves sister chromatids in G2 phase. EMBO J 2023; 42:e113475. [PMID: 37357575 PMCID: PMC10425840 DOI: 10.15252/embj.2023113475] [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: 01/10/2023] [Revised: 05/26/2023] [Accepted: 06/14/2023] [Indexed: 06/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Genetic information is stored in linear DNA molecules, which are highly folded inside cells. DNA replication along the folded template path yields two sister chromatids that initially occupy the same nuclear region in an intertwined arrangement. Dividing cells must disentangle and condense the sister chromatids into separate bodies such that a microtubule-based spindle can move them to opposite poles. While the spindle-mediated transport of sister chromatids has been studied in detail, the chromosome-intrinsic mechanics presegregating sister chromatids have remained elusive. Here, we show that human sister chromatids resolve extensively already during interphase, in a process dependent on the loop-extruding activity of cohesin, but not that of condensins. Increasing cohesin's looping capability increases sister DNA resolution in interphase nuclei to an extent normally seen only during mitosis, despite the presence of abundant arm cohesion. That cohesin can resolve sister chromatids so extensively in the absence of mitosis-specific activities indicates that DNA loop extrusion is a generic mechanism for segregating replicated genomes, shared across different Structural Maintenance of Chromosomes (SMC) protein complexes in all kingdoms of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul Batty
- Institute of Molecular Biotechnology of the Austrian Academy of Sciences (IMBA)Vienna BioCenter (VBC)ViennaAustria
- Vienna BioCenter PhD ProgramDoctoral School of the University of Vienna and Medical University of ViennaViennaAustria
| | - Christoph CH Langer
- Institute of Molecular Biotechnology of the Austrian Academy of Sciences (IMBA)Vienna BioCenter (VBC)ViennaAustria
| | - Zsuzsanna Takács
- Institute of Molecular Biotechnology of the Austrian Academy of Sciences (IMBA)Vienna BioCenter (VBC)ViennaAustria
| | - Wen Tang
- Research Institute of Molecular Pathology (IMP)Vienna BioCenter (VBC)ViennaAustria
| | - Claudia Blaukopf
- Institute of Molecular Biotechnology of the Austrian Academy of Sciences (IMBA)Vienna BioCenter (VBC)ViennaAustria
| | - Jan‐Michael Peters
- Research Institute of Molecular Pathology (IMP)Vienna BioCenter (VBC)ViennaAustria
| | - Daniel W Gerlich
- Institute of Molecular Biotechnology of the Austrian Academy of Sciences (IMBA)Vienna BioCenter (VBC)ViennaAustria
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17
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Gordon SG, Rog O. Building the synaptonemal complex: Molecular interactions between the axis and the central region. PLoS Genet 2023; 19:e1010822. [PMID: 37471284 PMCID: PMC10359014 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1010822] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/22/2023] Open
Abstract
The successful delivery of genetic material to gametes requires tightly regulated interactions between the parental chromosomes. Central to this regulation is a conserved chromosomal interface called the synaptonemal complex (SC), which brings the parental chromosomes in close proximity along their length. While many of its components are known, the interfaces that mediate the assembly of the SC remain a mystery. Here, we survey findings from different model systems while focusing on insight gained in the nematode C. elegans. We synthesize our current understanding of the structure, dynamics, and biophysical properties of the SC and propose mechanisms for SC assembly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Spencer G. Gordon
- School of Biological Sciences and Center for Cell and Genome Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, United States of America
| | - Ofer Rog
- School of Biological Sciences and Center for Cell and Genome Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, United States of America
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18
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Girard C, Zwicker D, Mercier R. The regulation of meiotic crossover distribution: a coarse solution to a century-old mystery? Biochem Soc Trans 2023:233030. [PMID: 37145037 DOI: 10.1042/bst20221329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2023] [Revised: 04/13/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Meiotic crossovers, which are exchanges of genetic material between homologous chromosomes, are more evenly and distantly spaced along chromosomes than expected by chance. This is because the occurrence of one crossover reduces the likelihood of nearby crossover events - a conserved and intriguing phenomenon called crossover interference. Although crossover interference was first described over a century ago, the mechanism allowing coordination of the fate of potential crossover sites half a chromosome away remains elusive. In this review, we discuss the recently published evidence supporting a new model for crossover patterning, coined the coarsening model, and point out the missing pieces that are still needed to complete this fascinating puzzle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chloe Girard
- Université Paris-Saclay, Commissariat à l'Énergie Atomiques et aux Énergies Alternatives (CEA), Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Institute for Integrative Biology of the Cell (I2BC), Gif-sur-Yvette, France
| | - David Zwicker
- Max Planck Institute for Dynamics and Self-Organization, Am Faßberg 17, 37077 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Raphael Mercier
- Department of Chromosome Biology, Max Planck Institute for Plant Breeding Research, Carl-von-Linné-Weg 10, Cologne, Germany
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19
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Russo AE, Giacopazzi S, Deshong A, Menon M, Ortiz V, Ego KM, Corbett KD, Bhalla N. The conserved AAA ATPase PCH-2 distributes its regulation of meiotic prophase events through multiple meiotic HORMADs in C. elegans. PLoS Genet 2023; 19:e1010708. [PMID: 37058535 PMCID: PMC10132761 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1010708] [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] [Received: 11/17/2022] [Revised: 04/26/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2023] [Indexed: 04/15/2023] Open
Abstract
During meiotic prophase, the essential events of homolog pairing, synapsis, and recombination are coordinated with meiotic progression to promote fidelity and prevent aneuploidy. The conserved AAA+ ATPase PCH-2 coordinates these events to guarantee crossover assurance and accurate chromosome segregation. How PCH-2 accomplishes this coordination is poorly understood. Here, we provide evidence that PCH-2 decelerates pairing, synapsis and recombination in C. elegans by remodeling meiotic HORMADs. We propose that PCH-2 converts the closed versions of these proteins, which drive these meiotic prophase events, to unbuckled conformations, destabilizing interhomolog interactions and delaying meiotic progression. Further, we find that PCH-2 distributes this regulation among three essential meiotic HORMADs in C. elegans: PCH-2 acts through HTP-3 to regulate pairing and synapsis, HIM-3 to promote crossover assurance, and HTP-1 to control meiotic progression. In addition to identifying a molecular mechanism for how PCH-2 regulates interhomolog interactions, our results provide a possible explanation for the expansion of the meiotic HORMAD family as a conserved evolutionary feature of meiosis. Taken together, our work demonstrates that PCH-2's remodeling of meiotic HORMADs has functional consequences for the rate and fidelity of homolog pairing, synapsis, recombination and meiotic progression, ensuring accurate meiotic chromosome segregation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna E. Russo
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California, Santa Cruz, California, United States of America
| | - Stefani Giacopazzi
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California, Santa Cruz, California, United States of America
| | - Alison Deshong
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California, Santa Cruz, California, United States of America
| | - Malaika Menon
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California, Santa Cruz, California, United States of America
| | - Valery Ortiz
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California, Santa Cruz, California, United States of America
| | - Kaori M. Ego
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of California, San Diego, California, United States of America
| | - Kevin D. Corbett
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of California, San Diego, California, United States of America
| | - Needhi Bhalla
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California, Santa Cruz, California, United States of America
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20
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Mytlis A, Levy K, Elkouby YM. The many faces of the bouquet centrosome MTOC in meiosis and germ cell development. Curr Opin Cell Biol 2023; 81:102158. [PMID: 36913831 DOI: 10.1016/j.ceb.2023.102158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2022] [Revised: 12/28/2022] [Accepted: 02/12/2023] [Indexed: 03/13/2023]
Abstract
Meiotic chromosomal pairing is facilitated by a conserved cytoskeletal organization. Telomeres associate with perinuclear microtubules via Sun/KASH complexes on the nuclear envelope (NE) and dynein. Telomere sliding on perinuclear microtubules contributes to chromosome homology searches and is essential for meiosis. Telomeres ultimately cluster on the NE, facing the centrosome, in a configuration called the chromosomal bouquet. Here, we discuss novel components and functions of the bouquet microtubule organizing center (MTOC) in meiosis, but also broadly in gamete development. The cellular mechanics of chromosome movements and the bouquet MTOC dynamics are striking. The newly identified zygotene cilium mechanically anchors the bouquet centrosome and completes the bouquet MTOC machinery in zebrafish and mice. We hypothesize that various centrosome anchoring strategies evolved in different species. Evidence suggests that the bouquet MTOC machinery is a cellular organizer, linking meiotic mechanisms with gamete development and morphogenesis. We highlight this cytoskeletal organization as a new platform for creating a holistic understanding of early gametogenesis, with direct implications to fertility and reproduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Avishag Mytlis
- Department of Developmental Biology and Cancer Research, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem Faculty of Medicine, Ein-Kerem Campus, Jerusalem, 9112102, Israel; Institute for Medical Research - Israel-Canada (IMRIC), Ein-Kerem Campus, Jerusalem 9112102, Israel
| | - Karine Levy
- Department of Developmental Biology and Cancer Research, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem Faculty of Medicine, Ein-Kerem Campus, Jerusalem, 9112102, Israel; Institute for Medical Research - Israel-Canada (IMRIC), Ein-Kerem Campus, Jerusalem 9112102, Israel
| | - Yaniv M Elkouby
- Department of Developmental Biology and Cancer Research, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem Faculty of Medicine, Ein-Kerem Campus, Jerusalem, 9112102, Israel; Institute for Medical Research - Israel-Canada (IMRIC), Ein-Kerem Campus, Jerusalem 9112102, Israel.
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21
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Irregularities in Meiotic Prophase I as Prerequisites for Reproductive Isolation in Experimental Hybrids Carrying Robertsonian Translocations. DIVERSITY 2023. [DOI: 10.3390/d15030364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/06/2023]
Abstract
The basic causes of postzygotic isolation can be elucidated if gametogenesis is studied, which is a drastically different process in males and females. As a step toward clarifying this problem, we obtained an experimental inbred lineage of the eastern mole vole Ellobius tancrei, whose founder animals were animals with identical diploid numbers 2n = 50 but with different Robertsonian translocations (Rb), namely 2Rb4.12 and 2Rb9.13 in the female and 2Rb.2.18 and 2Rb5.9 in the male. Here, we analyzed strictly inbred hybrids (F1, fertile and F10, sterile) using immunocytochemical methods in order to study spermatocytes during the meiotic prophase I. Previously, the presence of trivalents was assumed to have no significant effect on spermatogenesis and fertility in hybrids, but we demonstrated that spermatogenesis might be disturbed due to the cumulative effects of the retarded synapses of Rb bivalents as well as trivalents and their associations with XX sex bivalents. Alterations in the number of gametes due to the described processes led to a decrease in reproductive capacity up to sterility and can be examined as a mechanism for reproductive isolation, thus starting speciation.
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22
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Zhang L, Stauffer WT, Wang JS, Wu F, Yu Z, Liu C, Kim HJ, Dernburg AF. Recruitment of Polo-like kinase couples synapsis to meiotic progression via inactivation of CHK-2. eLife 2023; 12:84492. [PMID: 36700544 PMCID: PMC9998088 DOI: 10.7554/elife.84492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2022] [Accepted: 01/25/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Meiotic chromosome segregation relies on synapsis and crossover (CO) recombination between homologous chromosomes. These processes require multiple steps that are coordinated by the meiotic cell cycle and monitored by surveillance mechanisms. In diverse species, failures in chromosome synapsis can trigger a cell cycle delay and/or lead to apoptosis. How this key step in 'homolog engagement' is sensed and transduced by meiotic cells is unknown. Here we report that in C. elegans, recruitment of the Polo-like kinase PLK-2 to the synaptonemal complex triggers phosphorylation and inactivation of CHK-2, an early meiotic kinase required for pairing, synapsis, and double-strand break (DSB) induction. Inactivation of CHK-2 terminates DSB formation and enables CO designation and cell cycle progression. These findings illuminate how meiotic cells ensure CO formation and accurate chromosome segregation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liangyu Zhang
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, BerkeleyBerkeleyUnited States
- California Institute for Quantitative BiosciencesBerkeleyUnited States
- Howard Hughes Medical InstituteChevy ChaseUnited States
- Biological Systems and Engineering Division, Lawrence Berkeley National LaboratoryBerkeleyUnited States
| | - Weston T Stauffer
- Howard Hughes Medical InstituteChevy ChaseUnited States
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of California, BerkeleyBerkeleyUnited States
| | - John S Wang
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, BerkeleyBerkeleyUnited States
- Howard Hughes Medical InstituteChevy ChaseUnited States
| | - Fan Wu
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, BerkeleyBerkeleyUnited States
- Howard Hughes Medical InstituteChevy ChaseUnited States
| | - Zhouliang Yu
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, BerkeleyBerkeleyUnited States
- California Institute for Quantitative BiosciencesBerkeleyUnited States
- Howard Hughes Medical InstituteChevy ChaseUnited States
- Biological Systems and Engineering Division, Lawrence Berkeley National LaboratoryBerkeleyUnited States
| | - Chenshu Liu
- California Institute for Quantitative BiosciencesBerkeleyUnited States
- Howard Hughes Medical InstituteChevy ChaseUnited States
| | - Hyung Jun Kim
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, BerkeleyBerkeleyUnited States
| | - Abby F Dernburg
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, BerkeleyBerkeleyUnited States
- California Institute for Quantitative BiosciencesBerkeleyUnited States
- Howard Hughes Medical InstituteChevy ChaseUnited States
- Biological Systems and Engineering Division, Lawrence Berkeley National LaboratoryBerkeleyUnited States
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23
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Meiosis: Deciphering the dialog between recombination and the synaptonemal complex. Curr Biol 2022; 32:R1235-R1237. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2022.09.004] [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]
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24
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Wassmann K. Separase Control and Cohesin Cleavage in Oocytes: Should I Stay or Should I Go? Cells 2022; 11:3399. [PMID: 36359795 PMCID: PMC9656630 DOI: 10.3390/cells11213399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2022] [Revised: 10/21/2022] [Accepted: 10/24/2022] [Indexed: 10/19/2023] Open
Abstract
The key to gametogenesis is the proper execution of a specialized form of cell division named meiosis. Prior to the meiotic divisions, the recombination of maternal and paternal chromosomes creates new genetic combinations necessary for fitness and adaptation to an ever-changing environment. Two rounds of chromosome segregation -meiosis I and II- have to take place without intermediate S-phase and lead to the creation of haploid gametes harboring only half of the genetic material. Importantly, the segregation patterns of the two divisions are fundamentally different and require adaptation of the mitotic cell cycle machinery to the specificities of meiosis. Separase, the enzyme that cleaves Rec8, a subunit of the cohesin complex constituting the physical connection between sister chromatids, has to be activated twice: once in meiosis I and immediately afterwards, in meiosis II. Rec8 is cleaved on chromosome arms in meiosis I and in the centromere region in meiosis II. This step-wise cohesin removal is essential to generate gametes of the correct ploidy and thus, embryo viability. Hence, separase control and Rec8 cleavage must be perfectly controlled in time and space. Focusing on mammalian oocytes, this review lays out what we know and what we still ignore about this fascinating mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katja Wassmann
- Institut Jacques Monod, Université Paris Cité, CNRS, 75013 Paris, France
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25
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Abstract
Inheriting the wrong number of chromosomes is one of the leading causes of infertility and birth defects in humans. However, in many organisms, individual chromosomes vary dramatically in both organization, sequence, and size. Chromosome segregation systems must be capable of accounting for these differences to reliably segregate chromosomes. During gametogenesis, meiosis ensures that all chromosomes segregate properly into gametes (i.e., egg or sperm). Interestingly, not all chromosomes exhibit the same dynamics during meiosis, which can lead to chromosome-specific behaviors and defects. This review will summarize some of the chromosome-specific meiotic events that are currently known and discuss their impact on meiotic outcomes.
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26
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Sou IF, Hamer G, Tee WW, Vader G, McClurg UL. Cancer and meiotic gene expression: Two sides of the same coin? Curr Top Dev Biol 2022; 151:43-68. [PMID: 36681477 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ctdb.2022.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Meiosis increases genetic diversity in offspring by generating genetically unique haploid gametes with reshuffled chromosomes. This process requires a specialized set of meiotic proteins, which facilitate chromosome recombination and segregation. However, re-expression of meiotic proteins in mitosis can have catastrophic oncogenic consequences and aberrant expression of meiotic proteins is a common occurrence in human tumors. Mechanistically, re-activation of meiotic genes in cancer promotes oncogenesis likely because cancers-conversely to healthy mitosis-are fueled by genetic instability which promotes tumor evolution, and evasion of immune response and treatment pressure. In this review, we explore similarities between meiotic and cancer cells with a particular focus on the oncogenic activation of meiotic genes in cancer. We emphasize the role of histones and their modifications, DNA methylation, genome organization, R-loops and the availability of distal enhancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ieng Fong Sou
- Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom; Chromatin Dynamics and Disease Epigenetics Group, Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore, Singapore
| | - Geert Hamer
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Reproductive Biology Laboratory, Amsterdam Reproduction and Development Research Institute, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Wee-Wei Tee
- Chromatin Dynamics and Disease Epigenetics Group, Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore, Singapore; Department of Physiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Gerben Vader
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Reproductive Biology Laboratory, Amsterdam Reproduction and Development Research Institute, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Section of Oncogenetics, Department of Human Genetics, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Cancer Center Amsterdam, Cancer Biology and Immunology, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Urszula Lucja McClurg
- Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom.
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27
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Abstract
Sexual reproduction and the specialized cell division it relies upon, meiosis, are biological processes that present an incredible degree of both evolutionary conservation and divergence. One clear example of this paradox is the role of the evolutionarily ancient PCH-2/HORMAD module during meiosis. On one hand, the complex, and sometimes disparate, meiotic defects observed when PCH-2 and/or the meiotic HORMADS are mutated in different model systems have prevented a straightforward characterization of their conserved functions. On the other hand, these functional variations demonstrate the impressive molecular rewiring that accompanies evolution of the meiotic processes these factors are involved in. While the defects observed in pch-2 mutants appear to vary in different systems, in this review, I argue that PCH-2 has a conserved meiotic function: to coordinate meiotic recombination with synapsis to ensure an appropriate number and distribution of crossovers. Further, given the dramatic variation in how the events of recombination and synapsis are themselves regulated in different model systems, the mechanistic differences in PCH-2 and meiotic HORMAD function make biological sense when viewed as species-specific elaborations layered onto this fundamental, conserved role.
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Affiliation(s)
- Needhi Bhalla
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California, Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, United States.
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28
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Shodhan A, Xaver M, Wheeler D, Lichten M. Turning coldspots into hotspots: targeted recruitment of axis protein Hop1 stimulates meiotic recombination in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Genetics 2022; 222:6649696. [PMID: 35876814 PMCID: PMC9434160 DOI: 10.1093/genetics/iyac106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2022] [Accepted: 07/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The DNA double strand breaks (DSBs) that initiate meiotic recombination are formed in the context of the meiotic chromosome axis, which in Saccharomyces cerevisiae contains a meiosis-specific cohesin isoform and the meiosis-specific proteins Hop1 and Red1. Hop1 and Red1 are important for DSB formation; DSB levels are reduced in their absence and their levels, which vary along the lengths of chromosomes, are positively correlated with DSB levels. How axis protein levels influence DSB formation and recombination remains unclear. To address this question, we developed a novel approach that uses a bacterial ParB-parS partition system to recruit axis proteins at high levels to inserts at recombination coldspots where Hop1 and Red1 levels are normally low. Recruiting Hop1 markedly increased DSBs and homologous recombination at target loci, to levels equivalent to those observed at endogenous recombination hotspots. This local increase in DSBs did not require Red1 or the meiosis-specific cohesin component Rec8, indicating that, of the axis proteins, Hop1 is sufficient to promote DSB formation. However, while most crossovers at endogenous recombination hotspots are formed by the meiosis-specific MutLγ resolvase, crossovers that formed at an insert locus were only modestly reduced in the absence of MutLγ, regardless of whether or not Hop1 was recruited to that locus. Thus, while local Hop1 levels determine local DSB levels, the recombination pathways that repair these breaks can be determined by other factors, raising the intriguing possibility that different recombination pathways operate in different parts of the genome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anura Shodhan
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, USA
| | - Martin Xaver
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, USA
| | - David Wheeler
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, USA
| | - Michael Lichten
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, USA
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Epidemiology of Δ8THC-Related Carcinogenesis in USA: A Panel Regression and Causal Inferential Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19137726. [PMID: 35805384 PMCID: PMC9265369 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19137726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2022] [Revised: 06/18/2022] [Accepted: 06/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
The use of Δ8THC is increasing at present across the USA in association with widespread cannabis legalization and the common notion that it is “legal weed”. As genotoxic actions have been described for many cannabinoids, we studied the cancer epidemiology of Δ8THC. Data on 34 cancer types was from the Centers for Disease Control Atlanta Georgia, substance abuse data from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, ethnicity and income data from the U.S. Census Bureau, and cannabinoid concentration data from the Drug Enforcement Agency, were combined and processed in R. Eight cancers (corpus uteri, liver, gastric cardia, breast and post-menopausal breast, anorectum, pancreas, and thyroid) were related to Δ8THC exposure on bivariate testing, and 18 (additionally, stomach, Hodgkins, and Non-Hodgkins lymphomas, ovary, cervix uteri, gall bladder, oropharynx, bladder, lung, esophagus, colorectal cancer, and all cancers (excluding non-melanoma skin cancer)) demonstrated positive average marginal effects on fully adjusted inverse probability weighted interactive panel regression. Many minimum E-Values (mEVs) were infinite. p-values rose from 8.04 × 10−78. Marginal effect calculations revealed that 18 Δ8THC-related cancers are predicted to lead to a further 8.58 cases/100,000 compared to 7.93 for alcoholism and −8.48 for tobacco. Results indicate that between 8 and 20/34 cancer types were associated with Δ8THC exposure, with very high effect sizes (mEVs) and marginal effects after adjustment exceeding tobacco and alcohol, fulfilling the epidemiological criteria of causality and suggesting a cannabinoid class effect. The inclusion of pediatric leukemias and testicular cancer herein demonstrates heritable malignant teratogenesis.
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Schreiber M, Gao Y, Koch N, Fuchs J, Heckmann S, Himmelbach A, Börner A, Özkan H, Maurer A, Stein N, Mascher M, Dreissig S. Recombination landscape divergence between populations is marked by larger low-recombining regions in domesticated rye. Mol Biol Evol 2022; 39:msac131. [PMID: 35687854 PMCID: PMC9218680 DOI: 10.1093/molbev/msac131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2022] [Revised: 06/03/2022] [Accepted: 06/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The genomic landscape of recombination plays an essential role in evolution. Patterns of recombination are highly variable along chromosomes, between sexes, individuals, populations, and species. In many eukaryotes, recombination rates are elevated in sub-telomeric regions and drastically reduced near centromeres, resulting in large low-recombining (LR) regions. The processes of recombination are influenced by genetic factors, such as different alleles of genes involved in meiosis and chromatin structure, as well as external environmental stimuli like temperature and overall stress. In this work, we focused on the genomic landscapes of recombination in a collection of 916 rye (Secale cereale) individuals. By analysing population structure among individuals of different domestication status and geographic origin, we detected high levels of admixture, reflecting the reproductive biology of a self-incompatible, wind-pollinating grass species. We then analysed patterns of recombination in overlapping subpopulations, which revealed substantial variation in the physical size of LR regions, with a tendency for larger LR regions in domesticated subpopulations. Genome-wide association scans (GWAS) for LR region size revealed a major quantitative-trait-locus (QTL) at which, among 18 annotated genes, an ortholog of histone H4 acetyltransferase ESA1 was located. Rye individuals belonging to domesticated subpopulations showed increased synaptonemal complex length, but no difference in crossover frequency, indicating that only the recombination landscape is different. Furthermore, the genomic region harbouring rye ScESA1 showed moderate patterns of selection in domesticated subpopulations, suggesting that larger LR regions were indirectly selected for during domestication to achieve more homogeneous populations for agricultural use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mona Schreiber
- Department of Biology, University of Marburg, 35037 Marburg, Germany
- Leibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research (IPK), 06466 Seeland, OT Gatersleben, Germany
| | - Yixuan Gao
- Institute of Agricultural and Nutritional Sciences, Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, 06120 Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Natalie Koch
- Institute of Agricultural and Nutritional Sciences, Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, 06120 Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Joerg Fuchs
- Leibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research (IPK), 06466 Seeland, OT Gatersleben, Germany
| | - Stefan Heckmann
- Leibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research (IPK), 06466 Seeland, OT Gatersleben, Germany
| | - Axel Himmelbach
- Leibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research (IPK), 06466 Seeland, OT Gatersleben, Germany
| | - Andreas Börner
- Leibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research (IPK), 06466 Seeland, OT Gatersleben, Germany
| | - Hakan Özkan
- Faculty of Agriculture, Department of Field Crops, University of Cukurova, 01330 Adana, Turkey
| | - Andreas Maurer
- Institute of Agricultural and Nutritional Sciences, Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, 06120 Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Nils Stein
- Leibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research (IPK), 06466 Seeland, OT Gatersleben, Germany
| | - Martin Mascher
- Leibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research (IPK), 06466 Seeland, OT Gatersleben, Germany
- German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle-Jena-Leipzig, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Steven Dreissig
- Institute of Agricultural and Nutritional Sciences, Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, 06120 Halle (Saale), Germany
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Kim H, Choi K. Fast and Precise: How to Measure Meiotic Crossovers in Arabidopsis. Mol Cells 2022; 45:273-283. [PMID: 35444069 PMCID: PMC9095510 DOI: 10.14348/molcells.2022.2054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2021] [Revised: 02/21/2022] [Accepted: 03/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
During meiosis, homologous chromosomes (homologs) pair and undergo genetic recombination via assembly and disassembly of the synaptonemal complex. Meiotic recombination is initiated by excess formation of DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs), among which a subset are repaired by reciprocal genetic exchange, called crossovers (COs). COs generate genetic variations across generations, profoundly affecting genetic diversity and breeding. At least one CO between homologs is essential for the first meiotic chromosome segregation, but generally only one and fewer than three inter-homolog COs occur in plants. CO frequency and distribution are biased along chromosomes, suppressed in centromeres, and controlled by pro-CO, anti-CO, and epigenetic factors. Accurate and high-throughput detection of COs is important for our understanding of CO formation and chromosome behavior. Here, we review advanced approaches that enable precise measurement of the location, frequency, and genomic landscapes of COs in plants, with a focus on Arabidopsis thaliana.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heejin Kim
- Department of Life Sciences, Pohang University of Science and Technology, Pohang 37673, Korea
| | - Kyuha Choi
- Department of Life Sciences, Pohang University of Science and Technology, Pohang 37673, Korea
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Xie C, Wang W, Tu C, Meng L, Lu G, Lin G, Lu LY, Tan YQ. OUP accepted manuscript. Hum Reprod Update 2022; 28:763-797. [PMID: 35613017 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmac024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2021] [Revised: 04/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Chunbo Xie
- Institute of Reproduction and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, China
| | - Weili Wang
- Institute of Reproduction and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Chaofeng Tu
- Institute of Reproduction and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem Cell and Reproductive Engineering, Central South University, Changsha, China
- College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China
| | - Lanlan Meng
- Institute of Reproduction and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, China
| | - Guangxiu Lu
- Institute of Reproduction and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem Cell and Reproductive Engineering, Central South University, Changsha, China
- College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China
| | - Ge Lin
- Institute of Reproduction and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem Cell and Reproductive Engineering, Central South University, Changsha, China
- College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China
| | - Lin-Yu Lu
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Genetics (Ministry of Education) and Women's Reproductive Health Laboratory of Zhejiang Province, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yue-Qiu Tan
- Institute of Reproduction and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem Cell and Reproductive Engineering, Central South University, Changsha, China
- College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China
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Rousova D, Nivsarkar V, Altmannova V, Raina VB, Funk SK, Liedtke D, Janning P, Müller F, Reichle H, Vader G, Weir JR. Novel mechanistic insights into the role of Mer2 as the keystone of meiotic DNA break formation. eLife 2021; 10:72330. [PMID: 34951404 PMCID: PMC8848140 DOI: 10.7554/elife.72330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2021] [Accepted: 12/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
In meiosis, DNA double-strand break (DSB) formation by Spo11 initiates recombination and enables chromosome segregation. Numerous factors are required for Spo11 activity, and couple the DSB machinery to the development of a meiosis-specific ‘axis-tethered loop’ chromosome organisation. Through in vitro reconstitution and budding yeast genetics, we here provide architectural insight into the DSB machinery by focussing on a foundational DSB factor, Mer2. We characterise the interaction of Mer2 with the histone reader Spp1, and show that Mer2 directly associates with nucleosomes, likely highlighting a contribution of Mer2 to tethering DSB factors to chromatin. We reveal the biochemical basis of Mer2 association with Hop1, a HORMA domain-containing chromosomal axis factor. Finally, we identify a conserved region within Mer2 crucial for DSB activity, and show that this region of Mer2 interacts with the DSB factor Mre11. In combination with previous work, we establish Mer2 as a keystone of the DSB machinery by bridging key protein complexes involved in the initiation of meiotic recombination. Organisms are said to be diploid when they carry two copies of each chromosome in their cells, one from each of their biological parents. But in order for each parent to only pass on one copy of their own chromosomes, they need to make haploid cells, which only carry one copy of each chromosome. These cells form by a special kind of cell division called meiosis, in which the two chromosomes from each pair in the parent cells are first linked, and then pulled apart into the daughter cells. Accurate meiosis requires a type of DNA damage called double-stranded DNA breaks. These breaks cut through the chromosomes and can be dangerous to the cell if they are not repaired correctly. During meiosis, a set of proteins gather around the chromosomes to ensure the cuts happen in the right place and to repair the damage. One of these proteins is called Mer2. Previous studies suggest that this protein plays a role in placing the DNA breaks and controlling when they happen. To find out more, Rousova et al. examined Mer2 and the proteins that interact with it in budding yeast cells. This involved taking the proteins out of the cell to get a closer look. The experiments showed that Mer2 sticks directly to the chromosomes and acts as a tether for other proteins. It collaborates with two partners, called Hop1 and Mre11, to make sure that DNA breaks happen safely. These proteins detect the state of the chromosome and repair the damage. Stopping Mer2 from interacting with Mre11 prevented DNA breaks from forming in budding yeast cells. Although Rousova et al. used budding yeast to study the proteins involved in meiosis, similar proteins exist in plant and animal cells too. Understanding how they work could open new avenues of research into cell division. For example, studies on plant proteins could provide tools for creating new crop strains. Studies on human proteins could also provide insights into fertility problems and cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Vaishnavi Nivsarkar
- Department of Mechanistic Cell Biology, Max Planck Institute for Molecular Physiology, Dortmund, Germany
| | | | - Vivek B Raina
- Department of Mechanistic Cell Biology, Max Planck Institute for Molecular Physiology, Dortmund, Germany
| | | | | | - Petra Janning
- Department of Mechanistic Cell Biology, Max Planck Institute for Molecular Physiology, Dortmund, Germany
| | - Franziska Müller
- Department of Mechanistic Cell Biology, Max Planck Institute for Molecular Physiology, Dortmund, Germany
| | | | - Gerben Vader
- Department of Human Genetics, Cancer Centre Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
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Spangenberg V, Losev M, Volkhin I, Smirnova S, Nikitin P, Kolomiets O. DNA Environment of Centromeres and Non-Homologous Chromosomes Interactions in Mouse. Cells 2021; 10:3375. [PMID: 34943883 PMCID: PMC8699862 DOI: 10.3390/cells10123375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2021] [Revised: 11/26/2021] [Accepted: 11/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Although the pericentromeric regions of chromosomes that are enriched in tandemly repeated satellite DNA represent a significant part of eukaryotic genomes, they remain understudied, which is mainly due to interdisciplinary knowledge gaps. Recent studies suggest their important role in genome regulation, karyotype stability, and evolution. Thus, the idea of satellite DNA as a junk part of the genome has been refuted. The integration of data regarding molecular composition, chromosome behaviour, and the details of the in situ organization of pericentromeric regions is of great interest. The objective of this work was a cytogenetic analysis of the interactions between pericentromeric regions from non-homologous chromosomes in mouse spermatocytes using immuno-FISH. We analysed two events: the associations between centromeric regions of the X chromosome and autosomes and the associations between the centromeric regions of the autosomal bivalents that form chromocenters. We concluded that the X chromosome forms temporary synaptic associations with different autosomes in early meiotic prophase I, which can normally be found until the pachytene-diplotene, without signs of pachytene arrest. These associations are formed between the satellite-DNA-rich centromeric regions of the X chromosome and different autosomes but do not involve the satellite-DNA-poor centromeric region of the Y chromosome. We suggest the hypothetical model of X chromosome competitive replacement from such associations during synaptic correction. We showed that the centromeric region of the X chromosome in association remains free of γH2Ax-dependent chromatin inactivation, while the Y chromosome is completely inactivated. This finding highlights the predominant role of associations between satellite DNA-rich regions of different chromosomes, including the X chromosome. We suppose that X-autosomal transient associations are a manifestation of an additional synaptic disorder checkpoint. These associations are normally corrected before the late diplotene stage. We revealed that the intense spreading conditions that were applied to the spermatocyte I nuclei did not lead to the destruction of stretched chromatin fibers of elongated chromocenters enriched in satellite DNA. The tight associations that we revealed between the pericentromeric regions of different autosomal bivalents and the X chromosome may represent the basis for a mechanism for maintaining the repeats stability in the autosomes and in the X chromosome. The consequences of our findings are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victor Spangenberg
- Vavilov Institute of General Genetics, Russian Academy of Sciences, 119991 Moscow, Russia; (M.L.); (I.V.); (S.S.); (P.N.); (O.K.)
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