Functional interactions of Rec24, the fission yeast ortholog of mouse Mei4, with the meiotic recombination-initiation complex

Divergence and conservation of the meiotic recombination machinery

Sexually reproducing eukaryotes use recombination between homologous chromosomes to promote chromosome segregation during meiosis. Meiotic recombination is almost universally conserved in its broad strokes, but specific molecular details often differ considerably between taxa, and the proteins that constitute the recombination machinery show substantial sequence variability. The extent of this variation is becoming increasingly clear because of recent increases in genomic resources and advances in protein structure prediction. We discuss the tension between functional conservation and rapid evolutionary change with a focus on the proteins that are required for the formation and repair of meiotic DNA double-strand breaks. We highlight phylogenetic relationships on different time scales and propose that this remarkable evolutionary plasticity is a fundamental property of meiotic recombination that shapes our understanding of molecular mechanisms in reproductive biology.

Evolutionary conservation of the structure and function of meiotic Rec114-Mei4 and Mer2 complexes

Meiosis-specific Rec114-Mei4 and Mer2 complexes are thought to enable Spo11-mediated DNA double-strand break (DSB) formation through a mechanism that involves DNA-dependent condensation. However, the structure, molecular properties, and evolutionary conservation of Rec114-Mei4 and Mer2 are unclear. Here, we present AlphaFold models of Rec114-Mei4 and Mer2 complexes supported by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS), and mutagenesis. We show that dimers composed of the Rec114 C terminus form α-helical chains that cup an N-terminal Mei4 α helix, and that Mer2 forms a parallel homotetrameric coiled coil. Both Rec114-Mei4 and Mer2 bind preferentially to branched DNA substrates, indicative of multivalent protein-DNA interactions. Indeed, the Rec114-Mei4 interaction domain contains two DNA-binding sites that point in opposite directions and drive condensation. The Mer2 coiled-coil domain bridges coaligned DNA duplexes, likely through extensive electrostatic interactions along the length of the coiled coil. Finally, we show that the structures of Rec114-Mei4 and Mer2 are conserved across eukaryotes, while DNA-binding properties vary significantly. This work provides insights into the mechanism whereby Rec114-Mei4 and Mer2 complexes promote the assembly of the meiotic DSB machinery and suggests a model in which Mer2 condensation is the essential driver of assembly, with the DNA-binding activity of Rec114-Mei4 playing a supportive role.

OsPRD2 is essential for double-strand break formation, but not spindle assembly during rice meiosis

Meiotic recombination starts with the programmed formation of double-strand breaks (DSB) in DNA, which are catalyzed by SPO11, a type II topoisomerase that is evolutionarily conserved, and several other accessary proteins. Homologs of MEIOSIS INHIBITOR 4 (MEI4/REC24/PRD2) are proteins that are also essential for the generation of meiotic DSBs in budding yeast, mice and Arabidopsis thaliana. In Arabidopsis, the protein ARABIDOPSIS THALIANA PUTATIVE RECOMBINATION INITIATION DEFECTS 2/MULTIPOLAR SPINDLE 1 (AtPRD2/MPS1) has been shown to have additional roles in spindle assembly, indicating a functional diversification. Here we characterize the role of the rice MEI4/PRD2 homolog in meiosis. The osprd2 mutant was completely male and female sterile. In male meiocytes of osprd2, no γH2AX foci were detected and twenty-four univalents were produced at diakinesis, suggesting that OsPRD2 is essential for DSB generation. OsPRD2 showed a dynamic localization during meiosis. For instance, OsPRD2 foci first appeared as discrete signals across chromosome at leptotene, and then became confined to the centromeres during zygotene, suggesting that they might be involved in assembly of the spindle. However we did not observe any obvious aberrant morphologies in neither the organization of the bipolar spindle nor in the orientation of the kinetochore in the mutant. These findings suggest that in rice PRD2 might not be required for spindle assembly and organization, as it does in Arabidopsis. Taken together our results indicate that plant MEI4/PRD2 homologs do play a conserved role in the formation of meiotic DSBs in DNA, but that their involvement in bipolar spindle assembly is rather species-specific.

Caenorhabditis elegans DSB-3 reveals conservation and divergence among protein complexes promoting meiotic double-strand breaks

Meiotic recombination plays dual roles in the evolution and stable inheritance of genomes: Recombination promotes genetic diversity by reassorting variants, and it establishes temporary connections between pairs of homologous chromosomes that ensure their future segregation. Meiotic recombination is initiated by generation of double-strand DNA breaks (DSBs) by the conserved topoisomerase-like protein Spo11. Despite strong conservation of Spo11 across eukaryotic kingdoms, auxiliary complexes that interact with Spo11 complexes to promote DSB formation are poorly conserved. Here, we identify DSB-3 as a DSB-promoting protein in the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans Mutants lacking DSB-3 are proficient for homolog pairing and synapsis but fail to form crossovers. Lack of crossovers in dsb-3 mutants reflects a requirement for DSB-3 in meiotic DSB formation. DSB-3 concentrates in meiotic nuclei with timing similar to DSB-1 and DSB-2 (predicted homologs of yeast/mammalian Rec114/REC114), and DSB-1, DSB-2, and DSB-3 are interdependent for this localization. Bioinformatics analysis and interactions among the DSB proteins support the identity of DSB-3 as a homolog of MEI4 in conserved DSB-promoting complexes. This identification is reinforced by colocalization of pairwise combinations of DSB-1, DSB-2, and DSB-3 foci in structured illumination microscopy images of spread nuclei. However, unlike yeast Rec114, DSB-1 can interact directly with SPO-11, and in contrast to mouse REC114 and MEI4, DSB-1, DSB-2, and DSB-3 are not concentrated predominantly at meiotic chromosome axes. We speculate that variations in the meiotic program that have coevolved with distinct reproductive strategies in diverse organisms may contribute to and/or enable diversification of essential components of the meiotic machinery.

Linear elements are stable structures along the chromosome axis in fission yeast meiosis

The structure of chromosomes dramatically changes upon entering meiosis to ensure the successful progression of meiosis-specific events. During this process, a multilayer proteinaceous structure called a synaptonemal complex (SC) is formed in many eukaryotes. However, in the fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe, linear elements (LinEs), which are structures related to axial elements of the SC, form on the meiotic cohesin-based chromosome axis. The structure of LinEs has been observed using silver-stained electron micrographs or in immunofluorescence-stained spread nuclei. However, the fine structure of LinEs and their dynamics in intact living cells remain to be elucidated. In this study, we performed live cell imaging with wide-field fluorescence microscopy as well as 3D structured illumination microscopy (3D-SIM) of the core components of LinEs (Rec10, Rec25, Rec27, Mug20) and a linE-binding protein Hop1. We found that LinEs form along the chromosome axis and elongate during meiotic prophase. 3D-SIM microscopy revealed that Rec10 localized to meiotic chromosomes in the absence of other LinE proteins, but shaped into LinEs only in the presence of all three other components, the Rec25, Rec27, and Mug20. Elongation of LinEs was impaired in double-strand break-defective rec12⁻ cells. The structure of LinEs persisted after treatment with 1,6-hexanediol and showed slow fluorescence recovery from photobleaching. These results indicate that LinEs are stable structures resembling axial elements of the SC.

DNA-driven condensation assembles the meiotic DNA break machinery

The accurate segregation of chromosomes during meiosis-which is critical for genome stability across sexual cycles-relies on homologous recombination initiated by DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) made by the Spo11 protein1,2. The formation of DSBs is regulated and tied to the elaboration of large-scale chromosome structures3-5, but the protein assemblies that execute and control DNA breakage are poorly understood. Here we address this through the molecular characterization of Saccharomyces cerevisiae RMM (Rec114, Mei4 and Mer2) proteins-essential, conserved components of the DSB machinery2. Each subcomplex of Rec114-Mei4 (a 2:1 heterotrimer) or Mer2 (a coiled-coil-containing homotetramer) is monodispersed in solution, but they independently condense with DNA into reversible nucleoprotein clusters that share properties with phase-separated systems. Multivalent interactions drive this condensation. Mutations that weaken protein-DNA interactions strongly disrupt both condensate formation and DSBs in vivo, and thus these processes are highly correlated. In vitro, condensates fuse into mixed RMM clusters that further recruit Spo11 complexes. Our data show how the DSB machinery self-assembles on chromosome axes to create centres of DSB activity. We propose that multilayered control of Spo11 arises from the recruitment of regulatory components and modulation of the biophysical properties of the condensates.

Deletion of the non-essential Rpb9 subunit of RNA polymerase II results in pleiotropic phenotypes in Schizosaccharomyces pombe

Schizosaccharomyces pombe RNA polymerase II comprises twelve different subunits. Its Rpb9 subunit comprises 113 amino acids, and is the only non-essential subunit of S. pombe RNA polymerase II. However, its functions have not been studied in S. pombe. The results presented in this study demonstrate that Rpb9 is involved in regulating growth under optimum and certain stress conditions in S. pombe. To further address the role (s) of various domains of this subunit in regulating these phenotypes, deletion mutant analysis was done. We observed that the region spanning 1-74 amino acids, encompassing the amino-terminal zinc finger domain and the linker region of Rpb9 was able to rescue the phenotypes associated with rpb9⁺deletion. We also demonstrate that the functions of this subunit are only partially conserved among yeast and humans. Our computational biology approaches provide a structural basis for the differential role of various Rpb9 domains in S. pombe. Furthermore, using these tools we show that there has been a co-evolution of the interaction residues between the Rpb9 subunit and the two largest subunits of RNA polymerase II, allowing for a more stringent organism-specific packing. Taken together, our results have provided functional and structural insights into the Rpb9 subunit of S. pombe.

Functional interaction between ELL transcription elongation factor and Epe1 reveals the role of Epe1 in the regulation of transcription outside heterochromatin

Eleven-nineteen lysine-rich leukemia (ELL) is a eukaryotic RNA polymerase II transcription elongation factor. In Schizosaccharomyces pombe, it is important for survival under genotoxic stress conditions. However, the molecular basis underlying this function of ELL in S. pombe is yet to be deciphered. Here, we carried out a genetic screen to identify multicopy suppressor(s) that could restore normal growth of ell1 deletion mutant in the presence of DNA damaging agent. Sequence analysis of the identified suppressors revealed the anti-silencing protein, Epe1, as one of the suppressors of ell1 deletion associated genotoxic stress sensitivity. Our results further demonstrate that the overexpression of Epe1 could suppress all other phenotypes associated with the absence of Ell1. Moreover, transcriptional defect of ell1Δ strain could also be alleviated by the overexpression of Epe1. Epe1 also showed a physical interaction with Ell1. Interestingly, we also observed that the region of Epe1 encompassing 403-948 amino acids was indispensable for all the above functions. Furthermore, our results show that the overexpression of Epe1 causes increased H3K9 acetylation and RNA polymerase II recruitment. Taken together, our results show a functional interaction between Epe1 and Ell1, and this function is independent of the well-known JmjC and N-terminal transcriptional activation domains of Epe1 in S. pombe.

Conserved HORMA domain-containing protein Hop1 stabilizes interaction between proteins of meiotic DNA break hotspots and chromosome axis

HORMA domain-containing proteins such as Hop1 play crucial regulatory roles in various chromosomal functions. Here, we investigated roles of the fission yeast Hop1 in the formation of recombination-initiating meiotic DNA double strand breaks (DSBs). Meiotic DSB formation in fission yeast relies on multiple protein-protein interactions such as the one between the chromosome axial protein Rec10 and the DSB-forming complex subunit Rec15. Chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing demonstrated that Hop1 is colocalized with both Rec10 and Rec15, and we observed physical interactions of Hop1 to Rec15 and Rec10. These results suggest that Hop1 promotes DSB formation by interacting with both axis components and the DSB-forming complex. We also show that Hop1 binding to DSB hotspots requires Rec15 and Rec10, while Hop1 axis binding requires Rec10 only, suggesting that Hop1 is recruited to the axis via Rec10, and to hotspots by hotspot-bound Rec15. Furthermore, we introduced separation-of-function Rec10 mutations, deficient for interaction with either Rec15 or Hop1. These single mutations and hop1Δ conferred only partial defects in meiotic recombination, while the combining the Rec15-binding-deficient rec10 mutation with hop1Δ synergistically reduced meiotic recombination, at least at a model hotspot. Taken together, Hop1 likely functions as a stabilizer for Rec15–Rec10 interaction to promote DSB formation.

Advances Towards How Meiotic Recombination Is Initiated: A Comparative View and Perspectives for Plant Meiosis Research

Meiosis is an essential cell-division process for ensuring genetic diversity across generations. Meiotic recombination ensures the accuracy of genetic interchange between homolous chromosomes and segregation of parental alleles. Programmed DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs), catalyzed by the evolutionarily conserved topoisomerase VIA (a subunit of the archaeal type II DNA topoisomerase)-like enzyme Spo11 and several other factors, is a distinctive feature of meiotic recombination initiation. The meiotic DSB formation and its regulatory mechanisms are similar among species, but certain aspects are distinct. In this review, we introduced the cumulative knowledge of the plant proteins crucial for meiotic DSB formation and technical advances in DSB detection. We also summarized the genome-wide DSB hotspot profiles for different model organisms. Moreover, we highlighted the classical views and recent advances in our knowledge of the regulatory mechanisms that ensure the fidelity of DSB formation, such as multifaceted kinase-mediated phosphorylation and the consequent high-dimensional changes in chromosome structure. We provided an overview of recent findings concerning DSB formation, distribution and regulation, all of which will help us to determine whether meiotic DSB formation is evolutionarily conserved or varies between plants and other organisms.

CDK contribution to DSB formation and recombination in fission yeast meiosis

CDKs (cyclin-dependent kinases) associate with different cyclins to form different CDK-complexes that are fundamental for an ordered cell cycle progression, and the coordination of this progression with different aspects of the cellular physiology. During meiosis programmed DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) initiate recombination that in addition to generating genetic variability are essential for the reductional chromosome segregation during the first meiotic division, and therefore for genome stability and viability of the gametes. However, how meiotic progression and DSB formation are coordinated, and the role CDKs have in the process, is not well understood. We have used single and double cyclin deletion mutants, and chemical inhibition of global CDK activity using the cdc2-asM17 allele, to address the requirement of CDK activity for DSB formation and recombination in fission yeast. We report that several cyclins (Cig1, Cig2, and the meiosis-specific Crs1) control DSB formation and recombination, with a major contribution of Crs1. Moreover, complementation analysis indicates specificity at least for this cyclin, suggesting that different CDK complexes might act in different pathways to promote recombination. Down-regulation of CDK activity impinges on the formation of linear elements (LinEs, protein complexes required for break formation at most DSB hotspot sites). This defect correlates with a reduction in the capability of one structural component (Rec25) to bind chromatin, suggesting a molecular mechanism by which CDK controls break formation. However, reduction in DSB formation in cyclin deletion mutants does not always correspondingly correlate with a proportional reduction in meiotic recombination (crossovers), suggesting that specific CDK complexes might also control downstream events balancing repair pathways. Therefore, our work points to CDK regulation of DSB formation as a key conserved feature in the initiation of meiotic recombination, in addition to provide a view of possible roles CDK might have in other steps of the recombination process.

Meiotic division is a cell division process where a single round of DNA replication is followed by two sequential chromosome segregations, the first reductional (homologous chromosomes separate) and the second equational (sister chromatids segregate). As a consequence diploid organisms halve ploidy, producing haploid gametes that after fertilization generate a new diploid organism with a complete chromosome complement. At early stages of meiosis physical exchange between homologous chromosomes ensures the accurate following reductional segregation. Physical exchange is provided by recombination that initiates with highly-controlled self-inflicted DNA damage (DSBs, double strand breaks). We have found that the conserved CDK (cyclin-dependent kinase) activity controls DSB formation in fission yeast. Available data were uncertain about the conservation of CDK in the process, and thus our work points to a broad evolutionary conservation of this regulation. Regulation is exerted at least by controlling chromatin-binding of one structural component of linear elements, a protein complex related to the synaptonemal complex and required for high levels of DSBs. Correspondingly, depletion of CDK activity impairs formation of these structures. In addition, CDK might control homeostatic mechanisms, critical to maintain efficient levels of recombination across the genome and, therefore, high rates of genetic exchange between parental chromosomes.

The amino-terminal domain of ELL transcription elongation factor is essential for ELL function in Schizosaccharomyces pombe

Transcriptional elongation is a critical step for regulating expression of protein-coding genes. Multiple transcription elongation factors have been identified in vitro, but the physiological roles of many of them are still not clearly understood. The ELL (Eleven nineteen Lysine rich Leukemia) family of transcription elongation factors are conserved from fission yeast to humans. Schizosaccharomyces pombe contains a single ELL homolog (SpELL) that is not essential for its survival. Therefore to gain insights into the in vivo cellular functions of SpELL, we identified phenotypes associated with deletion of ell1 in S. pombe. Our results demonstrate that SpELL is required for normal growth of S. pombe cells. Furthermore, cells lacking ell1⁺ exhibit a decrease in survival when exposed to DNA-damaging conditions, but their growth is not affected under environmental stress conditions. ELL orthologs in different organisms contain three conserved domains, an amino-terminal domain, a middle domain and a carboxyl-terminal domain. We also carried out an in vivo functional mapping of these conserved domains within S. pombe ELL and uncovered a critical role for its amino-terminus in regulating all its cellular functions, including growth under different conditions, transcriptional elongation potential and interaction with S. pombe EAF. Taken together our results suggest that the domain organization of ELL proteins is conserved across species, but the in vivo functions as well as the relationship between the various domains and roles of ELL show species-specific differences.

Mechanism and regulation of meiotic recombination initiation

Meiotic recombination involves the formation and repair of programmed DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) catalyzed by the conserved Spo11 protein. This review summarizes recent studies pertaining to the formation of meiotic DSBs, including the mechanism of DNA cleavage by Spo11, proteins required for break formation, and mechanisms that control the location, timing, and number of DSBs. Where appropriate, findings in different organisms are discussed to highlight evolutionary conservation or divergence.

Initiation of meiotic recombination: how and where? Conservation and specificities among eukaryotes

Meiotic recombination is essential for fertility in most sexually reproducing species. This process also creates new combinations of alleles and has important consequences for genome evolution. Meiotic recombination is initiated by the formation of DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs), which are repaired by homologous recombination. DSBs are catalyzed by the evolutionarily conserved SPO11 protein, assisted by several other factors. Some of them are absolutely required, whereas others are needed only for full levels of DSB formation and may participate in the regulation of DSB timing and frequency as well as the coordination between DSB formation and repair. The sites where DSBs occur are not randomly distributed in the genome, and remarkably distinct strategies have emerged to control their localization in different species. Here, I review the recent advances in the components required for DSB formation and localization in the various model organisms in which these studies have been performed.

Spatiotemporal regulation of meiotic recombination by Liaisonin

Sexual reproduction involves diversification of genetic information in successive generations. Meiotic recombination, which substantially contributes to the increase in genetic diversity, is initiated by programmed DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) catalyzed by the evolutionarily conserved Spo11 protein. Spo11 requires additional partner proteins for its DNA cleavage reaction. DSBs are preferentially introduced at defined chromosomal sites called "recombination hotspots." Recent studies have revealed that meiotically established higher-order chromosome structures, such as chromosome axes and loops, are also crucial in the control of DSB formation. Most of the DSB sites are located within chromatin loop regions, while many of the proteins involved in DSB formation reside on chromosomal axes. Hence, DSB proteins and DSB sites seem to be distantly located. To resolve this paradox, we conducted comprehensive proteomics and ChIP-chip analyses on Spo11 partners in Schizosaccharomyces pombe, in combination with mutant studies. We identified two distinct DSB complexes, the "DSBC (DSB Catalytic core)" and "SFT (Seven-Fifteen-Twenty four; Rec7-Rec15-Rec24)" subcomplexes. The DSBC subcomplex contains Spo11 and functions as the catalytic core for the DNA cleavage reaction. The SFT subcomplex is assumed to execute regulatory functions. To activate the DSBC subcomplex, the SFT subcomplex tethers hotspots to axes via its interaction with Mde2, which can interact with proteins in both DSBC and SFT subcomplexes. Thus, Mde2 is likely to bridge these two subcomplexes, forming a "tethered loop-axis complex." It should be noted that Mde2 expression is strictly regulated by S phase checkpoint monitoring of the completion of DNA replication. From these observations, we proposed that Mde2 is a central coupler for meiotic recombination initiation to establish a tethered loop-axis complex in liaison with the S phase checkpoint.

Protein determinants of meiotic DNA break hot spots

Meiotic recombination, crucial for proper chromosome segregation and genome evolution, is initiated by programmed DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) in yeasts and likely all sexually reproducing species. In fission yeast, DSBs occur up to hundreds of times more frequently at special sites, called hot spots, than in other regions of the genome. What distinguishes hot spots from cold regions is an unsolved problem, although transcription factors determine some hot spots. We report the discovery that three coiled-coil proteins-Rec25, Rec27, and Mug20-bind essentially all hot spots with great specificity even without DSB formation. These small proteins are components of linear elements, are related to synaptonemal complex proteins, and are essential for nearly all DSBs at most hot spots. Our results indicate these hot spot determinants activate or stabilize the DSB-forming protein Rec12 (Spo11 homolog) rather than promote its binding to hot spots. We propose a paradigm for hot spot determination and crossover control by linear element proteins.

The molecular control of meiotic chromosomal behavior: events in early meiotic prophase in Drosophila oocytes

We review the critical events in early meiotic prophase in Drosophila melanogaster oocytes. We focus on four aspects of this process: the formation of the synaptonemal complex (SC) and its role in maintaining homologous chromosome pairings, the critical roles of the meiosis-specific process of centromere clustering in the formation of a full-length SC, the mechanisms by which preprogrammed double-strand breaks initiate meiotic recombination, and the checkpoints that govern the progression and coordination of these processes. Central to this discussion are the roles that somatic pairing events play in establishing the necessary conditions for proper SC formation, the roles of centromere pairing in synapsis initiation, and the mechanisms by which oocytes detect failures in SC formation and/or recombination. Finally, we correlate what is known in Drosophila oocytes with our understanding of these processes in other systems.

Mug20, a novel protein associated with linear elements in fission yeast meiosis

In the fission yeast, Schizosaccharomyces pombe, homologous chromosomes efficiently pair and recombine during meiotic prophase without forming a canonical synaptonemal complex (SC). Instead, it features simpler filamentous structures, the so-called linear elements (LinEs), which bear some resemblance to the axial/lateral element subunits of the SC. LinEs are required for wild-type recombination frequency. Here, we recognized Mug20, the product of a meiotically upregulated gene, as a LinE-associated protein. GFP-tagged Mug20 and anti-Mug20 antibody co-localized completely with Rec10, one of the major constituents of LinEs. In the absence of Mug20, LinEs failed to elongate beyond their initial state of nuclear dots. Foci of recombination protein Rad51 and genetic recombination were reduced. Since meiotic DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs), which initiate recombination, are induced at sites of preformed LinEs, we suggest that reduced recombination is a consequence of incomplete LinE extension. Therefore, we propose that Mug20 is required to extend LinEs from their sites of origin and thereby to increase DSB proficient regions on chromosomes.