Synapsis, recombination, and meiotic segregation in the mesquite lizard, Sceloporus grammicus, complex. II. Fission heteromorphism of the FM2 cytotype and evolution of chromosome 2

Somatic and meiotic chromosomal and synaptonemal complex techniques were used to characterize the chromosomal complement and to study the fission heteromorphism of chromosome 4 in the FM2 cytotype of Sceloporus grammicus. Analysis of silver-stained somatic metaphases revealed that the nucleolar organizer region in this cytotype is located at the distal end of a pair of medium-sized acrocentric chromosomes, rather than on the largest acrocentric chromosomal pair, as previously reported. This condition is hypothesized to be the result of at least two sequential rearrangements. Analysis of surface-spread zygotene and pachytene nuclei indicated that the components of the chromosome 4 trivalent initiated synapsis at their distal telomeric regions. Although synapsis of the fission trivalent was synchronous with that of the homomorphic autosomal pairs, completion of synapsis was delayed in the trivalent. Associations between the fission trivalent and other autosomal or sex-chromosomal elements occurred in approximately one third of the pachytene nuclei examined. Analysis of secondary spermatocytes (metaphase II configurations) revealed low levels of nondisjunction in fission heterozygotes. These analyses indicate that FM2 individuals heterozygous for the fission rearrangement of chromosome 4 suffer no meiotic deficit.

Promoter-containing ribosomal DNA fragments function as X-Y meiotic pairing sites in D. melanogaster males

The Drosophila melanogaster ribosomal DNA (rDNA) functions as an X-Y meiotic pairing site. Deletions encompassing the X chromosomal rDNA block (located in the heterochromatin) disrupt X-Y pairing and disjunction. Insertions of single, complete rRNA genes at ectopic locations on the heterochromatically deficient X partially restore X-Y pairing capacity. This study was undertaken to test fragments of an rDNA repeat for the ability to stimulate X-Y pairing and disjunction and to test for relationships between pairing capacity and two other phenotypes associated with rDNA insertions: transcription and the ability to organize a nucleolus. Insertions of three different fragments, all of which retained the rDNA promoter and upstream spacer sequences and which differed among each other in the length of downstream sequences, were obtained by P-element mediated transformation. One of the fragments is truncated only 140bp downstream from the promoter. Insertions of all three fragments proved capable of stimulating X-Y disjunction. Double insertions were substantially more effective than single insertions. RNA/PCR analysis was used to show that transcripts initiated at the inserted rDNA promoters are present in testis RNA from all insertions. Treatment with an antinucleolar antibody revealed that none of the insertions was associated with a mininucleolus. Thus promoter-containing rDNA fragments are autonomously capable of being transcribed and of functioning as X-Y pairing sites, but not of forming a mini-nucleolus.

Sensitivity of transmission probabilities to paternity exclusion in segregation analysis

Paternity exclusions are known to be common in Western countries and are yet neglected in segregation analysis because it is almost impossible to check it systematically on a large family sample. We had the opportunity of observing the sensitivity of segregation analysis parameters to a paternity exclusion in analyzing 34 families for a simple Mendelian trait, the acetylator phenotype. We found that only one family, with proven paternity exclusion, was responsible for a strong rejection of Mendelian transmission probabilities (P much much less than 0.001).

Analysis of the p21 ras system during development of meiotic competence in Xenopus laevis oocytes

The ability of Xenopus oocytes to undergo insulin- or insulin-like growth factor 1-induced meiotic maturation develops during oogenesis, with cells 1.0 mm in diameter or larger responding in a size-dependent manner. Since insulin-induced oocyte maturation was shown previously to be p21 ras-dependent, experiments were performed to test whether a deficiency in the p21 ras system might account for meiotic incompetence in small oocytes (less than or equal to 0.9 mm diameter). Both small and large oocytes were found to contain comparable levels of membrane-associated p21, as determined by protein immunoblotting. Treatment of both small and large oocytes with 2 microM insulin for 2 hr increased endogenous levels of membrane-associated p21 by approximately 70%. Stimulation of microinjected p21-membrane association by insulin was observed to be both time- and concentration-dependent in large oocytes with an EC50 of 50 nM. In addition, comparable levels of GTPase activating protein were measured in extracts prepared from oocytes ranging from 0.8 to 1.3 mm in diameter. Therefore, the p21 system is apparently not limiting during oogenesis, and expression of some other cellular component must account for development of meiotic competence in Xenopus oocytes.

The rec102 mutant of yeast is defective in meiotic recombination and chromosome synapsis

A mutation at the REC102 locus was identified in a screen for yeast mutants that produce inviable spores. rec102 spore lethality is rescued by a spo13 mutation, which causes cells to bypass the meiosis I division. The rec102 mutation completely eliminates meiotically induced gene conversion and crossing over but has no effect on mitotic recombination frequencies. Cytological studies indicate that the rec102 mutant makes axial elements (precursors to the synaptonemal complex), but homologous chromosomes fail to synapse. In addition, meiotic chromosome segregation is significantly delayed in rec102 strains. Studies of double and triple mutants indicate that the REC102 protein acts before the RAD52 gene product in the meiotic recombination pathway. The REC102 gene was cloned based on complementation of the mutant defect and the gene was mapped to chromosome XII between CDC25 and STE11.

Meiotic delay of mouse spermatocytes carrying x-ray-induced translocations

The kinetics of spermatocyte progression through meiotic prophase in cells with or without induced translocations were studied in mice that had been exposed to x-rays. Pulse-labeling experiments using 3H-thymidine, followed by autoradiographic analysis, indicated that at higher x-ray doses (6 and 7 Gy), translocation-carrying cells tend to spend more time in meiotic prophase than do normal cells. At 2 Gy, no such delay seemed to be present. The observed delay may explain the reduction in transmission of translocations to the next generation reported by others.

Male common shrews (Sorex araneus) with long meiotic chain configurations can be fertile: implications for chromosomal models of speciation

Two chromosomal races of common shrews (Sorex araneus) were crossed in captivity to generate chain VII-forming complex Robertsonian heterozygotes. Meiosis and gametogenesis were studied in three male hybrids. Regular chain VII configurations were observed at both pachytene and diakinesis/metaphase I, although in many pachytene spreads the chain configuration was incomplete (the basis of this peculiarity is unknown). From metaphase II counts, the frequency of anaphase I nondisjunction in the complex heterozygotes was estimated to be 13%. Germ-cell death in the chain VII-forming complex heterozygotes was 22% greater than it was in controls, but this difference is unlikely to have greatly influenced the capacity of the heterozygotes to sire offspring. Thus, the fecundity of these complex heterozygous common shrews would probably have been only slightly reduced relative to homozygous or simple heterozygous shrews. These results call into question the generality of speciation models based on the presumed sterility of complex heterozygotes.

Genetic scrambling as a defence against meiotic drive

Genetic recombination has important consequences, including the familiar rules of Mendelian genetics. Here we present a new argument for the evolutionary function of recombination based on the hypothesis that meiotic drive systems continually arise to threaten the fairness of meiosis. These drive systems act at the expense of the fitness of the organism as a whole for the benefit of the genes involved. We show that genes increasing crossing over are favoured, in the process of breaking up drive systems and reducing the fitness loss to organisms.

mei-2, a mutagen-sensitive mutant of Neurospora defective in chromosome pairing and meiotic recombination

A Neurospora crassa mutation, mei-2, affecting meiosis and mutagen sensitivity, was characterized for its effect on meiotic recombination and chromosome pairing. Results from homozygous mei-2 crosses involving distant markers on the same chromosome demonstrated a drastic reduction in meiotic recombination. However, mitotic recombination continued to occur. Cytological observations indicated that pairing of homologous chromosomes in zygotene was greatly reduced or absent, resulting in aberrant segregation at anaphase I and often at subsequent divisions as well. The few mature ascospores produced were frequently disomic for one or more chromosomes.

The ste4+ gene, essential for sexual differentiation of Schizosaccharomyces pombe, encodes a protein with a leucine zipper motif

Ste4- mutants of Schizosaccharomyces pombe are unable to undergo both mating and meiosis. We have cloned the ste4+ gene and its cDNA. The gene encodes a 264 amino acid protein with a typical leucine zipper motif homologous with the jun family. However, unlike the jun family, this protein does not have a typical basic region that precedes the leucine zipper. The transcription of this gene absolutely depends on the ste11+ gene and increases several fold upon nitrogen starvation, a general signal for sexual differentiation. Whereas ste4+ is essential for mating and meiosis, its overexpression inhibits these processes.

Clinostatic rotation decreases crossover frequencies in the fungus Sordaria macrospora Auersw

Two-factor crosses between the non-allelic spore colour mutants r2 and lu of the fungus Sordaria macrospora were used to investigate the effect of clinostatic rotation (= simulated weightlessness) on crossover frequencies. The experiment was carried out with different rotary directions at a rotary rate of 4 rpm. Second-division segregations of the gene lu, which result from crossover between the gene locus and centromere, are significantly smaller in the clinostat experiments than in the static controls. No differences were found between the two rotary directions. A similar influence of clinostatic rotation was not observed for the gene r2 which in contrast to the lu locus is located very close to the centromere. The suitability of this approach for the investigation of the effect of space flight conditions on cytogenetic processes is pointed out.

junD mRNA expression differs from c-jun and junB mRNA expression during male germinal cell differentiation

The members of the jun family of protooncogenes (junB, c-jun, and junD) share a high degree of sequence homology and function as transcriptional regulators. Here we compare the pattern of junD mRNA expression during spermatogenesis to that of junB and c-jun (Alcivar et al.: J Biol Chem 265:20160-20165, 1990). junD transcripts are present at high levels in total RNA obtained from both prepuberal and adult intact testes, with the highest levels at stages containing predominantly premeiotic and postmeiotic germ cells. Analyses of cells isolated from testes of 8-day-old mice indicate that the level of the 1.8 kb junD mRNA is higher in type B spermatogonia than in type A spermatogonia. In testes of 17-day-old mice, the highest junD mRNA levels are detected in preleptotene spermatocytes compared to leptotene/zygotene and prepuberal pachytene spermatocytes. In cells from adult testes, the junD mRNA levels are higher in postmeiotic round spermatids and residual bodies/cytoplasts than in meiotic pachytene spermatocytes. An additional junD transcript of about 1.6 kb is detected in postmeiotic cells. Analyses of polysomal and nonpolysomal RNAs prepared from isolated testicular cells indicate that in early meiotic cell types the junD transcript is more efficiently loaded onto polysomes than in later cell types. In summary, the pattern of expression of junD differs from that of junB and c-jun during spermatogenesis most notably in that 1) junD mRNA levels do not increase following dissociation of testicular cells and 2) in contrast to the nearly undetectable levels of junB and c-jun mRNAs in adult postmeiotic testicular cells, high levels of junD mRNAs are seen.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

The tubB alpha-tubulin gene is essential for sexual development in Aspergillus nidulans

The filamentous fungus Aspergillus nidulans has two genes encoding alpha-tubulin, tubA and tubB. Mutational analysis of tubA has demonstrated that the tubA gene is essential for mitosis and nuclear migration. In this study we have deleted the tubB gene by replacing it with a selectable marker and have named this new allele tubB delta. The results demonstrate that the tubB gene is not required for vegetative growth or asexual reproduction, nor is it required for the initiation or early stages of sexual differentiation. Deletion of tubB, however, completely prevents ascosporogenesis, because tubB delta strains produce no sexual spores when self-crossed. These strains produce viable ascospores when outcrossed to tubB+ strains, indicating that the tubB delta mutation is recessive. We have studied the cytology of sexual development in wild-type strains and in the tubB mutant and have observed that tubB delta. strains develop normally to the stage of ascus formation. However, only a single nuclear mass is observed in the tubB delta ascus, indicating that either the two zygotic haploid nuclei are blocked in karyogamy or that karyogamy occurs but the resulting diploid nucleus is subsequently blocked in meiosis I.

The yeast RME1 gene encodes a putative zinc finger protein that is directly repressed by a1-alpha 2

In the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, a/alpha cells can enter meiosis whereas a and alpha cells cannot. The a/alpha cell type is determined by presence of a repressor, a1-alpha 2. Previous studies indicate that a/alpha cells lack an inhibitor of meiosis, the RME1 gene product, and that a and alpha cells express RME1. We report here the sequence of RME1 and functional analysis of its regulatory and coding regions. The 5'-region of RME1 includes a sequence resembling a1-alpha 2 repression sites. Deletion of this site at RME1 relieves repression by a1-alpha 2, and insertion of the site into a heterologous regulatory region (CYC1) confers weak repression in a/alpha cells. These observations indicate that RME1 is directly repressed by a1-alpha 2. The RME1 product has three regions that resemble C2H2 zinc fingers, which are characteristic of a class of nucleic-acid-binding proteins. Substitution of serine for cysteine in each of the putative fingers abolishes RME1 function; serine substitutions in the second and third putative fingers do not affect RME1 stability. These findings indicate that at least two putative zinc fingers are critical for RME1 structure or activity. Therefore RME1, which is formally a negative regulator of the meiotic gene IME1, may act directly as a repressor.

A zinc finger protein-encoding gene expressed in the post-meiotic phase of spermatogenesis

Spermatogenesis is the complex series of physiological and morphological changes that occur when spermatogonial stem cells differentiate into mature spermatozoa. Some of these changes are likely to be regulated at the level of transcription. To approach this problem, we have cloned a cDNA from mouse testis, encoding a protein (Zfp-29) with 14 copies of the zinc finger (Zf) motif commonly found in transcriptional regulatory proteins. The expression of this gene, Zfp-29, is restricted to the testis in adult mice, but also occurs during embryonic development. Within the testis, Zfp-29 mRNA is enriched in round spermatids, the earliest post-meiotic cells. Thus, the putative Zfp-29-encoded protein may have a role in regulating the class of genes that are expressed in post-meiotic germ cells.

The lethal(1)TW-6cs mutation of Drosophila melanogaster is a dominant antimorphic allele of nod and is associated with a single base change in the putative ATP-binding domain

The l(1)TW-6cs mutation is a cold-sensitive recessive lethal mutation in Drosophila melanogaster, that affects both meiotic and mitotic chromosome segregation. We report the isolation of three revertants of this mutation. All three revert both the meiotic and mitotic effects as well as the cold sensitivity, demonstrating that all three phenotypes are due to a single lesion. We further show that these revertants fail to complement an amorphic allele of the nod (no distributive disjunction) locus, which encodes a kinesin-like protein. These experiments demonstrate that l(1)TW-6cs is an antimorphic allele of nod, and we rename it nodDTW. Sequencing of the nod locus on a nodDTW-bearing chromosome reveals a single base change in the putative ATP-binding region of the motor domain of nod. Recessive, loss-of-function mutations at the nod locus specifically disrupt the segregation of nonexchange chromosomes in female meiosis. We demonstrate that, at 23.5 degrees, the meiotic defects in nodDTW/+ females are similar to those observed in nod/nod females; that is, the segregation of nonexchange chromosomes is abnormal. However, in nodDTW/nodDTW females, or in nodDTW/+ females at 18 degrees, we observe a more severe meiotic defect that apparently affects the segregation of both exchange and nonexchange chromosomes. In addition, nodDTW homozygotes and hemizygous males have previously been shown to exhibit mitotic defects including somatic chromosome breakage and loss. We propose that the defective protein encoded by the nodDTW allele interferes with proper chromosome movement during both meiosis and mitosis, perhaps by binding irreversibly to microtubules.

Spermatogenesis in XY, XYSxra and XOSxra mice: a quantitative analysis of spermatogenesis throughout puberty

Adult XYSxra mice exhibit varying degrees of spermatogenic deficiency but are usually fertile, while XOSxra mice have severe spermatogenic failure and are always sterile. The present quantitative spermatogenic analysis documents when these anomalies first appear during puberty. The results demonstrate that in XYSxra mice there was increased degeneration of pachytene spermatocytes and, to a lesser extent, meiotic metaphase stages. On average, there were only one-half the number of spermatids compared with the XY controls. The defect in XOSxra mice appeared a little later, with an almost complete arrest and degeneration during the meiotic metaphases, so that the number of spermatids produced was only 3% of the control value. These results are discussed in relation to an hypothesis that links sex chromosome univalence during meiotic prophase with spermatogenic failure.

Second meiotic nondisjunction of the rearranged chromosome in a familial reciprocal 5/13 translocation

We describe a 20-week-gestation male fetus with partial dup(5p) and proximal dup(13q), 47,XY,t(5;13)(p15;q21), + der(13)t(5;13)(p15;q21) mat. This finding is attributable to second meiotic nondisjunction of the rearranged chromosome in a maternal balanced reciprocal translocation. To the best of our knowledge, there have been only 3 previous reports of a similar error in the segregation of the rearranged chromosomes. For the first time evidence has been given that this unusual segregation is due to maternal second meiotic nondisjunction, using QFQ banding heteromorphisms. Second meiotic malsegregation should be taken into account in the consideration of reproductive problems in carriers of balanced translocations.

Meiotic instability of the R-r complex arising from displaced intragenic exchange and intrachromosomal rearrangement

The R complex of Zea mays encodes a tissue-specific transcriptional activator of the anthocyanin pigment biosynthetic pathway. Certain R alleles comprise two genetically distinct components that confer the plant (P) and seed (S) aspects of the pigmentation pattern. These alleles are meiotically unstable, losing (P) or (S) function, often accompanied by exchange of flanking markers. We show that the (P) component consists of a single gene within the R-r complex, whereas the (S) component is part of a more complex arrangement of multiple R genes or gene subfragments. A third, cryptic region of the complex, termed (Q), consists of a truncated R sequence. The analysis of R-r crossover derivative alleles shows they arise from unequal exchange between the (P) gene and one of several distinct regions of the R-r complex. Restriction site polymorphisms were used to show that most of these unequal exchanges are intragenic. The frequency of displaced intragenic recombination is comparable to previous estimates for intragenic recombination in maize involving genes that are not duplicated. These exchange events have been used to determine the arrangement of components within the complex and their orientation in the chromosome. We also show that localized rearrangements in the (P) or (S) components are responsible for noncrossover derivative alleles. The organization of R-r has implications for these noncrossover derivatives and models for their origin are discussed.

Down syndrome due to de novo Robertsonian translocation t(14q;21q): DNA polymorphism analysis suggests that the origin of the extra 21q is maternal

Down syndrome is rarely due to a de novo Robertsonian translocation t(14q;21q). DNA polymorphisms in eight families with Down syndrome due to de novo t(14q;21q) demonstrated maternal origin of the extra chromosome 21q in all cases. In seven nonmosaic cases the DNA markers showed crossing-over between two maternal chromosomes 21, and in one mosaic case no crossing-over was observed (this case was probably due to an early postzygotic nondisjunction). In the majority of cases (five of six informative families) the proximal marker D21S120 was reduced to homozygosity in the offspring with trisomy 21. The data can be best explained by chromatid translocation in meiosis I and by normal crossover and segregation in meiosis I and meiosis II.

On the components of segregation distortion in Drosophila melanogaster. V. Molecular analysis of the Sd locus

Segregation Distorter (SD) is a naturally occurring meiotic drive system comprising at least three distinct loci: Sd, Rsp and E(SD). Heterozygous SD/SD+ males transmit the SD chromosome in vast excess over the normal homolog. The distorted transmission involves the induced dysfunction of the spermatids that receive the SD+ chromosome. In the 220-kb region of DNA that contains the Sd gene, we identified a 5-kb tandem duplication that is uniquely associated with all SD chromosomes, absent in SD+ chromosomes, and detectably altered in Sd revertants. On northern blots, genomic probes from the tandem duplication detect an SD-specific 4-kb transcript in addition to several smaller transcripts present in both SD and SD+. Seven classes of cDNAs derived from these transcripts have been isolated. All of these cDNAs share extensive sequence identity at their 3' ends but differ at their 5' ends. Sequence analysis indicates that these cDNAs potentially encode four distinct, but related, polypeptides. Introduction of the tandem duplication into SD+ flies by germline transformation did not confer the dominant gain-of-function Sd phenotype. This result, taken together with our analysis of the Sd cDNAs, suggests that the duplication is part of a much larger gene that encodes several different polypeptides.

Expression of meiotic drive elements Spore killer-2 and Spore killer-3 in asci of Neurospora tetrasperma

It was shown previously that when a chromosomal Spore killer factor is heterozygous in Neurospora species with eight-spored asci, the four sensitive ascospores in each ascus die and the four survivors are all killers. Sk-2K and Sk-3K are nonrecombining haplotypes that segregate with the centromere of linkage group III. No killing occurs when either one of these killers is homozygous, but each is sensitive to killing by the other in crosses of Sk-2K x Sk-3K. In the present study, Sk-2K and Sk-3K were transferred by recurrent backcrosses from the eight-spored species Neurospora crassa into Neurospora tetrasperma, a pseudohomothallic species which normally makes asci with four large spores, each heterokaryotic for mating type and for any other centromere-linked genes that are heterozygous in the cross. The action of Sk-2K and Sk-3K in N. tetrasperma is that predicted from their behavior in eight-spored species. A sensitive nucleus is protected from killing if it is enclosed in the same ascospore with a killer nucleus. Crosses of Sk-2K x Sk-2S, Sk-3K x Sk-3S, and Sk-sK x Sk-3K all produce four-spored asci that are wild type in appearance, with the ascospores heterokaryotic and viable. The Eight-spore gene E, which shows variable penetrance, was used to obtain N. tetrasperma asci in which two to eight spores are small and homokaryotic. When killer and sensitive alleles are segregating in the presence of E, only those ascospores that contain a killer allele survive. Half of the small ascospores are killed. In crosses of Sk-2K x Sk-3K (with E heterozygous), effectively all small ascospores are killed. The ability of N. tetrasperma to carry killer elements in cryptic condition suggests a possible role for Spore killers in the origin of pseudohomothallism, with adoption of the four-spored mode restoring ascospore viability of crosses in which killing would otherwise occur.

Mammalian sex chromosomes. III. Activity of pseudoautosomal steroid sulfatase enzyme during spermatogenesis in Mus musculus

Parallel to the inactivation of the X chromosome in somatic cells of female, the male X in mammals is rendered inactive during spermatogenesis. Pseudoautosomal genes, those present on the X-Y meiotically pairable region of male, escape inactivation in female soma. It is suggested, but not demonstrated, that they may also be refractory to the inactivation signal in male germ cells. We have assayed activity of the enzyme steroid sulfatase, product of a pseudoautosomal gene, in testicular cells of the mouse and shown its presence in premeiotic, meiotic (pachytene), and postmeiotic (spermatid) cell types. It appears that, as in females, pseudoautosomal genes may escape inactivation in male germ cells also.

Cell line segregation in a 45,X/46,XY mosaic child with asymmetric leg growth

Clinical evaluation of a 13 1/2-year-old male revealed a 4.4-cm leg length discrepancy and a small penis with a normal endocrine evaluation. Cytogenetic analysis of peripheral blood lymphocytes and skin fibroblasts derived from the back showed 45,X/46,XY mosaicism with similar percentages of 45,X cells, 36% and 30% respectively. However, two separate skin fibroblast cultures derived from the thigh and calf of the short (right) leg showed significant lack of Y-bearing cells with 100% and 80% 45,X, respectively. In contrast, skin biopsies of the thigh and calf of the normal (left) leg both showed 100% 46,XY. Similar evidence for differences in the percentages of Y-bearing cells in the left versus right leg fibroblast cultures was obtained using densitometric scanning of dot blots following DNA hybridization with a Y-specific probe at the DYZ4 locus. Asymmetric limb growth in cases of X/XY lymphocyte mosaicism warrants further cytogenetic investigation to substantiate possible genotype-phenotype correlations which may help uncover the fundamental growth deficiency in Turner syndrome.

Nucleotide sequence of the RAD57 gene of Saccharomyces cerevisiae

We have determined the nucleotide (nt) sequence of the RAD57 gene of Saccharomyces cerevisiae. RAD57 contains an open reading frame of 1380 bp. The deduced amino acid sequence of 460 residues contains a potential nt-binding sequence and shows significant similarity to the preliminary sequence of RAD51.

Causes of sex ratio bias may account for unisexual sterility in hybrids: a new explanation of Haldane's rule and related phenomena

Unisexual hybrid disruption can be accounted for by interactions between sex ratio distorters which have diverged in the species of the hybrid cross. One class of unisexual hybrid disruption is described by Haldane's rule, namely that the sex which is absent, inviable or sterile is the heterogametic sex. This effect is mainly due to incompatibility between X and Y chromosomes. We propose that this incompatibility is due to a mutual imbalance between meiotic drive genes, which are more likely to evolve on sex chromosomes than autosomes. The incidences of taxa with sex chromosome drive closely matches those where Haldane's rule applies: Aves, Mammalia, Lepidoptera and Diptera. We predict that Haldane's rule is not universal but is correct for taxa with sex chromosome meiotic drive. A second class of hybrid disruption affects the male of the species regardless of which sex is heterogametic. Typically the genes responsible for this form of disruption are cytoplasmic. These instances are accounted for by the release from suppression of cytoplasmic sex ratio distorters when in a novel nuclear cytotype. Due to the exclusively maternal transmission of cytoplasm, cytoplasmic sex ratio distorters cause only female-biased sex ratios. This asymmetry explains why hybrid disruption is limited to the male.

Synchronized meiosis and recombination in fission yeast: observations with pat1-114 diploid cells

The mutation pat1-114 has been used to synchronize meiosis in the fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe. We have investigated several aspects of such synchronized meiotic cultures. In both pat1-114 and pat1+ diploids, meiotic landmark events are initiated at the same time after meiosis induction, but synchrony is much more pronounced in the pat1-114-driven meiosis. Commitment to recombination and to meiosis have been timed at 2 h after meiotic induction. Due to a seven-fold reduction of intragenic recombination frequency in the ade6 region of pat1-114 diploids, physical analysis of recombination has not been possible. We have distinguished three factors that influence intragenic recombination frequencies: temperature, azygotic versus zygotic meiosis, and the nature of the pat1 allele. Differences and similarities in the timing of meiotic landmarks in S. cerevisiae and S. pombe are discussed.

The independent distorting ability of the Enhancer of Segregation Distortion, E(SD), in Drosophila melanogaster

Segregation distortion is a meiotic drive system, discovered in wild populations, in which males heterozygous for an SD chromosome and a sensitive SD+ homolog transmit the SD chromosome almost exclusively. SD represents a complex of three closely linked loci in the centromeric region of chromosome 2: Sd, the Segregation distorter gene; E(SD), the Enhancer of Segregation Distortion, required for full expression of drive; and Rsp, the target for the action of Sd, existing in a continuum of states classifiable into sensitive (Rsps) and insensitive (Rspi). In an SD/SD+ male which is Sd E(SD) Rspi/Sd+ E(SD)+ Rsps, the Sd and E(SD) elements act jointly to induce the dysfunction of those spermatids receiving the Rsps chromosome. By manipulating the number of copies and the position of the Enhancer region, I demonstrated that: (1) E(SD), whether in its normal position or translocated to the Y chromosome, is able to enhance the degree of Sd-caused distortion in a dosage-dependent manner; (2) even in the absence of Sd, the E(SD) allele in two doses can cause significant distortion, in Sd+ or Df(Sd)-bearing genotypes; (3) quantitative differences among Enhancers of different sources suggest allelic variation at E(SD), which could account at least in part for differences among wild SD chromosomes in strength of distortion; (4) E(SD)/E(SD)-mediated distortion, like that of Sd, is directed at the Rsp target, whether Rsp is on the second or the Y chromosome; (5) E(SD), like Sd, is suppressed by an unlinked dominant suppressor of SD action. These results show that E(SD) is independently capable of acting on Rsp and is not a simple modifier of the action of Sd. E(SD) provides an example of a trans-acting gene embedded in heterochromatin that can interact with another heterochromatic gene, Rsp, as well as parallel the effect of a euchromatic gene, Sd.

Isolation of mutants defective in early steps of meiotic recombination in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Using a selection based upon the ability of early Rec- mutations (e.g., rad50) to rescue the meiotic lethality of a rad52 spo13 strain, we have isolated 177 mutants. Analysis of 56 of these has generated alleles of the known Rec genes SPO11, ME14 and MER1, as well as defining five new genes: REC102, REC104, REC107, REC113 and REC114. Mutations in all of the new genes appear to specifically affect meiosis; they do not have any detectable mitotic phenotype. Mutations in REC102, REC104 and REC107 reduce meiotic recombination several hundred fold. No alleles of RED1 or HOP1 were isolated, consistent with the proposal that these genes may be primarily involved with chromosome pairing and not exchange.

Gene conversion in Drosophila and the effects of the meiotic mutants mei-9 and mei-218

Simple meiotic gene conversion tracts produced in wild-type females were compared with those from two meiotic mutants, mei-9 and mei-218. The positions and lengths of conversion tracts were determined by denaturing gradient gels and DNA sequencing. Conversion tracts in wild type averaged 885 base pairs in length, were continuous, and displayed no obvious hot spots of initiation. Some unusual conversion events were found in the mei-218 and mei-9 samples, although most events were indistinguishable from wild-type tracts in their length and continuity.

Synaptonemal complex analysis of hybrid cattle. II. Bos indicus x Bos taurus F1 and backcross hybrids

The levels of meiotic chromosome pairing abnormalities observed in six Australian F1 Bos indicus x Bos taurus cattle crosses (mean = 23%) were significantly higher than those of the full-blood breeds (9%). The abnormal configurations in the F1 hybrids included partial pairing failure, multivalents, interlocks, and inversion pairing. Abnormal configurations were also present, but at lower frequency, in backcross hybrid bulls. The main types of abnormal configurations and the levels of XY-autosomal associations and autosomal asynapsis observed were unlikely to cause significant fertility problems in the hybrids.

Synaptonemal complex analysis of hybrid cattle. III. Meiotic pairing mechanisms in F1 Brahman x Hereford hybrids

The mechanisms of homologous chromosome pairing were studied in synaptonemal complex (SC) spreads of F1 Brahman (Bos indicus) x Hereford (Bos taurus) cattle. The most common SC abnormalities were bivalents with partial pairing failure and interlocks. While C-band polymorphisms could underlie most of the SC abnormalities observed in the full-blood cattle, other causes seem also to be contributing in the hybrids. The pattern of the abnormalities indicates that genic differences between the species were probably involved. Pachytene substaging data suggest that in some spreads, early pachytene bivalents with partial pairing failure may achieve complete synapsis or may be converted to interlocks by late pachytene.

Recurrence of repeat-induced point mutation (RIP) in Neurospora crassa

Duplicate DNA sequences in the genome of Neurospora crassa can be detected and mutated in the sexual phase of the life cycle by a process termed RIP (repeat-induced point mutation). RIP occurs in the haploid nuclei of fertilized, premeiotic cells before fusion of the parental nuclei. Both copies of duplications of gene-sized sequences are affected in the first generation at frequencies of approximately 50-100%. We investigated the extent to which sequences altered by RIP remain susceptible to this process in subsequent generations. Duplications continued to be sensitive to RIP, even after six generations. The fraction of progeny showing evidence of RIP decreased rapidly, however, apparently as a function of the extent of divergence of the duplicated sequences. Analysis of the stability of heteroduplexes of DNA altered by RIP and their native counterpart indicated that linked duplications diverged further than did unlinked duplications. DNA methylation, a common feature of sequences altered by RIP, did not seem to inhibit the process. A sequence that had become resistant to RIP was cloned and reintroduced into Neurospora in one or more copies to investigate the basis of the resistance. The altered sequence regained its methylation in vegetative cells, indicating that the methylation of sequences altered by RIP observed in vegetative cells is a consequence of the mutations. Duplication of the sequence restored its sensitivity to RIP suggesting that resistance to the process was due to loss of similarity between the duplicated sequences. Consistent with this, we found that the resistant sequence did not trigger RIP of the native homologous sequences of the host, even when no other partner was available. High frequency intrachromatid recombination, which is temporally associated with RIP, was more sensitive than RIP to alterations in the interacting sequences.

Distributive disjunction of authentic chromosomes in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Distributive disjunction is defined as the first division meiotic segregation of either nonhomologous chromosomes that lack homologs or homologous chromosomes that have not recombined. To determine if chromosomes from the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae were capable of distributive disjunction, we constructed a strain that was monosomic for both chromosome I and chromosome III and analyzed the meiotic segregation of the two monosomic chromosomes. In addition, we bisected chromosome I into two functional chromosome fragments, constructed strains that were monosomic for both chromosome fragments and examined meiotic segregation of the chromosome fragments in the monosomic strains. The two nonhomologous chromosomes or chromosome fragments appeared to segregate from each other in approximately 90% of the asci analyzed, indicating that yeast chromosomes were capable of distributive disjunction. We also examined the ability of a small nonhomologous centromere containing plasmid to participate in distributive disjunction with the two nonhomologous monosomic chromosomes. The plasmid appeared to efficiently participate with the two full length chromosomes suggesting that distributive disjunction in yeast is not dependent on chromosome size. Thus, distributive disjunction in S. cerevisiae appears to be different from Drosophila melanogaster where a different sized chromosome is excluded from distributive disjunction when two similar size nonhomologous chromosomes are present.

[Meiosis in Pleurotus florida Fovose]

It is stated that the meiosis of Pleurotus florida differs from the classical one. The condensation chromosomes conjugate in metaphase I.

Molecular studies of non-disjunction in trisomy 16

The origin of the additional chromosome in 26 trisomy 16 spontaneous abortions was studied using DNA probes for chromosome 16, including a probe for centromeric alpha sequences. We were able to determine the parent and meiotic stage of origin of trisomy in 22 cases, with all being attributable to maternal meiosis I non-disjunction. Furthermore, in each of the remaining four cases the results were compatible with this origin. Thus, it is likely that the high incidence of trisomy 16 results from an abnormal process acting at maternal meiosis I which more frequently involves chromosome 16 than other similar sized chromosomes. In studies of recombination, we found little evidence for an association between reduced or absent recombination and chromosome 16 non-disjunction; however, we were unable to rule out an effect of hyperrecombination.

A dynamin-like protein encoded by the yeast sporulation gene SPO15

The tightly centromere-linked gene SPO15 is essential for meiotic cell division in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Diploid cells without the intact SPO15 gene product are able to complete premeiotic DNA synthesis and genetic recombination, but are unable to traverse the division cycles. Electron microscopy of blocked cells reveals a duplicated but unseparated spindle-pole body. Thus cells are unable to form a bipolar spindle. Sequence analysis of SPO15 DNA reveals an open reading frame that predicts a protein of 704 amino acids. This protein is identical to VPS1, a gene involved in vacuolar protein sorting in yeast which has significant sequence homology (45% overall, 66% over 300 amino acids) to the microtubule bundling-protein, dynamin. The SPO15 gene product expressed in Escherichia coli can be affinity-purified with microtubules. SPO15 encodes a protein that is likely to be involved in a microtubule-dependent process required for the timely separation of spindle-pole bodies in meiosis.

Isolation and characterisation of nuv11, a mutation affecting meiotic and mitotic recombination in Aspergillus nidulans

A mutant of Aspergillus nidulans, designated nuv11, has been isolated as hypersensitive to the monofunctional alkylating agent MNNG and the quasi-UV-mimetic mutagen 4-NQO. The mutation was recessive, resulting from mutation of a single gene which mapped to chromosome IV, and was non-allelic to the previously characterised repair-deficient mutations uvsB and uvsH which are also located on this linkage group. The nuv11 mutation results in slow growth, deficient intragenic and intergenic meiotic recombination, increased spontaneous chromosome instability, and increased intragenic and intergenic mitotic recombination in homozygous diploids. By screening a wild-type gene bank of A nidulans, a clone (pNUV11A40) has been isolated which complements the nuv11 mutation, restoring wild-type responses to both MNNG and 4-NQO.

Cytogenetic studies in male infertility: a review

Among those factors known to influence spermatogenesis, chromosomal aberration is perhaps the best known. A review of the literature on mitotic studies in infertile men showed that 12% of the azoospermic and severe oligozoospermic (sperm count less than 10 x 10(6)/ml) males had a karyotypic abnormality; they mainly consisted of an XXY constitution or a Robertsonian or reciprocal translocation. A similar review on meiotic studies revealed that 8% of the infertile males had some kind of cytogenetic error. Therefore, mitotic and meiotic studies are indicated in males with severe gamete impairment when the other possible causes have been eliminated.

Chromosomal behavior in starfish (Asterina pectinifera) zygotes under the effect of aphidicolin, an inhibitor of DNA polymerase

When calf thymus histones were labeled fluorescently and microinjected into oocytes of the starfish, Asterina pectinifera, the labeled histones visualized chromosomes during maturation division and cleavage. In doing so, we confirmed the previously reported phenomenon that chromosomes became incompetent at the first cleavage in the aphidicolin-treated egg, although cleavage itself took place. Moreover, we found that chromosomes were aligned at the equator of the metaphase spindle of the first cleavage and that they did not separate into two groups at all, but made a lump in the middle of the spindle. Chromosomes finally entered one blastomere, although they did not participate in the following karyokinesis. DNA and microtubules were examined by cytochemistry and immunofluorescence in order to investigate the relation between chromosome movement and the microtubular cytoskeleton. The mitotic apparatus developed and grew in the aphidicolin-treated cells in the same manner as those in normal cells without normal chromatin condensation or chromosome movement during the first cleavage. However, the mitotic apparatus consisted of two asters without the spindle formed at subsequent cleavages. Electron microscopic study revealed that chromosomes did not condense normally and kinetochores were not detected during the first cleavage. These results indicate that the dynamic changes in microtubular structures during mitosis have poor relation with the chromosome behavior such as prophase chromosome condensation and anaphase chromosome movement.

Failure of chromosomally abnormal sperm to participate in fertilization in the Chinese hamster

The selection of chromosomally abnormal gametes was investigated in the Chinese hamster by direct chromosome analysis of meiotic cells and one-cell embryos obtained from crossing heterozygotes for two reciprocal translocations, T(1;3)7Idr and T(1;3)8Idr. Expected frequencies of male and female gametes with different chromosome constitutions were estimated by scoring of secondary meiotic metaphase (MII) cells in the translocation heterozygotes. The frequency of gametes with each karyotype that participated in fertilization was investigated in pronuclei from translocation heterozygotes in one-cell embryos obtained from crossing the heterozygotes with karyo-typically normal animals. Compared with the expected frequencies from MII scoring, the frequencies of male pronuclei having some karyotypes in one-cell embryos decreased significantly. The karyotypes of male pronuclei showing a decreased frequency were commonly characterized by a deficiency of the long-arm segment of chromosome 1 (q13----qter) or by a deficiency of almost the whole arms of chromosome 3. On the other hand, the frequencies of female pronuclei with the same karyotypes were all consistent with those estimated from MII scoring. These results suggest that sperm nullisomic for certain segments of some chromosomes may fail to participate in fertilization.

Cytological evidence of maternal meiotic errors in a line of chickens with a high incidence of triploidy

Direct evidence of the nature of maternal meiotic errors in a selected line of chickens with a high incidence of triploidy was obtained by using cytologically marked paternal gametes derived from a closely related avian species. Matings were made by artificial insemination of female chickens of the selection line and a control line with semen from ring-necked male pheasants. A total of five triploid, one pentaploid, and 21 diploid hybrid embryos were karyotyped. Each triploid hybrid embryo contained one set of paternal pheasant chromosomes and two sets of maternal chicken chromosomes, providing irrefutable cytological evidence that the triploids were derived from diploid ova produced by females of the selection line. The pentaploid hybrid contained one set of paternal pheasant chromosomes and four sets of maternal chicken chromosomes, indicating that it had been derived from a tetraploid ovum. Females of the selection line are thought to have a genetically mediated susceptibility to nondisjunction which is responsible for the high incidence of meiotic errors. Evidence is provided that the non-disjunction occurs at both meiosis I and meiosis II.

Gene mapping using linkage analysis

Linkage analysis is a recombinant technology used for gene mapping. If two genetic loci segregate together in a pedigree more often than by random chance, they are said to be linked, that is they lie close on the same chromosome. What makes the detection of linkage between two markers on a chromosome possible, are the recombination events which occurred during meiosis. Thus, information can be obtained for the location of a mutant gene by using markers with known locations. Since the first published reports of linkage over thirty years ago, the use of the "lod score" method to determine the chromosomal location of a disease gene has become widespread. With the continual production of new RFLPs, the mapping of new loci will continue to become faster and more efficient. The power of the linkage method has spawned the development of several new techniques which utilize marker data to graphically represent the most likely location of a disease gene. Such advances, however, can best be utilized only after initial chromosomal localization of the particular gene through the lod score method.

Segregation distortions of the ABO and Rh systems in malformed newborns

This study compares the segregation of the ABO and Rh systems between malformed newborns and a control group with two purposes: (1) to evaluate the participation of genetic factors associated with these blood groups in the production of congenital malformations, and (2) to prove, indirectly, the existence of reproductive losses associated with congenital malformations. The newborns and their mothers were typed for ABO and Rh groups. Gene frequencies were similar in malformed and control newborns. In the female malformed newborns, an excess of O-B pairs and a deficit of B-B pairs in the ABO system, and an excess of Rh(-)-Rh- pairs in the Rh system were found.

Synapsis and obligate recombination between the sex chromosomes of male laboratory mice carrying the Y* rearrangement

The synaptic and recombinational behavior of the sex chromosomes in male laboratory mice carrying the Y* rearrangement was analyzed by light and electron microscopy. Examination of zygotene and pachytene X-Y* configurations revealed a surprising paucity of the staggered pairing configuration predicted from the distal position of the X pseudoautosomal region and the subcentromeric position of the Y* pseudoautosomal region. When paired at pachynema, the X and Y* chromosomes usually assumed configurations similar to those of typical sex bivalents from normal male laboratory mice. The X and Y* chromosomes were present as univalents in more than half of the early- and mid-pachytene nuclei, presumably as a result of steric difficulties associated with homologous alignment of the pseudoautosomal regions. When paired at diakinesis and metaphase I, the X and Y* chromosomes exhibited an asymmetrical chiasmatic association indicative of recombination within the staggered synaptic configuration. Both pairing disruption and recombinational failure apparently contribute to diakinesis/metaphase I sex-chromosome univalency, as most cells at these stages possessed X and Y* univalents lacking evidence of prior recombination. Recombinant X or Y* chromosomes were detected in all metaphase II complements examined, thus substantiating the hypothesis that X-Y recombination is a prerequisite for the normal progression of male meiosis.

A conserved element in the leader mediates post-meiotic translation as well as cytoplasmic polyadenylation of a Drosophila spermatocyte mRNA

We have previously shown that Mst87F (previously called mst(3)g1-9), a gene which is exclusively expressed in the male germ line of Drosophila melanogaster, is subject to negative translational control. While transcription of this gene takes place premeiotically, translation occurs only after the elongation of spermatids is complete. We report here the identification of a sequence element within the first 45 nucleotides of the leader which is crucial for this translational regulation. Sequence comparison with six other genes, which form a gene family with Mst87F, shows the conservation of a twelve nucleotide element within this leader segment. It is found in all genes at positions +28 to +39 of the leader. Deletion of this element or alteration of two nucleotides by in vitro mutagenesis both lead to the breakdown of the translational control mechanism. The poly(A) tail of the Mst87F mRNA becomes longer and heterogeneous in length when the mRNA is recruited for translation. We present evidence that the control for this additional polyadenylation also resides within the conserved element of the leader.