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Marshall WF, Fung JC. Modeling homologous chromosome recognition via nonspecific interactions. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2024; 121:e2317373121. [PMID: 38722810 PMCID: PMC11098084 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2317373121] [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: 10/06/2023] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024] Open
Abstract
In many organisms, most notably Drosophila, homologous chromosomes associate in somatic cells, a phenomenon known as somatic pairing, which takes place without double strand breaks or strand invasion, thus requiring some other mechanism for homologs to recognize each other. Several studies have suggested a "specific button" model, in which a series of distinct regions in the genome, known as buttons, can associate with each other, mediated by different proteins that bind to these different regions. Here, we use computational modeling to evaluate an alternative "button barcode" model, in which there is only one type of recognition site or adhesion button, present in many copies in the genome, each of which can associate with any of the others with equal affinity. In this model, buttons are nonuniformly distributed, such that alignment of a chromosome with its correct homolog, compared with a nonhomolog, is energetically favored; since to achieve nonhomologous alignment, chromosomes would be required to mechanically deform in order to bring their buttons into mutual register. By simulating randomly generated nonuniform button distributions, many highly effective button barcodes can be easily found, some of which achieve virtually perfect pairing fidelity. This model is consistent with existing literature on the effect of translocations of different sizes on homolog pairing. We conclude that a button barcode model can attain highly specific homolog recognition, comparable to that seen in actual cells undergoing somatic homolog pairing, without the need for specific interactions. This model may have implications for how meiotic pairing is achieved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wallace F. Marshall
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of California, San Francisco, CA94158
| | - Jennifer C. Fung
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, CA94158
- Center for Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, CA94158
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2
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Chriss A, Börner GV, Ryan SD. Agent-based modeling of nuclear chromosome ensembles identifies determinants of homolog pairing during meiosis. PLoS Comput Biol 2024; 20:e1011416. [PMID: 38739641 PMCID: PMC11115365 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pcbi.1011416] [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: 08/08/2023] [Revised: 05/23/2024] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024] Open
Abstract
During meiosis, pairing of homologous chromosomes (homologs) ensures the formation of haploid gametes from diploid precursor cells, a prerequisite for sexual reproduction. Pairing during meiotic prophase I facilitates crossover recombination and homolog segregation during the ensuing reductional cell division. Mechanisms that ensure stable homolog alignment in the presence of an excess of non-homologous chromosomes have remained elusive, but rapid chromosome movements appear to play a role in the process. Apart from homolog attraction, provided by early intermediates of homologous recombination, dissociation of non-homologous associations also appears to contribute to homolog pairing, as suggested by the detection of stable non-homologous chromosome associations in pairing-defective mutants. Here, we have developed an agent-based model for homolog pairing derived from the dynamics of a naturally occurring chromosome ensemble. The model simulates unidirectional chromosome movements, as well as collision dynamics determined by attractive and repulsive forces arising from close-range physical interactions. Chromosome number and size as well as movement velocity and repulsive forces are identified as key factors in the kinetics and efficiency of homologous pairing in addition to homolog attraction. Dissociation of interactions between non-homologous chromosomes may contribute to pairing by crowding homologs into a limited nuclear area thus creating preconditions for close-range homolog attraction. Incorporating natural chromosome lengths, the model accurately recapitulates efficiency and kinetics of homolog pairing observed for wild-type and mutant meiosis in budding yeast, and can be adapted to nuclear dimensions and chromosome sets of other organisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ariana Chriss
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics, Cleveland State University, Cleveland, Ohio, United States of America
- Department of Biological, Geological, and Environmental Sciences, Cleveland State University, Cleveland, Ohio, United States of America
| | - G. Valentin Börner
- Department of Biological, Geological, and Environmental Sciences, Cleveland State University, Cleveland, Ohio, United States of America
- Center for Gene Regulation in Health and Disease, Cleveland State University, Cleveland, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Shawn D. Ryan
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics, Cleveland State University, Cleveland, Ohio, United States of America
- Center for Applied Data Analysis and Modeling, Cleveland State University, Cleveland, Ohio, United States of America
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Chriss A, Börner GV, Ryan SD. Agent-based modeling of nuclear chromosome ensemble identifies determinants of homolog pairing during meiosis. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2023.08.09.552574. [PMID: 38260664 PMCID: PMC10802385 DOI: 10.1101/2023.08.09.552574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2024]
Abstract
During meiosis, pairing of homologous chromosomes (homologs) ensures the formation of haploid gametes from diploid precursor cells, a prerequisite for sexual reproduction. Pairing during meiotic prophase I facilitates crossover recombination and homolog segregation during the ensuing reductional cell division. Mechanisms that ensure stable homolog alignment in the presence of an excess of non-homologous chromosomes have remained elusive, but rapid chromosome movements during prophase I appear to play a role in the process. Apart from homolog attraction, provided by early intermediates of homologous recombination, dissociation of non-homologous associations also appears to contribute to homolog pairing, as suggested by the detection of stable non-homologous chromosome associations in pairing-defective mutants. Here, we have developed an agent-based model for homolog pairing derived from the dynamics of a naturally occurring chromosome ensemble. The model simulates unidirectional chromosome movements, as well as collision dynamics determined by attractive and repulsive forces arising from close-range physical interactions. In addition to homolog attraction, chromosome number and size as well as movement velocity and repulsive forces are identified as key factors in the kinetics and efficiency of homologous pairing. Dissociation of interactions between non-homologous chromosomes may contribute to pairing by crowding homologs into a limited nuclear area thus creating preconditions for close-range homolog attraction. Predictions from the model are readily compared to experimental data from budding yeast, parameters can be adjusted to other cellular systems and predictions from the model can be tested via experimental manipulation of the relevant chromosomal features.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ariana Chriss
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics, Cleveland State University, Cleveland, OH 44115
- Department of Biological, Geological, and Environmental Sciences, Cleveland State University, Cleveland, OH 44115
| | - G. Valentin Börner
- Department of Biological, Geological, and Environmental Sciences, Cleveland State University, Cleveland, OH 44115
- Center for Gene Regulation in Health and Disease, Cleveland State University, Cleveland, OH 44115
| | - Shawn D. Ryan
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics, Cleveland State University, Cleveland, OH 44115
- Center for Applied Data Analysis and Modeling, Cleveland State University, Cleveland, OH 44115
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Fernández-Álvarez A. Beyond tradition: exploring the non-canonical functions of telomeres in meiosis. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1278571. [PMID: 38020928 PMCID: PMC10679444 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1278571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2023] [Accepted: 11/01/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The telomere bouquet is a specific chromosomal configuration that forms during meiosis at the zygotene stage, when telomeres cluster together at the nuclear envelope. This clustering allows cytoskeleton-induced movements to be transmitted to the chromosomes, thereby facilitating homologous chromosome search and pairing. However, loss of the bouquet results in more severe meiotic defects than can be attributed solely to recombination problems, suggesting that the bouquet's full function remains elusive. Despite its transient nature and the challenges in performing in vivo analyses, information is emerging that points to a remarkable suite of non-canonical functions carried out by the bouquet. Here, we describe how new approaches in quantitative cell biology can contribute to establishing the molecular basis of the full function and plasticity of the bouquet, and thus generate a comprehensive picture of the telomeric control of meiosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alfonso Fernández-Álvarez
- Institute of Functional Biology and Genomics (IBFG), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), University of Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
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Marshall WF, Fung JC. Homologous chromosome recognition via nonspecific interactions. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.06.09.544427. [PMID: 37333079 PMCID: PMC10274854 DOI: 10.1101/2023.06.09.544427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/20/2023]
Abstract
In many organisms, most notably Drosophila, homologous chromosomes in somatic cells associate with each other, a phenomenon known as somatic homolog pairing. Unlike in meiosis, where homology is read out at the level of DNA sequence complementarity, somatic homolog pairing takes place without double strand breaks or strand invasion, thus requiring some other mechanism for homologs to recognize each other. Several studies have suggested a "specific button" model, in which a series of distinct regions in the genome, known as buttons, can associate with each other, presumably mediated by different proteins that bind to these different regions. Here we consider an alternative model, which we term the "button barcode" model, in which there is only one type of recognition site or adhesion button, present in many copies in the genome, each of which can associate with any of the others with equal affinity. An important component of this model is that the buttons are non-uniformly distributed, such that alignment of a chromosome with its correct homolog, compared with a non-homolog, is energetically favored; since to achieve nonhomologous alignment, chromosomes would be required to mechanically deform in order to bring their buttons into mutual register. We investigated several types of barcodes and examined their effect on pairing fidelity. We found that high fidelity homolog recognition can be achieved by arranging chromosome pairing buttons according to an actual industrial barcode used for warehouse sorting. By simulating randomly generated non-uniform button distributions, many highly effective button barcodes can be easily found, some of which achieve virtually perfect pairing fidelity. This model is consistent with existing literature on the effect of translocations of different sizes on homolog pairing. We conclude that a button barcode model can attain highly specific homolog recognition, comparable to that seen in actual cells undergoing somatic homolog pairing, without the need for specific interactions. This model may have implications for how meiotic pairing is achieved.
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Navarro EJ, Marshall WF, Fung JC. Modeling cell biological features of meiotic chromosome pairing to study interlock resolution. PLoS Comput Biol 2022; 18:e1010252. [PMID: 35696428 PMCID: PMC9232156 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pcbi.1010252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2022] [Revised: 06/24/2022] [Accepted: 05/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
During meiosis, homologous chromosomes become associated side by side in a process known as homologous chromosome pairing. Pairing requires long range chromosome motion through a nucleus that is full of other chromosomes. It remains unclear how the cell manages to align each pair of chromosomes quickly while mitigating and resolving interlocks. Here, we use a coarse-grained molecular dynamics model to investigate how specific features of meiosis, including motor-driven telomere motion, nuclear envelope interactions, and increased nuclear size, affect the rate of pairing and the mitigation/resolution of interlocks. By creating in silico versions of three yeast strains and comparing the results of our model to experimental data, we find that a more distributed placement of pairing sites along the chromosome is necessary to replicate experimental findings. Active motion of the telomeric ends speeds up pairing only if binding sites are spread along the chromosome length. Adding a meiotic bouquet significantly speeds up pairing but does not significantly change the number of interlocks. An increase in nuclear size slows down pairing while greatly reducing the number of interlocks. Interestingly, active forces increase the number of interlocks, which raises the question: How do these interlocks resolve? Our model gives us detailed movies of interlock resolution events which we then analyze to build a step-by-step recipe for interlock resolution. In our model, interlocks must first translocate to the ends, where they are held in a quasi-stable state by a large number of paired sites on one side. To completely resolve an interlock, the telomeres of the involved chromosomes must come in close proximity so that the cooperativity of pairing coupled with random motion causes the telomeres to unwind. Together our results indicate that computational modeling of homolog pairing provides insight into the specific cell biological changes that occur during meiosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erik J. Navarro
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences and Center of Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Wallace F. Marshall
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of California, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Jennifer C. Fung
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences and Center of Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, California, United States of America
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Kim HJ, Liu C, Dernburg AF. How and Why Chromosomes Interact with the Cytoskeleton during Meiosis. Genes (Basel) 2022; 13:genes13050901. [PMID: 35627285 PMCID: PMC9140367 DOI: 10.3390/genes13050901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2022] [Revised: 05/09/2022] [Accepted: 05/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
During the early meiotic prophase, connections are established between chromosomes and cytoplasmic motors via a nuclear envelope bridge, known as a LINC (linker of nucleoskeleton and cytoskeleton) complex. These widely conserved links can promote both chromosome and nuclear motions. Studies in diverse organisms have illuminated the molecular architecture of these connections, but important questions remain regarding how they contribute to meiotic processes. Here, we summarize the current knowledge in the field, outline the challenges in studying these chromosome dynamics, and highlight distinctive features that have been characterized in major model systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyung Jun Kim
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720-3200, USA;
| | - Chenshu Liu
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, 4000 Jones Bridge Road, Chevy Chase, MD 20815-6789, USA;
| | - Abby F. Dernburg
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720-3200, USA;
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, 4000 Jones Bridge Road, Chevy Chase, MD 20815-6789, USA;
- Correspondence:
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Diffusion and distal linkages govern interchromosomal dynamics during meiotic prophase. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2022; 119:e2115883119. [PMID: 35302885 PMCID: PMC8944930 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2115883119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
SignificanceEssential for sexual reproduction, meiosis is a specialized cell division required for the production of haploid gametes. Critical to this process are the pairing, recombination, and segregation of homologous chromosomes (homologs). While pairing and recombination are linked, it is not known how many linkages are sufficient to hold homologs in proximity. Here, we reveal that random diffusion and the placement of a small number of linkages are sufficient to establish the apparent "pairing" of homologs. We also show that colocalization between any two loci is more dynamic than anticipated. Our study provides observations of live interchromosomal dynamics during meiosis and illustrates the power of combining single-cell measurements with theoretical polymer modeling.
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Aguilar M, Prieto P. Telomeres and Subtelomeres Dynamics in the Context of Early Chromosome Interactions During Meiosis and Their Implications in Plant Breeding. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2021; 12:672489. [PMID: 34149773 PMCID: PMC8212018 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2021.672489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2021] [Accepted: 05/06/2021] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
Genomic architecture facilitates chromosome recognition, pairing, and recombination. Telomeres and subtelomeres play an important role at the beginning of meiosis in specific chromosome recognition and pairing, which are critical processes that allow chromosome recombination between homologs (equivalent chromosomes in the same genome) in later stages. In plant polyploids, these terminal regions are even more important in terms of homologous chromosome recognition, due to the presence of homoeologs (equivalent chromosomes from related genomes). Although telomeres interaction seems to assist homologous pairing and consequently, the progression of meiosis, other chromosome regions, such as subtelomeres, need to be considered, because the DNA sequence of telomeres is not chromosome-specific. In addition, recombination operates at subtelomeres and, as it happens in rye and wheat, homologous recognition and pairing is more often correlated with recombining regions than with crossover-poor regions. In a plant breeding context, the knowledge of how homologous chromosomes initiate pairing at the beginning of meiosis can contribute to chromosome manipulation in hybrids or interspecific genetic crosses. Thus, recombination in interspecific chromosome associations could be promoted with the aim of transferring desirable agronomic traits from related genetic donor species into crops. In this review, we summarize the importance of telomeres and subtelomeres on chromatin dynamics during early meiosis stages and their implications in recombination in a plant breeding framework.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miguel Aguilar
- Área de Fisiología Vegetal, Universidad de Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain
| | - Pilar Prieto
- Plant Breeding Department, Institute for Sustainable Agriculture, Agencia Estatal Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Córdoba, Spain
- *Correspondence: Pilar Prieto, ; orcid.org/0000-0002-8160-808X
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Aguilar M, Prieto P. Sequence analysis of wheat subtelomeres reveals a high polymorphism among homoeologous chromosomes. THE PLANT GENOME 2020; 13:e20065. [PMID: 33029942 DOI: 10.1002/tpg2.20065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2020] [Revised: 07/20/2020] [Accepted: 09/08/2020] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Bread wheat, Triticum aestivum L., is one of the most important crops in the world. Understanding its genome organization (allohexaploid; AABBDD; 2n = 6x = 42) is essential for geneticists and plant breeders. Particularly, the knowledge of how homologous chromosomes (equivalent chromosomes from the same genome) specifically recognize each other to pair at the beginning of meiosis, the cellular process to generate gametes in sexually reproducing organisms, is fundamental for plant breeding and has a big influence on the fertility of wheat plants. Initial homologous chromosome interactions contribute to specific recognition and pairing between homologues at the onset of meiosis. Understanding the molecular basis of these critical processes can help to develop genetic tools in a breeding context to promote interspecific chromosome associations in hybrids or interspecific genetic crosses to facilitate the transfer of desirable agronomic traits from related species into a crop like wheat. The terminal regions of chromosomes, which include telomeres and subtelomeres, participate in chromosome recognition and pairing. We present a detailed molecular analysis of subtelomeres of wheat chromosome arms 1AS, 4AS, 7AS, 7BS and 7DS. Results showed a high polymorphism in the subtelomeric region among homoeologues (equivalent chromosomes from related genomes) for all the features analyzed, including genes, transposable elements, repeats, GC content, predicted CpG islands, recombination hotspots and targeted sequence motifs for relevant DNA-binding proteins. These polymorphisms might be the molecular basis for the specificity of homologous recognition and pairing in initial chromosome interactions at the beginning of meiosis in wheat.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miguel Aguilar
- Área de Fisiología Vegetal. Universidad de Córdoba. Campus de Rabanales, edif. C4, 3a planta, Córdoba, Spain
| | - Pilar Prieto
- Plant Breeding Department, Institute for Sustainable Agriculture, Agencia Estatal Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Alameda del Obispo s/n, Apartado 4084, Córdoba, 14080, Spain
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