Nonrandom homolog segregation at meiosis I in Schizosaccharomyces pombe mutants lacking recombination

B chromosomes reveal a female meiotic drive suppression system in Drosophila melanogaster

Selfish genetic elements use a myriad of mechanisms to drive their inheritance and ensure their survival into the next generation, often at a fitness cost to its host.^1,2 Although the catalog of selfish genetic elements is rapidly growing, our understanding of host drive suppression systems that counteract self-seeking behavior is lacking. Here, we demonstrate that the biased transmission of the non-essential, non-driving B chromosomes in Drosophila melanogaster can be achieved in a specific genetic background. Combining a null mutant of matrimony, a gene that encodes a female-specific meiotic regulator of Polo kinase,^3,4 with the TM3 balancer chromosome creates a driving genotype that is permissive for the biased transmission of the B chromosomes. This drive is female-specific, and both genetic components are necessary, but not individually sufficient, for permitting a strong drive of the B chromosomes. Examination of metaphase I oocytes reveals that B chromosome localization within the DNA mass is mostly abnormal when drive is the strongest, indicating a failure of the mechanism(s) responsible for the proper distribution of B chromosomes. We propose that some proteins important for proper chromosome segregation during meiosis, like Matrimony, may have an essential role as part of a meiotic drive suppression system that modulates chromosome segregation to prevent genetic elements from exploiting the inherent asymmetry of female meiosis.

Genome-wide quantification of contributions to sexual fitness identifies genes required for spore viability and health in fission yeast

Numerous genes required for sexual reproduction remain to be identified even in simple model species like Schizosaccharomyces pombe. To address this, we developed an assay in S. pombe that couples transposon mutagenesis with high-throughput sequencing (TN-seq) to quantitatively measure the fitness contribution of nonessential genes across the genome to sexual reproduction. This approach identified 532 genes that contribute to sex, including more than 200 that were not previously annotated to be involved in the process, of which more than 150 have orthologs in vertebrates. Among our verified hits was an uncharacterized gene, ifs1 (important for sex), that is required for spore viability. In two other hits, plb1 and alg9, we observed a novel mutant phenotype of poor spore health wherein viable spores are produced, but the spores exhibit low fitness and are rapidly outcompeted by wild type. Finally, we fortuitously discovered that a gene previously thought to be essential, sdg1 (social distancing gene), is instead required for growth at low cell densities and can be rescued by conditioned medium. Our assay will be valuable in further studies of sexual reproduction in S. pombe and identifies multiple candidate genes that could contribute to sexual reproduction in other eukaryotes, including humans.

Emerging mechanisms and roles of meiotic crossover repression at centromeres

Crossover events during recombination in meiosis are essential for generating genetic diversity as well as crucial to allow accurate chromosomal segregation between homologous chromosomes. Spatial control for the distribution of crossover events along the chromosomes is largely a tightly regulated process and involves many facets such as interference, repression as well as assurance, to make sure that not too many or too few crossovers are generated. Repression of crossover events at the centromeres is a highly conserved process across all species tested. Failure to inhibit such recombination events can result in chromosomal mis-segregation during meiosis resulting in aneuploid gametes that are responsible for infertility or developmental disorders such as Down's syndrome and other trisomies in humans. In the past few decades, studies to understand the molecular mechanisms behind this repression have shown the involvement of a multitude of factors ranging from the centromere-specific proteins such as the kinetochore to the flanking pericentric heterochromatin as well as DNA double-strand break repair pathways. In this chapter, we review the different mechanisms of pericentric repression mechanisms known till date as well as highlight the importance of understanding this regulation in the context of chromosomal segregation defects. We also discuss the clinical implications of dysregulation of this process, especially in human reproductive health and genetic diseases.

Atypical meiosis can be adaptive in outcrossed Schizosaccharomyces pombe due to wtf meiotic drivers

Killer meiotic drivers are genetic parasites that destroy ‘sibling’ gametes lacking the driver allele. The fitness costs of drive can lead to selection of unlinked suppressors. This suppression could involve evolutionary tradeoffs that compromise gametogenesis and contribute to infertility. Schizosaccharomyces pombe, an organism containing numerous gamete (spore)-killing wtf drivers, offers a tractable system to test this hypothesis. Here, we demonstrate that in scenarios analogous to outcrossing, wtf drivers generate a fitness landscape in which atypical spores, such as aneuploids and diploids, are advantageous. In this context, wtf drivers can decrease the fitness costs of mutations that disrupt meiotic fidelity and, in some circumstances, can even make such mutations beneficial. Moreover, we find that S. pombe isolates vary greatly in their ability to make haploid spores, with some isolates generating up to 46% aneuploid or diploid spores. This work empirically demonstrates the potential for meiotic drivers to shape the evolution of gametogenesis.

Distributing meiotic crossovers for optimal fertility and evolution

During meiosis, homologous chromosomes of a diploid cell are replicated and, without a second replication, are segregated during two nuclear divisions to produce four haploid cells (including discarded polar bodies in females of many species). Proper segregation of chromosomes at the first division requires in most species that homologous chromosomes be physically connected. Tension generated by connected chromosomes moving to opposite sides of the cell signals proper segregation. In the absence of the required connections, called crossovers, chromosomes often segregate randomly and produce aneuploid gametes and, thus, dead or disabled progeny. To be effective, crossovers must be properly distributed along chromosomes. Crossovers within or too near the centromere interfere with proper segregation; crossovers too near each other can ablate the required tension; and crossovers too concentrated in only one or a few regions would not re-assort most genetic characters important for evolution. Here, we discuss current knowledge of how the optimal distribution of crossovers is achieved in the fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe, with reference to other well-studied species for comparison and illustration of the diversity of biology.

The pericentromeric heterochromatin of homologous chromosomes remains associated after centromere pairing dissolves in mouse spermatocyte meiosis

In meiosis, crossovers between homologous chromosomes link them together. This enables them to attach to microtubules of the meiotic spindle as a unit, such that the homologs will be pulled away from one another at anaphase I. Homologous pairs can sometimes fail to become linked by crossovers. In some organisms, these non-exchange partners are still able to segregate properly. In several organisms, associations between the centromeres of non-exchange partners occur in meiotic prophase. These associations have been proposed to promote segregation in meiosis I. But it is unclear how centromere pairing could promote subsequent proper segregation. Here we report that meiotic centromere pairing of chromosomes in mouse spermatocytes allows the formation of an association between chromosome pairs. We find that heterochromatin regions of homologous centromeres remain associated even after centromere-pairing dissolves. Our results suggest the model that, in mouse spermatocytes, heterochromatin maintains the association of homologous centromeres in the absence crossing-over.

Immediate visualization of recombination events and chromosome segregation defects in fission yeast meiosis

Schizosaccharomyces pombe, also known as fission yeast, is an established model for studying chromosome biological processes. Over the years, research employing fission yeast has made important contributions to our knowledge about chromosome segregation during meiosis, as well as meiotic recombination and its regulation. Quantification of meiotic recombination frequency is not a straightforward undertaking, either requiring viable progeny for a genetic plating assay, or relying on laborious Southern blot analysis of recombination intermediates. Neither of these methods lends itself to high-throughput screens to identify novel meiotic factors. Here, we establish visual assays novel to Sz. pombe for characterizing chromosome segregation and meiotic recombination phenotypes. Genes expressing red, yellow, and/or cyan fluorophores from spore-autonomous promoters have been integrated into the fission yeast genomes, either close to the centromere of chromosome 1 to monitor chromosome segregation, or on the arm of chromosome 3 to form a genetic interval at which recombination frequency can be determined. The visual recombination assay allows straightforward and immediate assessment of the genetic outcome of a single meiosis by epi-fluorescence microscopy without requiring tetrad dissection. We also demonstrate that the recombination frequency analysis can be automatized by utilizing imaging flow cytometry to enable high-throughput screens. These assays have several advantages over traditional methods for analyzing meiotic phenotypes.

Pericentromere-Specific Cohesin Complex Prevents Meiotic Pericentric DNA Double-Strand Breaks and Lethal Crossovers

In most eukaryotes, meiotic crossovers are essential for error-free chromosome segregation but are specifically repressed near centromeres to prevent missegregation. Recognized for >85 years, the molecular mechanism of this repression has remained unknown. Meiotic chromosomes contain two distinct cohesin complexes: pericentric complex (for segregation) and chromosomal arm complex (for crossing over). We show that the pericentric-specific complex also actively represses pericentric meiotic double-strand break (DSB) formation and, consequently, crossovers. We uncover the mechanism by which fission yeast heterochromatin protein Swi6 (mammalian HP1-homolog) prevents recruitment of activators of meiotic DSB formation. Localizing missing activators to wild-type pericentromeres bypasses repression and generates abundant crossovers but reduces gamete viability. The molecular mechanism elucidated here likely extends to other species, including humans, where pericentric crossovers can result in disorders, such as Down syndrome. These mechanistic insights provide new clues to understand the roles played by multiple cohesin complexes, especially in human infertility and birth defects.

Destabilization of the replication fork protection complex disrupts meiotic chromosome segregation

The replication fork protection complex (FPC) coordinates multiple processes that are crucial for unimpeded passage of the replisome through various barriers and difficult to replicate areas of the genome. We examine the function of Swi1 and Swi3, fission yeast's primary FPC components, to elucidate how replication fork stability contributes to DNA integrity in meiosis. We report that destabilization of the FPC results in reduced spore viability, delayed replication, changes in recombination, and chromosome missegregation in meiosis I and meiosis II. These phenotypes are linked to accumulation and persistence of DNA damage markers in meiosis and to problems with cohesion stability at the centromere. These findings reveal an important connection between meiotic replication fork stability and chromosome segregation, two processes with major implications to human reproductive health.

Modulating Crossover Frequency and Interference for Obligate Crossovers in Saccharomyces cerevisiae Meiosis

Meiotic crossover frequencies show wide variation among organisms. But most organisms maintain at least one crossover per homolog pair (obligate crossover). In Saccharomyces cerevisiae, previous studies have shown crossover frequencies are reduced in the mismatch repair related mutant mlh3Δ and enhanced in a meiotic checkpoint mutant pch2Δ by up to twofold at specific chromosomal loci, but both mutants maintain high spore viability. We analyzed meiotic recombination events genome-wide in mlh3Δ, pch2Δ, and mlh3Δ pch2Δ mutants to test the effect of variation in crossover frequency on obligate crossovers. mlh3Δ showed ∼30% genome-wide reduction in crossovers (64 crossovers per meiosis) and loss of the obligate crossover, but nonexchange chromosomes were efficiently segregated. pch2Δ showed ∼50% genome-wide increase in crossover frequency (137 crossovers per meiosis), elevated noncrossovers as well as loss of chromosome size dependent double-strand break formation. Meiotic defects associated with pch2∆ did not cause significant increase in nonexchange chromosome frequency. Crossovers were restored to wild-type frequency in the double mutant mlh3Δ pch2Δ (100 crossovers per meiosis), but obligate crossovers were compromised. Genetic interference was reduced in mlh3Δ, pch2Δ, and mlh3Δ pch2Δ. Triple mutant analysis of mlh3Δ pch2Δ with other resolvase mutants showed that most of the crossovers in mlh3Δ pch2Δ are made through the Mus81-Mms4 pathway. These results are consistent with a requirement for increased crossover frequencies in the absence of genetic interference for obligate crossovers. In conclusion, these data suggest crossover frequencies and the strength of genetic interference in an organism are mutually optimized to ensure obligate crossovers.

Meiotic Centromere Coupling and Pairing Function by Two Separate Mechanisms in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

In meiosis I, chromosomes become paired with their homologous partners and then are pulled toward opposite poles of the spindle. In the budding yeast, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, in early meiotic prophase, centromeres are observed to associate in pairs in a homology-independent manner; a process called centromere coupling. Later, as homologous chromosomes align, their centromeres associate in a process called centromere pairing. The synaptonemal complex protein Zip1 is necessary for both types of centromere association. We aimed to test the role of centromere coupling in modulating recombination at centromeres, and to test whether the two types of centromere associations depend upon the same sets of genes. The zip1-S75E mutation, which blocks centromere coupling but no other known functions of Zip1, was used to show that in the absence of centromere coupling, centromere-proximal recombination was unchanged. Further, this mutation did not diminish centromere pairing, demonstrating that these two processes have different genetic requirements. In addition, we tested other synaptonemal complex components, Ecm11 and Zip4, for their contributions to centromere pairing. ECM11 was dispensable for centromere pairing and segregation of achiasmate partner chromosomes; while ZIP4 was not required for centromere pairing during pachytene, but was required for proper segregation of achiasmate chromosomes. These findings help differentiate the two mechanisms that allow centromeres to interact in meiotic prophase, and illustrate that centromere pairing, which was previously shown to be necessary to ensure disjunction of achiasmate chromosomes, is not sufficient for ensuring their disjunction.

Nup132 modulates meiotic spindle attachment in fission yeast by regulating kinetochore assembly

The fission yeast nucleoporin Nup132 is required for timely assembly of outer kinetochore proteins during meiotic prophase and its depletion activates the spindle assembly checkpoint in meiosis I, suggesting a role in establishing monopolar spindle attachment through outer kinetochore reorganization at meiotic prophase.

During meiosis, the kinetochore undergoes substantial reorganization to establish monopolar spindle attachment. In the fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe, the KNL1–Spc7-Mis12-Nuf2 (KMN) complex, which constitutes the outer kinetochore, is disassembled during meiotic prophase and is reassembled before meiosis I. Here, we show that the nucleoporin Nup132 is required for timely assembly of the KMN proteins: In the absence of Nup132, Mis12 and Spc7 are precociously assembled at the centromeres during meiotic prophase. In contrast, Nuf2 shows timely dissociation and reappearance at the meiotic centromeres. We further demonstrate that depletion of Nup132 activates the spindle assembly checkpoint in meiosis I, possibly because of the increased incidence of erroneous spindle attachment at sister chromatids. These results suggest that precocious assembly of the kinetochores leads to the meiosis I defects observed in the nup132-disrupted mutant. Thus, we propose that Nup132 plays an important role in establishing monopolar spindle attachment at meiosis I through outer kinetochore reorganization at meiotic prophase.

Resolving complex chromosome structures during meiosis: versatile deployment of Smc5/6

The Smc5/6 complex, along with cohesin and condensin, is a member of the structural maintenance of chromosome (SMC) family, large ring-like protein complexes that are essential for chromatin structure and function. Thanks to numerous studies of the mitotic cell cycle, Smc5/6 has been implicated to have roles in homologous recombination, restart of stalled replication forks, maintenance of ribosomal DNA (rDNA) and heterochromatin, telomerase-independent telomere elongation, and regulation of chromosome topology. The nature of these functions implies that the Smc5/6 complex also contributes to the profound chromatin changes, including meiotic recombination, that characterize meiosis. Only recently, studies in diverse model organisms have focused on the potential meiotic roles of the Smc5/6 complex. Indeed, Smc5/6 appears to be essential for meiotic recombination. However, due to both the complexity of the process of meiosis and the versatility of the Smc5/6 complex, many additional meiotic functions have been described. In this review, we provide a clear overview of the multiple functions found so far for the Smc5/6 complex in meiosis. Additionally, we compare these meiotic functions with the known mitotic functions in an attempt to find a common denominator and thereby create clarity in the field of Smc5/6 research.

Casein Kinase 1 and Phosphorylation of Cohesin Subunit Rec11 (SA3) Promote Meiotic Recombination through Linear Element Formation

Proper meiotic chromosome segregation, essential for sexual reproduction, requires timely formation and removal of sister chromatid cohesion and crossing-over between homologs. Early in meiosis cohesins hold sisters together and also promote formation of DNA double-strand breaks, obligate precursors to crossovers. Later, cohesin cleavage allows chromosome segregation. We show that in fission yeast redundant casein kinase 1 homologs, Hhp1 and Hhp2, previously shown to regulate segregation via phosphorylation of the Rec8 cohesin subunit, are also required for high-level meiotic DNA breakage and recombination. Unexpectedly, these kinases also mediate phosphorylation of a different meiosis-specific cohesin subunit Rec11. This phosphorylation in turn leads to loading of linear element proteins Rec10 and Rec27, related to synaptonemal complex proteins of other species, and thereby promotes DNA breakage and recombination. Our results provide novel insights into the regulation of chromosomal features required for crossing-over and successful reproduction. The mammalian functional homolog of Rec11 (STAG3) is also phosphorylated during meiosis and appears to be required for fertility, indicating wide conservation of the meiotic events reported here.

Variation in crossover frequencies perturb crossover assurance without affecting meiotic chromosome segregation in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

The segregation of homologous chromosomes during the Meiosis I division requires an obligate crossover per homolog pair (crossover assurance). In Saccharomyces cerevisiae and mammals, Msh4 and Msh5 proteins stabilize Holliday junctions and its progenitors to facilitate crossing over. S. cerevisiae msh4/5 hypomorphs that reduce crossover levels up to twofold at specific loci on chromosomes VII, VIII, and XV without affecting homolog segregation were identified recently. We use the msh4–R676W hypomorph to ask if the obligate crossover is insulated from variation in crossover frequencies, using a S. cerevisiae S288c/YJM789 hybrid to map recombination genome-wide. The msh4–R676W hypomorph made on average 64 crossovers per meiosis compared to 94 made in wild type and 49 in the msh4Δ mutant confirming the defect seen at individual loci on a genome-wide scale. Crossover reductions in msh4–R676W and msh4Δ were significant across chromosomes regardless of size, unlike previous observations made at specific loci. The msh4–R676W hypomorph showed reduced crossover interference. Although crossover reduction in msh4–R676W is modest, 42% of the four viable spore tetrads showed nonexchange chromosomes. These results, along with modeling of crossover distribution, suggest the significant reduction in crossovers across chromosomes and the loss of interference compromises the obligate crossover in the msh4 hypomorph. The high spore viability of the msh4 hypomorph is maintained by efficient segregation of the natural nonexchange chromosomes. Our results suggest that variation in crossover frequencies can compromise the obligate crossover and also support a mechanistic role for interference in obligate crossover formation.

Increased meiotic crossovers and reduced genome stability in absence of Schizosaccharomyces pombe Rad16 (XPF)

Schizosaccharomyces pombe Rad16 is the ortholog of the XPF structure-specific endonuclease, which is required for nucleotide excision repair and implicated in the single strand annealing mechanism of recombination. We show that Rad16 is important for proper completion of meiosis. In its absence, cells suffer reduced spore viability and abnormal chromosome segregation with evidence for fragmentation. Recombination between homologous chromosomes is increased, while recombination within sister chromatids is reduced, suggesting that Rad16 is not required for typical homolog crossovers but influences the balance of recombination between the homolog and the sister. In vegetative cells, rad16 mutants show evidence for genome instability. Similar phenotypes are associated with mutants affecting Rhp14(XPA) but are independent of other nucleotide excision repair proteins such as Rad13(XPG). Thus, the XPF/XPA module of the nucleotide excision repair pathway is incorporated into multiple aspects of genome maintenance even in the absence of external DNA damage.

Genome rearrangements and pervasive meiotic drive cause hybrid infertility in fission yeast

Hybrid sterility is one of the earliest postzygotic isolating mechanisms to evolve between two recently diverged species. Here we identify causes underlying hybrid infertility of two recently diverged fission yeast species Schizosaccharomyces pombe and S. kambucha, which mate to form viable hybrid diploids that efficiently complete meiosis, but generate few viable gametes. We find that chromosomal rearrangements and related recombination defects are major but not sole causes of hybrid infertility. At least three distinct meiotic drive alleles, one on each S. kambucha chromosome, independently contribute to hybrid infertility by causing nonrandom spore death. Two of these driving loci are linked by a chromosomal translocation and thus constitute a novel type of paired meiotic drive complex. Our study reveals how quickly multiple barriers to fertility can arise. In addition, it provides further support for models in which genetic conflicts, such as those caused by meiotic drive alleles, can drive speciation.

DOI:http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.02630.001

It is widely thought that all of the billions of species on Earth are descended from a common ancestor. New species are created via a process called speciation, and nature employs various ‘barriers’ to keep closely related species distinct from one another. One of these barriers is called hybrid sterility. Horses and donkeys, for example, can mate to produce hybrids called mules, but mules cannot produce offspring of their own because they are infertile.

Hybrid sterility can occur for a number of reasons. Mules are infertile because they inherit 32 chromosomes from their horse parent, but only 31 chromosomes from their donkey parent—and so have an odd chromosome that they cannot pair-off when they make sperm or egg cells. However, even if a hybrid inherits the same number of chromosomes from each parent, if the chromosomes from the two parents have different structures, the hybrid may still be infertile.

Zanders et al. have now looked at two species of fission yeast—S. pombe and S. kambucha—that share 99.5% of their DNA sequence. Although hybrids of these two species inherit three chromosomes from each parent, the majority of spores (the yeast equivalent of sperm) that these hybrids produce fail to develop into new yeast cells. Zanders et al. identified two causes of this infertility: one of these was chromosomal rearrangement; the other was due to three different sites in the DNA of S. kambucha that interfere with the development of the spores that inherit S. pombe chromosomes.

Since these two yeast species are so closely related, the findings of Zanders et al. reveal how quickly multiple barriers to fertility can arise. In addition, these findings provide further support for models in which conflicts between different genes in genomes can drive the process of speciation.

DOI:http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.02630.002

Couples, pairs, and clusters: mechanisms and implications of centromere associations in meiosis

Observations of a wide range of organisms show that the centromeres form associations of pairs or small groups at different stages of meiotic prophase. Little is known about the functions or mechanisms of these associations, but in many cases, synaptonemal complex elements seem to play a fundamental role. Two main associations are observed: homology-independent associations very early in the meiotic program-sometimes referred to as centromere coupling-and a later association of homologous centromeres, referred to as centromere pairing or tethering. The later centromere pairing initiates during synaptonemal complex assembly, then persists after the dissolution of the synaptonemal complex. While the function of the homology-independent centromere coupling remains a mystery, centromere pairing appears to have a direct impact on the chromosome segregation fidelity of achiasmatic chromosomes. Recent work in yeast, Drosophila, and mice suggest that centromere pairing is a previously unappreciated, general meiotic feature that may promote meiotic segregation fidelity of the exchange and non-exchange chromosomes.

Initiation of meiotic recombination in Ustilago maydis

A central feature of meiosis is the pairing and recombination of homologous chromosomes. Ustilago maydis, a biotrophic fungus that parasitizes maize, has long been utilized as an experimental system for studying recombination, but it has not been clear when in the life cycle meiotic recombination initiates. U. maydis forms dormant diploid teliospores as the end product of the infection process. Upon germination, teliospores complete meiosis to produce four haploid basidiospores. Here we asked whether the meiotic process begins when teliospores germinate or at an earlier stage in development. When teliospores homozygous for a cdc45 mutation temperature sensitive for DNA synthesis were germinated at the restrictive temperature, four nuclei became visible. This implies that teliospores have already undergone premeiotic DNA synthesis and suggests that meiotic recombination initiates at a stage of infection before teliospores mature. Determination of homologous recombination in plant tissue infected with U. maydis strains heteroallelic for the nar1 gene revealed that Nar(+) recombinants were produced at a stage before teliospore maturation. Teliospores obtained from a spo11Δ cross were still able to germinate but the process was highly disturbed and the meiotic products were imbalanced in chromosomal complement. These results show that in U. maydis, homologous recombination initiates during the infection process and that meiosis can proceed even in the absence of Spo11, but with loss of genomic integrity.

Residual recombination in Neurospora crassa spo11 deletion homozygotes occurs during meiosis

Spo11 is considered responsible for initiation of meiotic recombination in higher organisms, but previous analysis using spo11 (RIP) mutants suggests that the his-3 region of Neurospora crassa experiences spo11-independent recombination. However, despite possessing several stop codons, it is conceivable that the mutants are not completely null. Also, since lack of spo11 interferes with chromosomal pairing and proper segregation at Meiosis I, spores can be partially diploid for a period after meiosis. Thus, it is possible that the recombination observed could be an abnormal event, occurring during the period of aneuploidy rather than during meiosis. To test the former hypothesis, we generated spo11 deletion homozygotes. Using crosses heteroallelic for his-3 mutations, we showed that His(+) progeny are generated in spo11 deletion homozygotes at a frequency at least as high as in wild type and, as in the spo11 (RIP) mutants, local crossing over is not reduced. To test the latter hypothesis, we utilised mutations in either end of a histone H1-GFP fusion gene, inserted between the recombination hotspot cog and his-3, in which GFP(+) spores arise as a result of recombination in a cross between the two GFP alleles. In a control cross homozygous for spo11 (+), the frequency at which GFP(+) spores arise is comparable to the frequency of His(+) spores and glowing nuclei first appear during prophase, prior to metaphase I, as expected for a product of meiotic recombination. Similarly in spo11 deletion homozygotes, GFP(+) spores arise at high frequency and glowing nuclei are first seen before metaphase, indicating that allelic recombination occurs during meiosis in the absence of spo11. We have therefore shown that spo11 is not essential for either his-3 allelic recombination or crossing over in the vicinity of his-3, and that spo11-independent allelic recombination is meiotic, indicating that there is a spo11-independent mechanism for initiation of recombination in Neurospora.

The C-terminus of S. pombe DDK subunit Dfp1 is required for meiosis-specific transcription and cohesin cleavage

The DDK complex is a conserved kinase complex, consisting of a catalytic subunit, Hsk1 (Cdc7), and its regulatory subunit Dfp1 (Dbf4). This kinase is essential for DNA replication. In this work, we show that dfp1-r35, which truncates the Dfp1 C-terminus zinc finger, causes severe meiotic defects, including reduced spore viability, reduced formation of programmed double strand breaks, altered expression of meiotic genes, and disrupted chromosome segregation. There is a high frequency of dyad formation. Mutants are also defective in the phosphorylation and degradation of the meiotic cohesion, Rec8, resulting in a failure to proceed through the MII division. These defects are more pronounced in a haploid meiosis model than in a normal diploid meiosis. Thus, several critical meiotic functions are linked specifically to the C-terminus of Dfp1, which may target specific substrates for phosphorylation by Hsk1.

Meiotic DNA joint molecule resolution depends on Nse5-Nse6 of the Smc5-Smc6 holocomplex

Faithful chromosome segregation in meiosis is crucial to form viable, healthy offspring and in most species, it requires programmed recombination between homologous chromosomes. In fission yeast, meiotic recombination is initiated by Rec12 (Spo11 homolog) and generates single Holliday junction (HJ) intermediates, which are resolved by the Mus81–Eme1 endonuclease to generate crossovers and thereby allow proper chromosome segregation. Although Mus81 contains the active site for HJ resolution, the regulation of Mus81–Eme1 is unclear. In cells lacking Nse5–Nse6 of the Smc5–Smc6 genome stability complex, we observe persistent meiotic recombination intermediates (DNA joint molecules) resembling HJs that accumulate in mus81Δ cells. Elimination of Rec12 nearly completely rescues the meiotic defects of nse6Δ and mus81Δ single mutants and partially rescues nse6Δ mus81Δ double mutants, indicating that these factors act after DNA double-strand break formation. Likewise, expression of the bacterial HJ resolvase RusA partially rescues the defects of nse6Δ, mus81Δ and nse6Δ mus81Δ mitotic cells, as well as the meiotic defects of nse6Δ and mus81Δ cells. Partial rescue likely reflects the accumulation of structures other than HJs, such as hemicatenanes, and an additional role for Nse5–Nse6 most prominent during mitotic growth. Our results indicate a regulatory role for the Smc5–Smc6 complex in HJ resolution via Mus81–Eme1.

Repositioning of aurora B promoted by chiasmata ensures sister chromatid mono-orientation in meiosis I

During meiosis I, kinetochores of sister chromatids are juxtaposed or fused and mono-orient, while homologous chromosomes that are paired by chiasmata (bivalents) have to biorient. In the absence of chiasmata, biorientation of sister chromatids (univalents), which carries a risk of aneuploidy, has been occasionally detected in several species, including humans. We show in fission yeast that biorientation of fused sister kinetochores predominates during early prometaphase I. Without chiasmata, this undesirable biorientation of univalents persists and eventually evades the spindle assembly checkpoint, provoking abnormal anaphase. When univalents are connected by chiasmata or by an artificial tether, this erroneous attachment is converted to monopolar attachment and stabilized. This stabilization is apparently achieved by a chromosome configuration that brings kinetochores to the outer edge of the bivalent, while bringing Aurora B, a destabilizer of kinetochore-microtubule attachment, inward. Our results elucidate how chiasmata favor biorientation of bivalents over that of univalents at meiosis I.

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

A physical connection between each pair of homologous chromosomes is crucial for reductional chromosome segregation during the first meiotic division and therefore for successful meiosis. Connection is provided by recombination (crossing over) initiated by programmed DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs). Although the topoisomerase-like protein Spo11 makes DSBs and is evolutionarily conserved, how Spo11 (Rec12 in fission yeast) is regulated to form DSBs at the proper time and place is poorly understood. Several additional (accessory) proteins for DSB formation have been inferred in different species from yeast to mice. Here, we show that Rec24 is a bona fide accessory protein in Schizosaccharomyces pombe. Rec24 is required genome-wide for crossing-over and is recruited to meiotic chromosomes during prophase in a Rec12-independent manner forming foci on linear elements (LinEs), structurally related to the synaptonemal complex of other eukaryotes. Stabilization of Rec24 on LinEs depends on another accessory protein, Rec7, with which Rec24 forms complexes in vivo. We propose that Rec24 marks LinE-associated recombination sites, that stabilization of its binding by Rec7 facilitates the loading or activation of Rec12, and that only stabilized complexes containing Rec24 and Rec7 promote DSB formation. Based on the recent report of Rec24 and Rec7 conservation, interaction between Rec24 and Rec7 might be widely conserved in DSB formation.

Sgo1 is required for co-segregation of sister chromatids during achiasmate meiosis I

The reduction of chromosome number during meiosis is achieved by two successive rounds of chromosome segregation, called meiosis I and meiosis II. While meiosis II is similar to mitosis in that sister kinetochores are bi-oriented and segregate to opposite poles, recombined homologous chromosomes segregate during the first meiotic division. Formation of chiasmata, mono-orientation of sister kinetochores and protection of centromeric cohesion are three major features of meiosis I chromosomes which ensure the reductional nature of chromosome segregation. Here we show that sister chromatids frequently segregate to opposite poles during meiosis I in fission yeast cells that lack both chiasmata and the protector of centromeric cohesion Sgo1. Our data are consistent with the notion that sister kinetochores are frequently bi-oriented in the absence of chiasmata and that Sgo1 prevents equational segregation of sister chromatids during achiasmate meiosis I.

Chiasmata promote monopolar attachment of sister chromatids and their co-segregation toward the proper pole during meiosis I

The chiasma is a structure that forms between a pair of homologous chromosomes by crossover recombination and physically links the homologous chromosomes during meiosis. Chiasmata are essential for the attachment of the homologous chromosomes to opposite spindle poles (bipolar attachment) and their subsequent segregation to the opposite poles during meiosis I. However, the overall function of chiasmata during meiosis is not fully understood. Here, we show that chiasmata also play a crucial role in the attachment of sister chromatids to the same spindle pole and in their co-segregation during meiosis I in fission yeast. Analysis of cells lacking chiasmata and the cohesin protector Sgo1 showed that loss of chiasmata causes frequent bipolar attachment of sister chromatids during anaphase. Furthermore, high time-resolution analysis of centromere dynamics in various types of chiasmate and achiasmate cells, including those lacking the DNA replication checkpoint factor Mrc1 or the meiotic centromere protein Moa1, showed the following three outcomes: (i) during the pre-anaphase stage, the bipolar attachment of sister chromatids occurs irrespective of chiasma formation; (ii) the chiasma contributes to the elimination of the pre-anaphase bipolar attachment; and (iii) when the bipolar attachment remains during anaphase, the chiasmata generate a bias toward the proper pole during poleward chromosome pulling that results in appropriate chromosome segregation. Based on these results, we propose that chiasmata play a pivotal role in the selection of proper attachments and provide a backup mechanism that promotes correct chromosome segregation when improper attachments remain during anaphase I.

Rec10- and Rec12-independent recombination in meiosis of Schizosaccharomyces pombe

The Rec10 protein, a component of the linear elements forming along sister chromatids in meiotic prophase of Schizosaccharomyces pombe, plays an important role in the activation of Rec12 for double-strand break formation, and thus the initiation of recombination between homologous chromosomes. Recombination between homologous chromosomes was moderately reduced in homozygous crosses of the C-terminal truncation mutant rec10-155 and strongly in the full deletion allele rec10-175. Both alleles were also tested in two assays for intrachromosomal recombination (PS1 and VL1) and showed only slight reductions, while deletion of rec12 led to a 13-fold reduction. The even stronger reductions in rec10 rec12 double deletion crosses indicate partially redundant functions of Rec10 and Rec12 in the initiation of intrachromosomal recombination. A low level of double-strand breaks has been detected in rec10-175 meiosis at the mbs1 hotspot of recombination, and spore viability in the double mutant was also lower than in the single-deletion mutants. Low levels of apparent crossover and conversion between homologous chromosomes in the absence of Rec12 have been quantified using a newly developed assay. The results also indicate that the functions of Rec10 differ in several respects from those of its distant homologue Red1 in Saccharomyces cerevisiae, including interactions with Hop1 and Mek1 for promotion of recombination between homologues at the expense of sister chromatid recombination.

Meiotic recombination protein Rec12: functional conservation, crossover homeostasis and early crossover/non-crossover decision

In fission yeast and other eukaryotes, Rec12 (Spo11) is thought to catalyze the formation of dsDNA breaks (DSBs) that initiate homologous recombination in meiosis. Rec12 is orthologous to the catalytic subunit of topoisomerase VI (Top6A). Guided by the crystal structure of Top6A, we engineered the rec12 locus to encode Rec12 proteins each with a single amino acid substitution in a conserved residue. Of 21 substitutions, 10 significantly reduced or abolished meiotic DSBs, gene conversion, crossover recombination and the faithful segregation of chromosomes. Critical residues map within the metal ion-binding pocket toprim (E179A, D229A, D231A), catalytic region 5Y-CAP (R94A, D95A, Y98F) and the DNA-binding interface (K201A, G202E, R209A, K242A). A subset of substitutions reduced DSBs but maintained crossovers, demonstrating crossover homeostasis. Furthermore, a strong separation of function mutation (R304A) suggests that the crossover/non-crossover decision is established early by a protein–protein interaction surface of Rec12. Fission yeast has multiple crossovers per bivalent, and chromosome segregation was robust above a threshold of about one crossover per bivalent, below which non-disjunction occurred. These results support structural and functional conservation among Rec12/Spo11/Top6A family members for the catalysis of DSBs, and they reveal how Rec12 regulates other features of meiotic chromosome dynamics.

Functional interactions among members of the meiotic initiation complex in fission yeast

DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) initiate meiotic recombination in Schizosaccharomyces pombe and in other organisms. The Rec12 protein catalyzes the formation of these DSBs in concert with a multitude of accessory proteins the role of which in this process remains to be discovered. In an all-to-all yeast two-hybrid matrix analysis, we discovered new interactions among putative members of the meiotic recombination initiation complex. We found that Rec7, an axial-element associated protein with homologies to Saccharomyces cerevisiae Rec114, is interacting with Rec24. Rec7 and Rec24 also co-immunoprecipitate in S. pombe during meiosis. An amino acid change in a conserved, C-terminal phenylalanine in Rec7, F325A interrupts the interaction with Rec24. Moreover, rec7F325A shows a recombination deficiency comparable to rec7Delta. Another interaction was detected between Rec12 and Rec14, the orthologs of which in S. cerevisiae Spo11 and Ski8 interact accordingly. Amino acid changes Rec12Q308A and Rec12R309A disrupt the interaction with Rec14, like the according amino acid changes Spo11Q376A and Spo11RE377AA loose the interaction with Ski8. Both amino acid changes in Rec12 reveal a recombination deficient rec12 (-) phenotype. We propose that both Rec7-Rec24 and Rec12-Rec14 form subcomplexes of the meiotic recombination initiation complex.

The synaptonemal complex protein Zip1 promotes bi-orientation of centromeres at meiosis I

In meiosis I, homologous chromosomes become paired and then separate from one another to opposite poles of the spindle. In humans, errors in this process are a leading cause of birth defects, mental retardation, and infertility. In most organisms, crossing-over, or exchange, between the homologous partners provides a link that promotes their proper, bipolar, attachment to the spindle. Attachment of both partners to the same pole can sometimes be corrected during a delay that is triggered by the spindle checkpoint. Studies of non-exchange chromosomes have shown that centromere pairing serves as an alternative to exchange by orienting the centromeres for proper microtubule attachment. Here, we demonstrate a new role for the synaptonemal complex protein Zip1. Zip1 localizes to the centromeres of non-exchange chromosomes in pachytene and mediates centromere pairing and segregation of the partners at meiosis I. Exchange chromosomes were also found to experience Zip1-dependent pairing at their centromeres. Zip1 was found to persist at centromeres, after synaptonemal complex disassembly, remaining there until microtubule attachment. Disruption of this centromere pairing, in spindle checkpoint mutants, randomized the segregation of exchange chromosomes. These results demonstrate that Zip1-mediated pairing of exchange chromosome centromeres promotes an initial, bipolar attachment of microtubules. This activity of Zip1 lessens the load on the spindle checkpoint, greatly reducing the chance that the cell will exit the checkpoint delay with an improperly oriented chromosome pair. Thus exchange, the spindle checkpoint, and centromere pairing are complementary mechanisms that ensure the proper segregation of homologous partners at meiosis I.

Meiosis is a specialized cell division that halves the chromosome number and results in the production of gametes. In humans, meiosis normally produces gametes containing exactly one copy of each chromosome. Meiotic errors lead to gametes with incorrect chromosome numbers, a major cause of birth defects and infertility. A key step in meiosis (meiosis I) is the separation of homologous chromosomes. Homologous chromosomes first become physically linked by recombination, which keeps them together until they attach properly at their centromeres to the apparatus that will pull them to opposite sides of the cell. In this study we have used budding yeast to identify processes, beyond recombination, that contribute to meiotic fidelity. We have found that a protein, Zip1, mediates the pairing of chromosome centromeres in a way that greatly enhances the chance they will be properly separated in meiosis, thus preventing the formation of gametes with incorrect chromosome numbers.

Meiotic DNA double-strand break repair requires two nucleases, MRN and Ctp1, to produce a single size class of Rec12 (Spo11)-oligonucleotide complexes

Programmed DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) in meiosis are formed by Spo11 (Rec12 in fission yeast), a topoisomerase II-like protein, which becomes covalently attached to DNA 5' ends. For DSB repair through homologous recombination, the protein must be removed from these DNA ends. We show here that Rec12 is endonucleolytically removed from DSB ends attached to a short oligonucleotide (Rec12-oligonucleotide complex), as is Spo11 in budding yeast. Fission yeast, however, has only one size class of Rec12-oligonucleotide complexes, whereas budding yeast has two size classes, suggesting different endonucleolytic regulatory mechanisms. Rec12-oligonucleotide generation strictly requires Ctp1 (Sae2 nuclease homolog), the Rad32 (Mre11) nuclease domain, and Rad50 of the MRN complex. Surprisingly, Nbs1 is not strictly required, indicating separable roles for the MRN subunits. On the basis of these and other data, we propose that Rad32 nuclease has the catalytic site for Rec12-oligonucleotide generation and is activated by Ctp1, which plays an additional role in meiotic recombination.

Ctp1 and Exonuclease 1, alternative nucleases regulated by the MRN complex, are required for efficient meiotic recombination

Double-strand breaks (DSBs) in DNA are lethal unless repaired. Faithful repair requires processing of the DSB ends and interaction with intact homologous DNA, which can produce genetic recombinants. To determine the role of nucleases in DSB end-processing and joint molecule resolution, we studied recombination at the site of a single DSB, generated by induction of the I-SceI endonuclease, during meiosis of fission yeast lacking Rec12 (Spo11 homolog) and, hence, other DSBs. We find that in the presence of the MRN (Rad32-Rad50-Nbs1) complex efficient recombination requires Ctp1, the ortholog of the nuclease Sae2, but not the nuclease activity of MRN. In the absence of MRN, exonuclease 1 (Exo1) becomes the major nuclease required for efficient recombination. Our data indicate that MRN enables access of Ctp1 to the DSB but blocks access of Exo1. In our assay, the Rad16-Swi10 nuclease, required for nucleotide excision-repair, is required for efficient recombination, presumably to remove heterologous DNA at the end of the I-SceI cut site. Another nuclease, the Mus81-Eme1 Holliday junction resolvase, is required to generate crossovers accompanying gene conversion at the I-SceI cut site. Additional, previously published evidence indicates that these 5 nucleases play similar roles in wild-type fission yeast meiotic recombination and in the repair of spontaneous and damage-induced mitotic DSBs. We propose that in wild-type meiosis MRN, in conjunction with Ctp1, removes the covalently attached Rec12 protein from the DNA end, which is then resected by Ctp1 and other activities to produce the single-stranded DNA necessary for further steps of DSB repair.

Improved tools for efficient mapping of fission yeast genes: identification of microtubule nucleation modifier mod22-1 as an allele of chromatin- remodelling factor gene swr1

Fission yeast genes identified in genetic screens are usually cloned by transformation of mutants with plasmid libraries. However, for some genes this can be difficult, and positional cloning approaches are required. The mutation swi5-39 reduces recombination frequency in homozygous crosses and has been used as a tool in mapping gene position (Schmidt, 1993). However, strain construction in swi5-39-based mapping is significantly more laborious than is desirable. Here we describe a set of strains designed to make swi5-based mapping more efficient and more powerful. The first improvement is the use of a swi5Δ strain marked with kanamycin (G418) resistance, which greatly facilitates identification of swi5 mutants. The second improvement, which follows directly from the first, is the introduction of a large number of auxotrophic markers into mapping strains, increasing the likelihood of finding close linkage between a marker and the mutation of interest. We combine these new mapping strains with a rec12Δ-based approach for initial mapping of a mutation to an individual chromosome. Together, the two methods allow an approximate determination of map position in only a small number of crosses. We used these to determine that mod22-1, a modifier of microtubule nucleation phenotypes, encodes a truncation allele of Swr1, a chromatin-remodelling factor involved in nucleosomal deposition of H2A.Z histone variant Pht1. Expression microarray analysis of mod22-1, swr1Δ and pht1Δ cells suggests that the modifier phenotype of mod22-1 mutants may be due to small changes in expression of one or more genes involved in tubulin function. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Genetic analysis of meiotic recombination in Schizosaccharomyces pombe

The fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe is well-suited for studying meiotic recombination. Methods are described here for culturing S. pombe and for genetic assays ofintragenic recombination (gene conversion), intergenic recombination (crossing-over), and spore viability. Both random spore and tetrad analyses are described.

Indistinguishable landscapes of meiotic DNA breaks in rad50+ and rad50S strains of fission yeast revealed by a novel rad50+ recombination intermediate

The fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe Rec12 protein, the homolog of Spo11 in other organisms, initiates meiotic recombination by creating DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) and becoming covalently linked to the DNA ends of the break. This protein-DNA linkage has previously been detected only in mutants such as rad50S in which break repair is impeded and DSBs accumulate. In the budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, the DSB distribution in a rad50S mutant is markedly different from that in wild-type (RAD50) meiosis, and it was suggested that this might also be true for other organisms. Here, we show that we can detect Rec12-DNA linkages in Sc. pombe rad50(+) cells, which are proficient for DSB repair. In contrast to the results from Sa. cerevisiae, genome-wide microarray analysis of Rec12-DNA reveals indistinguishable meiotic DSB distributions in rad50(+) and rad50S strains of Sc. pombe. These results confirm our earlier findings describing the occurrence of widely spaced DSBs primarily in large intergenic regions of DNA and demonstrate the relevance and usefulness of fission yeast studies employing rad50S. We propose that the differential behavior of rad50S strains reflects a major difference in DSB regulation between the two species--specifically, the requirement for the Rad50-containing complex for DSB formation in budding yeast but not in fission yeast. Use of rad50S and related mutations may be a useful method for DSB analysis in other species.

Sites of strong Rec12/Spo11 binding in the fission yeast genome are associated with meiotic recombination and with centromeres

Meiotic recombination arises from Rec12/Spo11-dependent formation of DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) and their subsequent repair. We identified Rec12-binding peaks across the Schizosaccharomyces pombe genome using chromatin immunoprecipitation after reversible formaldehyde cross-linking combined with whole-genome DNA microarrays. Strong Rec12 binding coincided with previously identified DSBs at the recombination hotspots ura4A, mbs1, and mbs2 and correlated with DSB formation at a new site. In addition, Rec12 binding corresponded to eight novel conversion hotspots and correlated with crossover density in segments of chromosome I. Notably, Rec12 binding inversely correlated with guanine-cytosine (GC) content, contrary to findings in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Although both replication origins and Rec12-binding sites preferred AT-rich gene-free regions, they seemed to exclude each other. We also uncovered a connection between binding sites of Rec12 and meiotic cohesin Rec8. Rec12-binding peaks lay often within 2.5 kb of a Rec8-binding peak. Rec12 binding showed preference for large intergenic regions and was found to bind preferentially near to genes expressed strongly in meiosis. Surprisingly, Rec12 binding was also detected in centromeric core regions, which raises the intriguing possibility that Rec12 plays additional roles in meiotic chromosome dynamics.

The fission yeast BLM homolog Rqh1 promotes meiotic recombination

RecQ helicases are found in organisms as diverse as bacteria, fungi, and mammals. These proteins promote genome stability, and mutations affecting human RecQ proteins underlie premature aging and cancer predisposition syndromes, including Bloom syndrome, caused by mutations affecting the BLM protein. In this study we show that mutants lacking the Rqh1 protein of the fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe, a RecQ and BLM homolog, have substantially reduced meiotic recombination, both gene conversions and crossovers. The relative proportion of gene conversions having associated crossovers is unchanged from that in wild type. In rqh1 mutants, meiotic DNA double-strand breaks are formed and disappear with wild-type frequency and kinetics, and spore viability is only moderately reduced. Genetic analyses and the wild-type frequency of both intersister and interhomolog joint molecules argue against these phenotypes being explained by an increase in intersister recombination at the expense of interhomolog recombination. We suggest that Rqh1 extends hybrid DNA and biases the recombination outcome toward crossing over. Our results contrast dramatically with those from the budding yeast ortholog, Sgs1, which has a meiotic antirecombination function that suppresses recombination events involving more than two DNA duplexes. These observations underscore the multiple recombination functions of RecQ homologs and emphasize that even conserved proteins can be adapted to play different roles in different organisms.

The Rad52 homologs Rad22 and Rti1 of Schizosaccharomyces pombe are not essential for meiotic interhomolog recombination, but are required for meiotic intrachromosomal recombination and mating-type-related DNA repair

Proteins of the RAD52 epistasis group play an essential role in repair of some types of DNA damage and genetic recombination. In Schizosaccharomyces pombe, Rad22 (a Rad52 ortholog) has been shown to be as necessary for repair and recombination events during vegetative growth as its Saccharomyces cerevisiae counterpart. This finding contrasts with previous reports where, due to suppressor mutations in the fbh1 gene, rad22 mutants did not display a severe defect. We have analyzed the roles of Rad22 and Rti1, another Rad52 homolog, during meiotic recombination and meiosis in general. Both proteins play an important role in spore viability. During meiotic prophase I, they partially colocalize and partially localize to Rad51 foci and linear elements. Genetic analysis showed that meiotic interchromosomal crossover and conversion events were unexpectedly not much affected by deletion of either or both genes. A strong decrease of intrachromosomal recombination assayed by a gene duplication construct was observed. Therefore, we propose that the most important function of Rad22 and Rti1 in S. pombe meiosis is repair of double-strand breaks with involvement of the sister chromatids. In addition, a novel mating-type-related repair function of Rad22 specific to meiosis and spore germination is described.

Meiotic pairing and disjunction of mini-X chromosomes in drosophila is mediated by 240-bp rDNA repeats and the homolog conjunction proteins SNM and MNM

In most eukaryotes, segregation of homologous chromosomes during meiosis is dependent on crossovers that occur while the homologs are intimately paired during early prophase. Crossovers generate homolog connectors known as chiasmata that are stabilized by cohesion between sister-chromatid arms. In Drosophila males, homologs pair and segregate without recombining or forming chiasmata. Stable pairing of homologs is dependent on two proteins, SNM and MNM, that associate with chromosomes throughout meiosis I until their removal at anaphase I. SNM and MNM localize to the rDNA region of the X-Y pair, which contains 240-bp repeats that have previously been shown to function as cis-acting chromosome pairing/segregation sites. Here we show that heterochromatic mini-X chromosomes lacking native rDNA but carrying transgenic 240-bp repeat arrays segregate preferentially from full-length sex chromosomes and from each other. Mini-X pairs do not form autonomous bivalents but do associate at high frequency with the X-Y bivalent to form trivalents and quadrivalents. Both disjunction of mini-X pairs and multivalent formation are dependent on the presence of SNM and MNM. These results imply that 240-bp repeats function to mediate association of sex chromosomes with SNM and MNM.

Homologous chromosome pairing in Schizosaccharomyces pombe

Homologous chromosome pairing is a central feature of meiosis I, contributing to the correct segregation of chromosomes during meiosis. The fission yeast, Schizosaccharomyces pombe, has been widely used to study meiotic chromosome dynamics, partly because studies in this yeast are simplified due to the lack of post-pairing synaptic structures. Chromosome pairing in Sz. pombe occurs differentially throughout the genome. Telomeres cluster at the spindle pole body (SPB) at the onset of meiosis, imposing a spatial restriction on pairing events. Subsequently, centromeres dissociate from the SPB and pair in a recombination- and heterochromatin (Swi6)-independent fashion. Pairing of telomere distal regions occurs during meiotic prophase, concomitant with a dynamic association/dissociation of homologous regions, with interhomologue associations becoming increasingly stable. The stabilization of paired regions is enhanced by factors required for the initiation of meiotic recombination, suggesting that recombination stabilizes paired regions. However, substantial pairing is initiated in the absence of recombination; this is dependent upon another factor, the conserved Meu13 protein, demonstrating that recombination is not required for initial pairing interactions. During meiotic prophase Sz. pombe exhibits a pronounced dynein-dependent nuclear oscillation, which drives the pairing of centromeric and interstitial regions. Dynein is also required for the significant levels of achiasmate reductional segregation observed in Sz. pombe, possibly implicating the centromere-associated pairing with achiasmate homologue segregation. Whilst Sz. pombe does not form discernable synaptic structures continuously along the meiotic chromosomes, it does form proteinacious, meiosis-specific, linear structures (linear elements). However, the role, if any, of these structures in mediating homologue pairing is unknown.

An analysis of univalent segregation in meiotic mutants of Arabidopsis thaliana: a possible role for synaptonemal complex

During first meiotic prophase, homologous chromosomes are normally kept together by both crossovers and synaptonemal complexes (SC). In most eukaryotes, the SC disassembles at diplotene, leaving chromosomes joined by chiasmata. The correct co-orientation of bivalents at metaphase I and the reductional segregation at anaphase I are facilitated by chiasmata and sister-chromatid cohesion. In the absence of meiotic reciprocal recombination, homologs are expected to segregate randomly at anaphase I. Here, we have analyzed the segregation of homologous chromosomes at anaphase I in four meiotic mutants of Arabidopsis thaliana, spo11-1-3, dsy1, mpa1, and asy1, which show a high frequency of univalents at diplotene. The segregation pattern of chromosomes 2, 4, and 5 was different in each mutant. Homologous univalents segregated randomly in spo11-1-3, whereas they did not in dsy1 and mpa1. An intermediate situation was observed in asy1. Also, we have found a parallelism between this behavior and the synaptic pattern displayed by each mutant. Thus, whereas spo11-1-3 and asy1 showed low amounts of SC stretches, dsy1 and mpa1 showed full synapsis. These findings suggest that in Arabidopsis there is a system, depending on the SC formation, that would facilitate regular disjunction of homologous univalents to opposite poles at anaphase I.

The meiotic bouquet promotes homolog interactions and restricts ectopic recombination in Schizosaccharomyces pombe

Chromosome architecture undergoes extensive, programmed changes as cells enter meiosis. A highly conserved change is the clustering of telomeres at the nuclear periphery to form the "bouquet" configuration. In the fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe the bouquet and associated nuclear movement facilitate initial interactions between homologs. We show that Bqt2, a meiosis-specific protein required for bouquet formation, is required for wild-type levels of homolog pairing and meiotic allelic recombination. Both gene conversion and crossing over are reduced and exhibit negative interference in bqt2Delta mutants, reflecting reduced homolog pairing. While both the bouquet and nuclear movement promote pairing, only the bouquet restricts ectopic recombination (that between dispersed repetitive DNA). We discuss mechanisms by which the bouquet may prevent deleterious translocations by restricting ectopic recombination.

Chromosome pairing and meiotic recombination in Neurospora crassa spo11 mutants

Some organisms, such as mammals, green plants and fungi, require double-strand breaks in DNA (DSBs) for synapsis of homologous chromosomes at pachynema. Drosophila melanogaster and Caenorhabditis elegans are exceptions, achieving synapsis independently of DSB. SPO11 is responsible for generating DSBs and perhaps for the initiation of recombination in all organisms. Although it was previously suggested that Neurospora may not require DSBs for synapsis, we report here that mutation of Neurospora spo11 disrupts meiosis, abolishing synapsis of homologous chromosomes during pachynema and resulting in ascospores that are frequently aneuploid and rarely viable. Alignment of homologues is partially restored after exposure of spo11 perithecia to ionising radiation. Crossing over in a spo11 mutant is reduced in two regions of the Neurospora genome as expected, but is unaffected in a third.

Hsk1 kinase is required for induction of meiotic dsDNA breaks without involving checkpoint kinases in fission yeast

Cdc7 kinase, conserved through evolution, is known to be essential for mitotic DNA replication. The role of Cdc7 in meiotic recombination was suggested in Saccharomyces cerevisiae, but its precise role has not been addressed. Here, we report that Hsk1, the Cdc7-related kinase in Schizosaccharomyces pombe, plays a crucial role during meiosis. In a hsk1 temperature-sensitive strain (hsk1-89), meiosis is arrested with one nucleus state before meiosis I in most of the cells and meiotic recombination frequency is reduced by one order of magnitude, whereas premeiotic DNA replication is delayed but is apparently completed. Strikingly, formation of meiotic dsDNA breaks (DSBs) are largely impaired in the mutant, and Hsk1 kinase activity is essential for these processes. Deletion of all three checkpoint kinases, namely Cds1, Chk1, and Mek1, does not restore DSB formation, meiosis, or Cdc2 activation, which is suppressed in hsk1-89, suggesting that these aberrations are not caused by known checkpoint pathways but that Hsk1 may regulate DSB formation and meiosis. Whereas transcriptional induction of some rec genes and horsetail movement are normal, chromatin remodeling at ade6-M26, a recombination hotspot, which is prerequisite for subsequent DSB formation at this locus, is not observed in hsk1-89. These results indicate unique and essential roles of Hsk1 kinase in the initiation of meiotic recombination and meiosis.

Novel genes required for meiotic chromosome segregation are identified by a high-throughput knockout screen in fission yeast

Two rounds of chromosome segregation after only a single round of DNA replication enable the production of haploid gametes from diploid precursors during meiosis. To identify genes involved in meiotic chromosome segregation, we developed an efficient strategy to knock out genes in the fission yeast on a large scale. We used this technique to delete 180 functionally uncharacterized genes whose expression is upregulated during meiosis. Deletion of two genes, sgo1 and mde2, caused massive chromosome missegregation. sgo1 is required for retention of centromeric sister-chromatid cohesion after anaphase I. We show here that mde2 is required for formation of the double-strand breaks necessary for meiotic recombination.

Activation of an alternative, rec12 (spo11)-independent pathway of fission yeast meiotic recombination in the absence of a DNA flap endonuclease

Spo11 or a homologous protein appears to be essential for meiotic DNA double-strand break (DSB) formation and recombination in all organisms tested. We report here the first example of an alternative, mutationally activated pathway for meiotic recombination in the absence of Rec12, the Spo11 homolog of Schizosaccharomyces pombe. Rad2, a FEN-1 flap endonuclease homolog, is involved in processing Okazaki fragments. In its absence, meiotic recombination and proper segregation of chromosomes were restored in rec12Delta mutants to nearly wild-type levels. Although readily detectable in wild-type strains, meiosis-specific DSBs were undetectable in recombination-proficient rad2Delta rec12Delta strains. On the basis of the biochemical properties of Rad2, we propose that meiotic recombination by this alternative (Rec*) pathway can be initiated by non-DSB lesions, such as nicks and gaps, which accumulate during premeiotic DNA replication in the absence of Okazaki fragment processing. We compare the Rec* pathway to alternative pathways of homologous recombination in other organisms.

A large-scale screen in S. pombe identifies seven novel genes required for critical meiotic events

Meiosis is a specialized form of cell division by which sexually reproducing diploid organisms generate haploid gametes. During a long prophase, telomeres cluster into the bouquet configuration to aid chromosome pairing, and DNA replication is followed by high levels of recombination between homologous chromosomes (homologs). This recombination is important for the reductional segregation of homologs at the first meiotic division; without further replication, a second meiotic division yields haploid nuclei. In the fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe, we have deleted 175 meiotically upregulated genes and found seven genes not previously reported to be critical for meiotic events. Three mutants (rec24, rec25, and rec27) had strongly reduced meiosis-specific DNA double-strand breakage and recombination. One mutant (tht2) was deficient in karyogamy, and two (bqt1 and bqt2) were deficient in telomere clustering, explaining their defects in recombination and segregation. The moa1 mutant was delayed in premeiotic S phase progression and nuclear divisions. Further analysis of these mutants will help elucidate the complex machinery governing the special behavior of meiotic chromosomes.

A DNA binding motif of meiotic recombinase Rec12 (Spo11) defined by essential glycine-202, and persistence of Rec12 protein after completion of recombination

The Rec12 (Spo11) protein of the fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe is a meiosis-specific ortholog of the catalytic subunit of type VI topoisomerases and is thought to catalyze double-strand DNA breaks that initiate recombination. We tested the hypothesis that the rec12-117 allele affects the choice of pathways by which recombination is resolved. DNA sequence analysis revealed a single missense mutation in the coding region (rec12-G202E). The corresponding glycine-202 residue of Rec12 protein is strictly conserved in proteins of the Rec12/Spo11/Top6A family. It maps to the base of the DNA binding pocket in the crystal structure of the archaeal ortholog, Top6A. The rec12-G202E mutants lacked crossover and non-crossover recombination, demonstrating that rec12-G202E does not affect choice of resolution pathway. Like rec12-D15 null mutants, the rec12-G202E mutants suffered chromosome segregation errors in meiosis I. The Rec12-G202E protein was as stable as wild-type Rec12, demonstrating that glycine-202 is essential for a biochemical activity of Rec12 protein, rather than for its stability. These findings suggest that Rec12 facilitates binding of the meiotic recombinase to its substrate, DNA. Interestingly, the bulk of Rec12 protein persisted until the time of anaphase I, and a portion of Rec12 protein persisted until the time of anaphase II, after which it was undetectable. This suggests that Rec12 protein has additional meiotic functions after completion of recombination in prophase, as inferred previously from genetic studies [Sharif, W.D., Glick, G.G., Davidson, M.K., Wahls, W.P., 2002. Distinct functions of S. pombe Rec12 (Spo11) protein and Rec12-dependent crossover recombination (chiasmata) in meiosis I; and a requirement for Rec12 in meiosis II. Cell Chromo. 1, 1].

Cohesins are required for meiotic DNA breakage and recombination in Schizosaccharomyces pombe

In preparation for the unique segregation of homologs at the first meiotic division, chromosomes undergo dramatic changes. The meiosis-specific sister chromatid cohesins Rec8 and Rec11 of Schizosaccharomyces pombe are recruited around the time of premeiotic replication, and Rec10, a component of meiosis-specific linear elements, is subsequently added. Here we report that Rec10 is essential for meiosis-specific DNA breakage by Rec12 (Spo11 homolog) and for meiotic recombination. DNA breakage and recombination also depend on the Rec8 and Rec11 cohesins, strictly in some genomic intervals but less so in others. Thus, in addition to their previously recognized role in meiotic chromosome segregation, cohesins have a direct role, as do linear element components, in meiotic recombination by enabling double-strand DNA break formation by Rec12. Our results reveal a pathway, whose regulation is significantly different from that in the distantly related yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, for meiosis-specific chromosome differentiation and high-frequency recombination.

Conserved and nonconserved proteins for meiotic DNA breakage and repair in yeasts

During meiosis DNA double-strand breaks initiate recombination in the distantly related budding and fission yeasts and perhaps in most eukaryotes. Repair of broken meiotic DNA is essential for formation of viable gametes. We report here distinct but overlapping sets of proteins in these yeasts required for formation and repair of double-strand breaks. Meiotic DNA breakage in Schizosaccharomyces pombe did not require Rad50 or Rad32, although the homologs Rad50 and Mre11 are required in Saccharomyces cerevisiae; these proteins are required for meiotic DNA break repair in both yeasts. DNA breakage required the S. pombe midmeiosis transcription factor Mei4, but the structurally unrelated midmeiosis transcription factor Ndt80 is not required for breakage in S. cerevisiae. Rhp51, Swi5, and Rad22 + Rti1 were required for full levels of DNA repair in S. pombe, as are the related S. cerevisiae proteins Rad51, Sae3, and Rad52. Dmc1 was not required for repair in S. pombe, but its homolog Dmc1 is required in the well-studied strain SK1 of S. cerevisiae. Additional proteins required in one yeast have no obvious homologs in the other yeast. The occurrence of conserved and nonconserved proteins indicates potential diversity in the mechanism of meiotic recombination and divergence of the machinery during the evolution of eukaryotes.