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Sampathkumar A, Zhong C, Tang Y, Fujita Y, Ito M, Shinohara A. Replication protein-A, RPA, plays a pivotal role in the maintenance of recombination checkpoint in yeast meiosis. Sci Rep 2024; 14:9550. [PMID: 38664461 PMCID: PMC11045724 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-60082-x] [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: 09/27/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) activate DNA damage responses (DDRs) in both mitotic and meiotic cells. A single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) binding protein, Replication protein-A (RPA) binds to the ssDNA formed at DSBs to activate ATR/Mec1 kinase for the response. Meiotic DSBs induce homologous recombination monitored by a meiotic DDR called the recombination checkpoint that blocks the pachytene exit in meiotic prophase I. In this study, we further characterized the essential role of RPA in the maintenance of the recombination checkpoint during Saccharomyces cerevisiae meiosis. The depletion of an RPA subunit, Rfa1, in a recombination-defective dmc1 mutant, fully alleviates the pachytene arrest with the persistent unrepaired DSBs. RPA depletion decreases the activity of a meiosis-specific CHK2 homolog, Mek1 kinase, which in turn activates the Ndt80 transcriptional regulator for pachytene exit. These support the idea that RPA is a sensor of ssDNAs for the activation of meiotic DDR. Rfa1 depletion also accelerates the prophase I delay in the zip1 mutant defective in both chromosome synapsis and the recombination, consistent with the notion that the accumulation of ssDNAs rather than defective synapsis triggers prophase I delay in the zip1 mutant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arivarasan Sampathkumar
- Institute for Protein Research, University of Osaka, 3-2 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
| | - Chen Zhong
- Institute for Protein Research, University of Osaka, 3-2 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
| | - Yuting Tang
- Institute for Protein Research, University of Osaka, 3-2 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
| | - Yurika Fujita
- Institute for Protein Research, University of Osaka, 3-2 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
| | - Masaru Ito
- Institute for Protein Research, University of Osaka, 3-2 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
| | - Akira Shinohara
- Institute for Protein Research, University of Osaka, 3-2 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan.
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2
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Joo JH, Hong S, Higashide MT, Choi EH, Yoon S, Lee MS, Kang HA, Shinohara A, Kleckner N, Kim KP. RPA interacts with Rad52 to promote meiotic crossover and noncrossover recombination. Nucleic Acids Res 2024; 52:3794-3809. [PMID: 38340339 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkae083] [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: 02/19/2023] [Revised: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 01/27/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Meiotic recombination is initiated by programmed double-strand breaks (DSBs). Studies in Saccharomyces cerevisiae have shown that, following rapid resection to generate 3' single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) tails, one DSB end engages a homolog partner chromatid and is extended by DNA synthesis, whereas the other end remains associated with its sister. Then, after regulated differentiation into crossover- and noncrossover-fated types, the second DSB end participates in the reaction by strand annealing with the extended first end, along both pathways. This second-end capture is dependent on Rad52, presumably via its known capacity to anneal two ssDNAs. Here, using physical analysis of DNA recombination, we demonstrate that this process is dependent on direct interaction of Rad52 with the ssDNA binding protein, replication protein A (RPA). Furthermore, the absence of this Rad52-RPA joint activity results in a cytologically-prominent RPA spike, which emerges from the homolog axes at sites of crossovers during the pachytene stage of the meiotic prophase. Our findings suggest that this spike represents the DSB end of a broken chromatid caused by either the displaced leading DSB end or the second DSB end, which has been unable to engage with the partner homolog-associated ssDNA. These and other results imply a close correspondence between Rad52-RPA roles in meiotic recombination and mitotic DSB repair.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeong H Joo
- Department of Life Sciences, Chung-Ang University, Seoul 06974, South Korea
| | - Soogil Hong
- Department of Life Sciences, Chung-Ang University, Seoul 06974, South Korea
| | - Mika T Higashide
- Institute for Protein Research, Graduate School of Science, Osaka University, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Eui-Hwan Choi
- Department of Life Sciences, Chung-Ang University, Seoul 06974, South Korea
- New Drug Development Center, Daegu-Gyeongbuk Medical Innovation Foundation, Deagu 41061, South Korea
| | - Seobin Yoon
- Department of Life Sciences, Chung-Ang University, Seoul 06974, South Korea
| | - Min-Su Lee
- Department of Life Sciences, Chung-Ang University, Seoul 06974, South Korea
| | - Hyun Ah Kang
- Department of Life Sciences, Chung-Ang University, Seoul 06974, South Korea
| | - Akira Shinohara
- Institute for Protein Research, Graduate School of Science, Osaka University, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Nancy Kleckner
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge 02138, USA
| | - Keun P Kim
- Department of Life Sciences, Chung-Ang University, Seoul 06974, South Korea
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3
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Zickler D, Kleckner N. Meiosis: Dances Between Homologs. Annu Rev Genet 2023; 57:1-63. [PMID: 37788458 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-genet-061323-044915] [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] [Indexed: 10/05/2023]
Abstract
The raison d'être of meiosis is shuffling of genetic information via Mendelian segregation and, within individual chromosomes, by DNA crossing-over. These outcomes are enabled by a complex cellular program in which interactions between homologous chromosomes play a central role. We first provide a background regarding the basic principles of this program. We then summarize the current understanding of the DNA events of recombination and of three processes that involve whole chromosomes: homolog pairing, crossover interference, and chiasma maturation. All of these processes are implemented by direct physical interaction of recombination complexes with underlying chromosome structures. Finally, we present convergent lines of evidence that the meiotic program may have evolved by coupling of this interaction to late-stage mitotic chromosome morphogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Denise Zickler
- Institute for Integrative Biology of the Cell (I2BC), Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Université Paris-Sud, Université Paris-Saclay, Gif-sur-Yvette, France
| | - Nancy Kleckner
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA;
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4
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Rhee K, Choi H, Kim KP, Joo JH. A Method for Physical Analysis of Recombination Intermediates in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. J Microbiol 2023; 61:939-951. [PMID: 38082069 DOI: 10.1007/s12275-023-00094-w] [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: 10/09/2023] [Revised: 11/05/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
Meiosis is a process through which diploid cells divide into haploid cells, thus promoting genetic diversity. This diversity arises from the formation of genetic crossovers (COs) that repair DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs), through homologous recombination (HR). Deficiencies in HR can lead to chromosomal abnormality resulting from chromosomal nondisjunction, and genetic disorders. Therefore, investigating the mechanisms underlying effective HR is crucial for reducing genome instability. Budding yeast serves as an ideal model for studying HR mechanisms due to its amenability to gene modifications and the ease of inducing synchronized meiosis to yield four spores. During meiosis, at the DNA level, programmed DSBs are repaired as COs or non-crossovers (NCOs) through structural alterations in the nascent D-loop, involving single-end invasions (SEIs) and double-Holliday junctions (dHJs). This repair occurs using homologous templates rather than sister templates. This protocol, using Southern blotting, allows for the analysis and monitoring of changes in DNA structures in the recombination process. One-dimensional (1D) gel electrophoresis is employed to detect DSBs, COs, and NCOs, while two-dimensional (2D) gel electrophoresis is utilized to identify joint molecules (JMs). Therefore, physical analysis is considered the most effective method for investigating the HR mechanism. Our protocol provides more comprehensive information than previous reports by introducing conditions for obtaining a greater number of cells from synchronized yeast and a method that can analyze not only meiotic/mitotic recombination but also mitotic replication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kiwon Rhee
- Department of Life Science, Chung-Ang University, Seoul, 06974, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyungseok Choi
- Department of Life Science, Chung-Ang University, Seoul, 06974, Republic of Korea
| | - Keun P Kim
- Department of Life Science, Chung-Ang University, Seoul, 06974, Republic of Korea.
| | - Jeong H Joo
- Department of Life Science, Chung-Ang University, Seoul, 06974, Republic of Korea.
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5
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Börner GV, Hochwagen A, MacQueen AJ. Meiosis in budding yeast. Genetics 2023; 225:iyad125. [PMID: 37616582 PMCID: PMC10550323 DOI: 10.1093/genetics/iyad125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2022] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Meiosis is a specialized cell division program that is essential for sexual reproduction. The two meiotic divisions reduce chromosome number by half, typically generating haploid genomes that are packaged into gametes. To achieve this ploidy reduction, meiosis relies on highly unusual chromosomal processes including the pairing of homologous chromosomes, assembly of the synaptonemal complex, programmed formation of DNA breaks followed by their processing into crossovers, and the segregation of homologous chromosomes during the first meiotic division. These processes are embedded in a carefully orchestrated cell differentiation program with multiple interdependencies between DNA metabolism, chromosome morphogenesis, and waves of gene expression that together ensure the correct number of chromosomes is delivered to the next generation. Studies in the budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae have established essentially all fundamental paradigms of meiosis-specific chromosome metabolism and have uncovered components and molecular mechanisms that underlie these conserved processes. Here, we provide an overview of all stages of meiosis in this key model system and highlight how basic mechanisms of genome stability, chromosome architecture, and cell cycle control have been adapted to achieve the unique outcome of meiosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Valentin Börner
- Center for Gene Regulation in Health and Disease (GRHD), Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences, Cleveland State University, Cleveland, OH 44115, USA
| | | | - Amy J MacQueen
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Wesleyan University, Middletown, CT 06459, USA
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6
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Llano E, Pendás AM. Synaptonemal Complex in Human Biology and Disease. Cells 2023; 12:1718. [PMID: 37443752 PMCID: PMC10341275 DOI: 10.3390/cells12131718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2023] [Revised: 06/16/2023] [Accepted: 06/18/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The synaptonemal complex (SC) is a meiosis-specific multiprotein complex that forms between homologous chromosomes during prophase of meiosis I. Upon assembly, the SC mediates the synapses of the homologous chromosomes, leading to the formation of bivalents, and physically supports the formation of programmed double-strand breaks (DSBs) and their subsequent repair and maturation into crossovers (COs), which are essential for genome haploidization. Defects in the assembly of the SC or in the function of the associated meiotic recombination machinery can lead to meiotic arrest and human infertility. The majority of proteins and complexes involved in these processes are exclusively expressed during meiosis or harbor meiosis-specific subunits, although some have dual functions in somatic DNA repair and meiosis. Consistent with their functions, aberrant expression and malfunctioning of these genes have been associated with cancer development. In this review, we focus on the significance of the SC and their meiotic-associated proteins in human fertility, as well as how human genetic variants encoding for these proteins affect the meiotic process and contribute to infertility and cancer development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Llano
- Departamento Fisiología y Farmacología, Universidad de Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain
- Molecular Mechanisms Program, Centro de Investigación del Cáncer, Instituto de Biologıía Molecular y Celular del Cáncer, CSIC-Universidad de Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain;
| | - Alberto M. Pendás
- Molecular Mechanisms Program, Centro de Investigación del Cáncer, Instituto de Biologıía Molecular y Celular del Cáncer, CSIC-Universidad de Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain;
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7
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Shinohara M, Shinohara A. The Msh5 complex shows homeostatic localization in response to DNA double-strand breaks in yeast meiosis. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1170689. [PMID: 37274743 PMCID: PMC10232913 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1170689] [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: 02/21/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Meiotic crossing over is essential for the segregation of homologous chromosomes. The formation and distribution of meiotic crossovers (COs), which are initiated by the formation of double-strand break (DSB), are tightly regulated to ensure at least one CO per bivalent. One type of CO control, CO homeostasis, maintains a consistent level of COs despite fluctuations in DSB numbers. Here, we analyzed the localization of proteins involved in meiotic recombination in budding yeast xrs2 hypomorphic mutants which show different levels of DSBs. The number of cytological foci with recombinases, Rad51 and Dmc1, which mark single-stranded DNAs at DSB sites is proportional to the DSB numbers. Among the pro-CO factor, ZMM/SIC proteins, the focus number of Zip3, Mer3, or Spo22/Zip4, was linearly proportional to reduced DSBs in the xrs2 mutant. In contrast, foci of Msh5, a component of the MutSγ complex, showed a non-linear response to reduced DSBs. We also confirmed the homeostatic response of COs by genetic analysis of meiotic recombination in the xrs2 mutants and found a chromosome-specific homeostatic response of COs. Our study suggests that the homeostatic response of the Msh5 assembly to reduced DSBs was genetically distinct from that of the Zip3 assembly for CO control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miki Shinohara
- Department of Advanced Bioscience, Graduate School of Agriculture, Kindai University, Nara, Japan
- Agricultural Technology and Innovation Research Institute, Kindai University, Nara, Japan
- Institute for Protein Research, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Akira Shinohara
- Institute for Protein Research, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
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8
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Zhang L, Stauffer WT, Wang JS, Wu F, Yu Z, Liu C, Kim HJ, Dernburg AF. Recruitment of Polo-like kinase couples synapsis to meiotic progression via inactivation of CHK-2. eLife 2023; 12:84492. [PMID: 36700544 PMCID: PMC9998088 DOI: 10.7554/elife.84492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2022] [Accepted: 01/25/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Meiotic chromosome segregation relies on synapsis and crossover (CO) recombination between homologous chromosomes. These processes require multiple steps that are coordinated by the meiotic cell cycle and monitored by surveillance mechanisms. In diverse species, failures in chromosome synapsis can trigger a cell cycle delay and/or lead to apoptosis. How this key step in 'homolog engagement' is sensed and transduced by meiotic cells is unknown. Here we report that in C. elegans, recruitment of the Polo-like kinase PLK-2 to the synaptonemal complex triggers phosphorylation and inactivation of CHK-2, an early meiotic kinase required for pairing, synapsis, and double-strand break (DSB) induction. Inactivation of CHK-2 terminates DSB formation and enables CO designation and cell cycle progression. These findings illuminate how meiotic cells ensure CO formation and accurate chromosome segregation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liangyu Zhang
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, BerkeleyBerkeleyUnited States
- California Institute for Quantitative BiosciencesBerkeleyUnited States
- Howard Hughes Medical InstituteChevy ChaseUnited States
- Biological Systems and Engineering Division, Lawrence Berkeley National LaboratoryBerkeleyUnited States
| | - Weston T Stauffer
- Howard Hughes Medical InstituteChevy ChaseUnited States
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of California, BerkeleyBerkeleyUnited States
| | - John S Wang
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, BerkeleyBerkeleyUnited States
- Howard Hughes Medical InstituteChevy ChaseUnited States
| | - Fan Wu
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, BerkeleyBerkeleyUnited States
- Howard Hughes Medical InstituteChevy ChaseUnited States
| | - Zhouliang Yu
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, BerkeleyBerkeleyUnited States
- California Institute for Quantitative BiosciencesBerkeleyUnited States
- Howard Hughes Medical InstituteChevy ChaseUnited States
- Biological Systems and Engineering Division, Lawrence Berkeley National LaboratoryBerkeleyUnited States
| | - Chenshu Liu
- California Institute for Quantitative BiosciencesBerkeleyUnited States
- Howard Hughes Medical InstituteChevy ChaseUnited States
| | - Hyung Jun Kim
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, BerkeleyBerkeleyUnited States
| | - Abby F Dernburg
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, BerkeleyBerkeleyUnited States
- California Institute for Quantitative BiosciencesBerkeleyUnited States
- Howard Hughes Medical InstituteChevy ChaseUnited States
- Biological Systems and Engineering Division, Lawrence Berkeley National LaboratoryBerkeleyUnited States
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9
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Ito M, Shinohara A. Chromosome architecture and homologous recombination in meiosis. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 10:1097446. [PMID: 36684419 PMCID: PMC9853400 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.1097446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2022] [Accepted: 12/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Meiocytes organize higher-order chromosome structures comprising arrays of chromatin loops organized at their bases by linear axes. As meiotic prophase progresses, the axes of homologous chromosomes align and synapse along their lengths to form ladder-like structures called synaptonemal complexes (SCs). The entire process of meiotic recombination, from initiation via programmed DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) to completion of DSB repair with crossover or non-crossover outcomes, occurs in the context of chromosome axes and SCs. These meiosis-specific chromosome structures provide specialized environments for the regulation of DSB formation and crossing over. In this review, we summarize insights into the importance of chromosome architecture in the regulation of meiotic recombination, focusing on cohesin-mediated axis formation, DSB regulation via tethered loop-axis complexes, inter-homolog template bias facilitated by axial proteins, and crossover regulation in the context of the SCs. We also discuss emerging evidence that the SUMO and the ubiquitin-proteasome system function in the organization of chromosome structure and regulation of meiotic recombination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masaru Ito
- *Correspondence: Masaru Ito, ; Akira Shinohara,
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10
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Ziesel A, Weng Q, Ahuja JS, Bhattacharya A, Dutta R, Cheng E, Börner GV, Lichten M, Hollingsworth NM. Rad51-mediated interhomolog recombination during budding yeast meiosis is promoted by the meiotic recombination checkpoint and the conserved Pif1 helicase. PLoS Genet 2022; 18:e1010407. [PMID: 36508468 PMCID: PMC9779700 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1010407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2022] [Revised: 12/22/2022] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
During meiosis, recombination between homologous chromosomes (homologs) generates crossovers that promote proper segregation at the first meiotic division. Recombination is initiated by Spo11-catalyzed DNA double strand breaks (DSBs). 5' end resection of the DSBs creates 3' single strand tails that two recombinases, Rad51 and Dmc1, bind to form presynaptic filaments that search for homology, mediate strand invasion and generate displacement loops (D-loops). D-loop processing then forms crossover and non-crossover recombinants. Meiotic recombination occurs in two temporally distinct phases. During Phase 1, Rad51 is inhibited and Dmc1 mediates the interhomolog recombination that promotes homolog synapsis. In Phase 2, Rad51 becomes active and functions with Rad54 to repair residual DSBs, making increasing use of sister chromatids. The transition from Phase 1 to Phase 2 is controlled by the meiotic recombination checkpoint through the meiosis-specific effector kinase Mek1. This work shows that constitutive activation of Rad51 in Phase 1 results in a subset of DSBs being repaired by a Rad51-mediated interhomolog recombination pathway that is distinct from that of Dmc1. Strand invasion intermediates generated by Rad51 require more time to be processed into recombinants, resulting in a meiotic recombination checkpoint delay in prophase I. Without the checkpoint, Rad51-generated intermediates are more likely to involve a sister chromatid, thereby increasing Meiosis I chromosome nondisjunction. This Rad51 interhomolog recombination pathway is specifically promoted by the conserved 5'-3' helicase PIF1 and its paralog, RRM3 and requires Pif1 helicase activity and its interaction with PCNA. This work demonstrates that (1) inhibition of Rad51 during Phase 1 is important to prevent competition with Dmc1 for DSB repair, (2) Rad51-mediated meiotic recombination intermediates are initially processed differently than those made by Dmc1, and (3) the meiotic recombination checkpoint provides time during prophase 1 for processing of Rad51-generated recombination intermediates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Ziesel
- Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York, United States of America
| | - Qixuan Weng
- Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York, United States of America
| | - Jasvinder S. Ahuja
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Abhishek Bhattacharya
- Center for Gene Regulation in Health and Disease and Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences, Cleveland State University, Cleveland, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Raunak Dutta
- Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York, United States of America
| | - Evan Cheng
- Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York, United States of America
| | - G. Valentin Börner
- Center for Gene Regulation in Health and Disease and Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences, Cleveland State University, Cleveland, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Michael Lichten
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Nancy M. Hollingsworth
- Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York, United States of America
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11
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Tian M, Cai X, Liu Y, Liucong M, Howard-Till R. A practical reference for studying meiosis in the model ciliate Tetrahymena thermophila. MARINE LIFE SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2022; 4:595-608. [PMID: 37078080 PMCID: PMC10077211 DOI: 10.1007/s42995-022-00149-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2022] [Accepted: 09/28/2022] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Meiosis is a critical cell division program that produces haploid gametes for sexual reproduction. Abnormalities in meiosis are often causes of infertility and birth defects (e.g., Down syndrome). Most organisms use a highly specialized zipper-like protein complex, the synaptonemal complex (SC), to guide and stabilize pairing of homologous chromosomes in meiosis. Although the SC is critical for meiosis in many eukaryotes, there are organisms that perform meiosis without a functional SC. However, such SC-less meiosis is poorly characterized. To understand the features of SC-less meiosis and its adaptive significance, the ciliated protozoan Tetrahymena was selected as a model. Meiosis research in Tetrahymena has revealed intriguing aspects of the regulatory programs utilized in its SC-less meiosis, yet additional efforts are needed for obtaining an in-depth comprehension of mechanisms that are associated with the absence of SC. Here, aiming at promoting a wider application of Tetrahymena for meiosis research, we introduce basic concepts and core techniques for studying meiosis in Tetrahymena and then suggest future directions for expanding the current Tetrahymena meiosis research toolbox. These methodologies could be adopted for dissecting meiosis in poorly characterized ciliates that might reveal novel features. Such data will hopefully provide insights into the function of the SC and the evolution of meiosis from a unique perspective. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s42995-022-00149-8.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miao Tian
- Institute of Evolution & Marine Biodiversity, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266003 China
- Laboratory for Marine Biology and Biotechnology, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao, 266237 China
- Institute of Human Genetics, CNRS, University of Montpellier, 34090 Montpellier, France
| | - Xia Cai
- Institute of Evolution & Marine Biodiversity, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266003 China
- Laboratory for Marine Biology and Biotechnology, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao, 266237 China
| | - Yujie Liu
- Institute of Evolution & Marine Biodiversity, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266003 China
- Laboratory for Marine Biology and Biotechnology, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao, 266237 China
| | - Mingmei Liucong
- Institute of Evolution & Marine Biodiversity, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266003 China
- Laboratory for Marine Biology and Biotechnology, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao, 266237 China
| | - Rachel Howard-Till
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of California Davis, Davis, CA USA
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12
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Billmyre KK. Chromosome-specific behaviors during early meiosis. Curr Top Dev Biol 2022; 151:127-154. [PMID: 36681468 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ctdb.2022.05.002] [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] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Inheriting the wrong number of chromosomes is one of the leading causes of infertility and birth defects in humans. However, in many organisms, individual chromosomes vary dramatically in both organization, sequence, and size. Chromosome segregation systems must be capable of accounting for these differences to reliably segregate chromosomes. During gametogenesis, meiosis ensures that all chromosomes segregate properly into gametes (i.e., egg or sperm). Interestingly, not all chromosomes exhibit the same dynamics during meiosis, which can lead to chromosome-specific behaviors and defects. This review will summarize some of the chromosome-specific meiotic events that are currently known and discuss their impact on meiotic outcomes.
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13
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Chigweshe L, MacQueen AJ, Holmes SG. Histone variant H2A.Z promotes meiotic chromosome axis organization in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. G3 GENES|GENOMES|GENETICS 2022; 12:6591205. [PMID: 35608312 PMCID: PMC9339299 DOI: 10.1093/g3journal/jkac128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2021] [Accepted: 05/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Abstract
Progression through meiosis is associated with significant reorganization of chromosome structure, regulated in part by changes in histones and chromatin. Prior studies observed defects in meiotic progression in yeast strains lacking the linker histone H1 or variant histone H2A.Z. To further define the contributions of these chromatin factors, we have conducted genetic and cytological analysis of cells undergoing meiosis in the absence of H1 and H2A.Z. We find that a spore viability defect observed in strains lacking H2A.Z can be partially suppressed if cells also lack histone H1, while the combined loss of both H1 and H2A.Z is associated with elevated gene conversion events. Cytological analysis of Red1 and Rec8 staining patterns indicates that a subset of cells lacking H2A.Z fail to assemble a proper chromosome axis, and the staining pattern of the synaptonemal complex protein Zip1 in htz1Δ/htz1Δ cells mimics that of cells deficient for Rec8-dependent meiotic cohesion. Our results suggest a role for H2A.Z in the establishment or maintenance of the meiotic chromosome axis, possibly by promoting the efficient chromosome cohesion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorencia Chigweshe
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Wesleyan University , Middletown, CT 06459, USA
| | - Amy J MacQueen
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Wesleyan University , Middletown, CT 06459, USA
| | - Scott G Holmes
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Wesleyan University , Middletown, CT 06459, USA
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14
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Jo MK, Rhee K, Kim KP, Hong S. Yeast polyubiquitin unit regulates synaptonemal complex formation and recombination during meiosis. J Microbiol 2022; 60:705-714. [DOI: 10.1007/s12275-022-2204-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2022] [Revised: 06/09/2022] [Accepted: 06/10/2022] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
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15
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Joo JH, Kang HA, Kim KP, Hong S. Meiotic prophase roles of Pds5 in recombination and chromosome condensation in budding yeast. J Microbiol 2022; 60:177-186. [PMID: 35102525 DOI: 10.1007/s12275-022-1635-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2021] [Revised: 01/06/2022] [Accepted: 01/10/2022] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Genetic variation in eukaryotes is mediated during meiosis by the exchange of genetic material between homologous chromosomes to produce recombinant chromosomes. Cohesin is essential to promote proper chromosome segregation, chromosome morphogenesis, and recombination in meiotic cells. Cohesin consists of three main subunits-Smc1, Smc3, and the kleisin subunit Mcd1/Scc1 (Rec8 in meiosis)-and cohesin accessory factors. In Saccharomyces cerevisiae, the cohesin regulatory subunit Pds5 plays a role in homolog pairing, meiotic axis formation, and interhomolog recombination. In this study, we examine the prophase functions of Pds5 by performing physical analysis of recombination and three-dimensional high-resolution microscopy analysis to identify its roles in meiosis-specific recombination and chromosome morphogenesis. To investigate whether Pds5 plays a role in mitotic-like recombination, we inhibited Mek1 kinase activity, which resulted in switching to sister template bias by Rad51-dependent recombination. Reductions in double-strand breaks and crossover products and defective interhomolog recombination occurred in the absence of Pds5. Furthermore, recombination intermediates, including single-end invasion and double-Holliday junction, were reduced in the absence of Pds5 with Mek1 kinase inactivation compared to Mek1 kinase inactivation cells. Interestingly, the absence of Pds5 resulted in increasing numbers of chromosomes with hypercompaction of the chromosome axis. Thus, we suggest that Pds5 plays an essential role in recombination by suppressing the pairing of sister chromatids and abnormal compaction of the chromosome axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeong Hwan Joo
- Department of Life Sciences, Chung-Ang University, Seoul, 06974, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyun Ah Kang
- Department of Life Sciences, Chung-Ang University, Seoul, 06974, Republic of Korea
| | - Keun Pil Kim
- Department of Life Sciences, Chung-Ang University, Seoul, 06974, Republic of Korea.
| | - Soogil Hong
- Department of Life Sciences, Chung-Ang University, Seoul, 06974, Republic of Korea.
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16
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Pyatnitskaya A, Andreani J, Guérois R, De Muyt A, Borde V. The Zip4 protein directly couples meiotic crossover formation to synaptonemal complex assembly. Genes Dev 2022; 36:53-69. [PMID: 34969823 PMCID: PMC8763056 DOI: 10.1101/gad.348973.121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2021] [Accepted: 12/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Meiotic recombination is triggered by programmed double-strand breaks (DSBs), a subset of these being repaired as crossovers, promoted by eight evolutionarily conserved proteins, named ZMM. Crossover formation is functionally linked to synaptonemal complex (SC) assembly between homologous chromosomes, but the underlying mechanism is unknown. Here we show that Ecm11, a SC central element protein, localizes on both DSB sites and sites that attach chromatin loops to the chromosome axis, which are the starting points of SC formation, in a way that strictly requires the ZMM protein Zip4. Furthermore, Zip4 directly interacts with Ecm11, and point mutants that specifically abolish this interaction lose Ecm11 binding to chromosomes and exhibit defective SC assembly. This can be partially rescued by artificially tethering interaction-defective Ecm11 to Zip4. Mechanistically, this direct connection ensuring SC assembly from CO sites could be a way for the meiotic cell to shut down further DSB formation once enough recombination sites have been selected for crossovers, thereby preventing excess crossovers. Finally, the mammalian ortholog of Zip4, TEX11, also interacts with the SC central element TEX12, suggesting a general mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Pyatnitskaya
- Institut Curie, Université Paris Sciences et Lettres, Sorbonne Université, Dynamics of Genetic Information, UMR3244, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Paris 75248, France
| | - Jessica Andreani
- Université Paris-Saclay, Commissariat à l'Énergie Atomique et aux Énergies Alternatives, CNRS, Institute for Integrative Biology of the Cell (I2BC), Gif-sur-Yvette 91198, France
| | - Raphaël Guérois
- Université Paris-Saclay, Commissariat à l'Énergie Atomique et aux Énergies Alternatives, CNRS, Institute for Integrative Biology of the Cell (I2BC), Gif-sur-Yvette 91198, France
| | - Arnaud De Muyt
- Institut Curie, Université Paris Sciences et Lettres, Sorbonne Université, Dynamics of Genetic Information, UMR3244, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Paris 75248, France
| | - Valérie Borde
- Institut Curie, Université Paris Sciences et Lettres, Sorbonne Université, Dynamics of Genetic Information, UMR3244, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Paris 75248, France
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17
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Abstract
In this Outlook, Grey and de Massy discuss a study by Pyatnitskaya et al. in this issue of Genes & Development that highlights the central role of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae ZMM protein Zip4 in how crossover formation and synapsis initiation are linked. During meiosis, a molecular program induces DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) and their repair by homologous recombination. DSBs can be repaired with or without crossovers. ZMM proteins promote the repair toward crossover. The sites of DSB repair are also sites where the axes of homologous chromosomes are juxtaposed and stabilized, and where a structure called the synaptonemal complex initiates, providing further regulation of both DSB formation and repair. How crossover formation and synapsis initiation are linked has remained unknown. The study by Pyatnitskaya and colleagues (pp. 53–69) in this issue of Genes & Development highlights the central role of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae ZMM protein Zip4 in this process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Corinne Grey
- Institut de Génétique Humaine (IGH), Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Université Montpellier, Montpellier 34396, France
| | - Bernard de Massy
- Institut de Génétique Humaine (IGH), Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Université Montpellier, Montpellier 34396, France
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