1
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Jones G, Kleckner N, Zickler D. Meiosis through three centuries. Chromosoma 2024:10.1007/s00412-024-00822-0. [PMID: 38730132 DOI: 10.1007/s00412-024-00822-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/12/2024]
Abstract
Meiosis is the specialized cellular program that underlies gamete formation for sexual reproduction. It is therefore not only interesting but also a fundamentally important subject for investigation. An especially attractive feature of this program is that many of the processes of special interest involve organized chromosomes, thus providing the possibility to see chromosomes "in action". Analysis of meiosis has also proven to be useful in discovering and understanding processes that are universal to all chromosomal programs. Here we provide an overview of the different historical moments when the gap between observation and understanding of mechanisms and/or roles for the new discovered molecules was bridged. This review reflects also the synergy of thinking and discussion among our three laboratories during the past several decades.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gareth Jones
- School of Biosciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK
| | - Nancy Kleckner
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, 02138, USA.
| | - Denise Zickler
- Institute for Integrative Biology of the Cell (I2BC), Centre National de La Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Université Paris-Sud, Université Paris-Saclay, 91198, Gif-Sur-Yvette, France
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2
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Blundon JM, Cesar BI, Bae JW, Čavka I, Haversat J, Ries J, Köhler S, Kim Y. Skp1 proteins are structural components of the synaptonemal complex in C. elegans. Sci Adv 2024; 10:eadl4876. [PMID: 38354250 PMCID: PMC10866564 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adl4876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024]
Abstract
The synaptonemal complex (SC) is a zipper-like protein assembly that links homologous chromosomes to regulate recombination and segregation during meiosis. The SC has been notoriously refractory to in vitro reconstitution, thus leaving its molecular organization largely unknown. Here, we report a moonlighting function of two paralogous S-phase kinase-associated protein 1 (Skp1)-related proteins (SKR-1 and SKR-2), well-known adaptors of the Skp1-Cul1-F-box (SCF) ubiquitin ligase, as the key missing components of the SC in Caenorhabditis elegans. SKR proteins repurpose their SCF-forming interfaces to dimerize and interact with meiosis-specific SC proteins, thereby driving synapsis independent of SCF activity. SKR-1 enables the formation of the long-sought-after soluble complex with previously identified SC proteins in vitro, which we propose it to represent a complete SC building block. Our findings demonstrate how a conserved cell cycle regulator has been co-opted to interact with rapidly evolving meiotic proteins to construct the SC and provide a foundation for understanding its structure and assembly mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua M. Blundon
- Department of Biology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA
| | - Brenda I. Cesar
- Department of Biology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA
| | - Jung Woo Bae
- Department of Biology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA
| | - Ivana Čavka
- The European Molecular Biology Laboratory, Heidelberg, Germany
- Collaboration for joint PhD degree between EMBL and Heidelberg University, Faculty of Biosciences, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Jocelyn Haversat
- Department of Biology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA
| | - Jonas Ries
- The European Molecular Biology Laboratory, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Simone Köhler
- The European Molecular Biology Laboratory, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Yumi Kim
- Department of Biology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA
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3
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Wang R, Li J, Tian Y, Sun Y, Zhang Y, Liu M, Zhang R, Zhao L, Li Q, Meng X, Zhou J, Gao J. The dynamic recruitment of LAB proteins senses meiotic chromosome axis differentiation in C. elegans. J Cell Biol 2024; 223:e202212035. [PMID: 38010234 PMCID: PMC10666650 DOI: 10.1083/jcb.202212035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2022] [Revised: 09/19/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023] Open
Abstract
During meiosis, cohesin and meiosis-specific proteins organize chromatin into an axis-loop architecture, coordinating homologous synapsis, recombination, and ordered chromosome segregation. However, how the meiotic chromosome axis is assembled and differentiated with meiotic progression remains elusive. Here, we explore the dynamic recruitment of two long arms of the bivalent proteins, LAB-1 and LAB-2, in Caenorhabditis elegans. LAB proteins directly interact with the axis core HORMA complexes and weak interactions contribute to their recruitment. LAB proteins phase separate in vitro, and this capacity is promoted by HORMA complexes. During early prophase, synapsis oppositely regulates the axis enrichment of LAB proteins. After the pachytene exit, LAB proteins switch from a reciprocal localization pattern to a colocalization pattern, and the normal dynamic pattern of LAB proteins is altered in meiotic mutants. We propose that LAB recruitment senses axis differentiation, and phase separation of meiotic structures helps subdomain establishment and accurate segregation of the chromosomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruoxi Wang
- Center for Cell Structure and Function, College of Life Sciences, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Resistance Biology, Collaborative Innovation Center of Cell Biology in Universities of Shandong, Shandong Normal University, Jinan, China
| | - Jiaxiang Li
- Center for Cell Structure and Function, College of Life Sciences, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Resistance Biology, Collaborative Innovation Center of Cell Biology in Universities of Shandong, Shandong Normal University, Jinan, China
| | - Yuqi Tian
- Center for Cell Structure and Function, College of Life Sciences, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Resistance Biology, Collaborative Innovation Center of Cell Biology in Universities of Shandong, Shandong Normal University, Jinan, China
| | - Yating Sun
- Center for Cell Structure and Function, College of Life Sciences, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Resistance Biology, Collaborative Innovation Center of Cell Biology in Universities of Shandong, Shandong Normal University, Jinan, China
| | - Yu Zhang
- Center for Cell Structure and Function, College of Life Sciences, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Resistance Biology, Collaborative Innovation Center of Cell Biology in Universities of Shandong, Shandong Normal University, Jinan, China
| | - Mengfei Liu
- Center for Cell Structure and Function, College of Life Sciences, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Resistance Biology, Collaborative Innovation Center of Cell Biology in Universities of Shandong, Shandong Normal University, Jinan, China
| | - Ruirui Zhang
- Center for Cell Structure and Function, College of Life Sciences, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Resistance Biology, Collaborative Innovation Center of Cell Biology in Universities of Shandong, Shandong Normal University, Jinan, China
| | - Li Zhao
- Center for Cell Structure and Function, College of Life Sciences, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Resistance Biology, Collaborative Innovation Center of Cell Biology in Universities of Shandong, Shandong Normal University, Jinan, China
| | - Qian Li
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Protein Science, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Xiaoqian Meng
- Center for Cell Structure and Function, College of Life Sciences, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Resistance Biology, Collaborative Innovation Center of Cell Biology in Universities of Shandong, Shandong Normal University, Jinan, China
| | - Jun Zhou
- Center for Cell Structure and Function, College of Life Sciences, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Resistance Biology, Collaborative Innovation Center of Cell Biology in Universities of Shandong, Shandong Normal University, Jinan, China
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Protein Science, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Jinmin Gao
- Center for Cell Structure and Function, College of Life Sciences, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Resistance Biology, Collaborative Innovation Center of Cell Biology in Universities of Shandong, Shandong Normal University, Jinan, China
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Protein Science, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
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4
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Ahuja JS, Sandhu R, Huang L, Klein F, Börner GV. Temporal and Functional Relationship between Synaptonemal Complex Morphogenesis and Recombination during Meiosis. bioRxiv 2024:2024.01.11.575218. [PMID: 38260343 PMCID: PMC10802607 DOI: 10.1101/2024.01.11.575218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2024]
Abstract
During prophase of meiosis I, programmed double strand breaks (DSBs) are processed into crossovers, a critical requirement for segregation of homologous chromosomes (homologs) and genome haploidization in sexually reproducing organisms. Crossovers form via homologous recombination in close temporospatial association with morphogenesis of the synaptonemal complex (SC), a proteinaceous structure that connects paired homologs along their length during the pachytene stage. Synapsis and recombination are a paradigm for the interplay between higher order chromosome structure and DNA metabolism, yet their temporal and functional relationship remains poorly understood. Probing linkage between these processes in budding yeast, we show that SC assembly is associated with a distinct threshold number of unstable D-loops. The transition from bona fide paranemic D-loops to plectonemic DSB single end invasions (SEIs) is completed during midpachynema, when the SC is fully assembled. Double Holliday junctions (dHJs) form at the time of desynapsis and are resolved into crossovers during diplonema. The SC central element component Zip1 shepherds recombination through three transitions, including DSB first end strand exchange and second end capture, as well as dHJ resolution. Zip1 mediates SEI formation independent of its polymerization whereas precocious Zip1 assembly interferes with double Holliday junction resolution. Together, our findings indicate that the synaptonemal complex controls recombination while assembled but also beyond its disassembly, possibly by establishing spatial constraints at recombination sites.
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5
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Cseh A, Lenykó-Thegze A, Makai D, Szabados F, Hamow KÁ, Gulyás Z, Kiss T, Karsai I, Moncsek B, Mihók E, Sepsi A. Meiotic instability and irregular chromosome pairing underpin heat-induced infertility in bread wheat carrying the Rht-B1b or Rht-D1b Green Revolution genes. New Phytol 2024; 241:180-196. [PMID: 37691304 DOI: 10.1111/nph.19256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/12/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023]
Abstract
Mutations in the Rht-B1a and Rht-D1a genes of wheat (Triticum aestivum; resulting in Rht-B1b and Rht-D1b alleles) cause gibberellin-insensitive dwarfism and are one of the most important elements of increased yield introduced during the 'Green Revolution'. We measured the effects of a short period of heat imposed during the early reproductive stage on near-isogenic lines carrying Rht-B1b or Rht-D1b alleles, with respect to the wild-type (WT). The temperature shift caused a significant fertility loss within the ears of Rht-B1b and Rht-D1b wheats, greater than that observed for the WT. Defects in chromosome synapsis, reduced homologous recombination and a high frequency of chromosome mis-segregation were associated with reduced fertility. The transcription of TaGA3ox gene involved in the final stage of gibberellic acid (GA) biosynthesis was activated and ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry identified GA1 as the dominant bioactive GA in developing ears, but levels were unaffected by the elevated temperature. Rht-B1b and Rht-D1b mutants were inclined to meiotic errors under optimal temperatures and showed a higher susceptibility to heat than their tall counterparts. Identification and introduction of new dwarfing alleles into modern breeding programmes is invaluable in the development of climate-resilient wheat varieties.
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Affiliation(s)
- András Cseh
- HUN-REN, Centre for Agricultural Research, 2462, Martonvásár, Brunszvik u. 2, Hungary
| | - Andrea Lenykó-Thegze
- HUN-REN, Centre for Agricultural Research, 2462, Martonvásár, Brunszvik u. 2, Hungary
- Doctoral School of Biology, Institute of Biology, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, Egyetem tér 1-3, Budapest, 1053, Hungary
| | - Diána Makai
- HUN-REN, Centre for Agricultural Research, 2462, Martonvásár, Brunszvik u. 2, Hungary
| | - Fanni Szabados
- HUN-REN, Centre for Agricultural Research, 2462, Martonvásár, Brunszvik u. 2, Hungary
| | - Kamirán Áron Hamow
- HUN-REN, Centre for Agricultural Research, 2462, Martonvásár, Brunszvik u. 2, Hungary
| | - Zsolt Gulyás
- HUN-REN, Centre for Agricultural Research, 2462, Martonvásár, Brunszvik u. 2, Hungary
| | - Tibor Kiss
- HUN-REN, Centre for Agricultural Research, 2462, Martonvásár, Brunszvik u. 2, Hungary
- Food and Wine Research Institute, Eszterházy Károly Catholic University, Eszterházy tér 1, Eger, 3300, Hungary
| | - Ildikó Karsai
- HUN-REN, Centre for Agricultural Research, 2462, Martonvásár, Brunszvik u. 2, Hungary
| | - Blanka Moncsek
- HUN-REN, Centre for Agricultural Research, 2462, Martonvásár, Brunszvik u. 2, Hungary
| | - Edit Mihók
- HUN-REN, Centre for Agricultural Research, 2462, Martonvásár, Brunszvik u. 2, Hungary
| | - Adél Sepsi
- HUN-REN, Centre for Agricultural Research, 2462, Martonvásár, Brunszvik u. 2, Hungary
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6
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Gorsheneva NA, Sopova JV, Azarov VV, Grizel AV, Rubel AA. Biomolecular Condensates: Structure, Functions, Methods of Research. Biochemistry (Mosc) 2024; 89:S205-S223. [PMID: 38621751 DOI: 10.1134/s0006297924140116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2023] [Revised: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 04/17/2024]
Abstract
The term "biomolecular condensates" is used to describe membraneless compartments in eukaryotic cells, accumulating proteins and nucleic acids. Biomolecular condensates are formed as a result of liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS). Often, they demonstrate properties of liquid-like droplets or gel-like aggregates; however, some of them may appear to have a more complex structure and high-order organization. Membraneless microcompartments are involved in diverse processes both in cytoplasm and in nucleus, among them ribosome biogenesis, regulation of gene expression, cell signaling, and stress response. Condensates properties and structure could be highly dynamic and are affected by various internal and external factors, e.g., concentration and interactions of components, solution temperature, pH, osmolarity, etc. In this review, we discuss variety of biomolecular condensates and their functions in live cells, describe their structure variants, highlight domain and primary sequence organization of the constituent proteins and nucleic acids. Finally, we describe current advances in methods that characterize structure, properties, morphology, and dynamics of biomolecular condensates in vitro and in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Julia V Sopova
- St. Petersburg State University, St. Petersburg, 199034, Russia.
| | | | - Anastasia V Grizel
- School of Biological Sciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA.
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7
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Wang T, Wang H, Lian Q, Jia Q, You C, Copenhaver GP, Wang C, Wang Y. HEI10 is subject to phase separation and mediates RPA1a degradation during meiotic interference-sensitive crossover formation. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2023; 120:e2310542120. [PMID: 38134200 PMCID: PMC10756261 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2310542120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Reciprocal exchanges of DNA between homologous chromosomes during meiosis, or crossovers (COs), shuffle genetic information in gametes and progeny. In many eukaryotes, the majority of COs (class I COs) are sensitive to a phenomenon called interference, which influences the occurrence of closely spaced double COs. Class I COs depend on a group of factors called ZMM (Zip, Msh, Mer) proteins including HEI10 (Human Enhancer of Invasion-10). However, how these proteins are recruited to class I CO sites is unclear. Here, we show that HEI10 forms foci on chromatin via a liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) mechanism that relies on residue Ser70. A HEI10S70F allele results in LLPS failure and a defect in class I CO formation. We further used immunoprecipitation-mass spectrometry to identify RPA1a (Replication Protein A 1) as a HEI10 interacting protein. Surprisingly, we find that RPA1a also undergoes phase separation and its ubiquitination and degradation are directly regulated by HEI10. We also show that HEI10 is required for the condensation of other class I CO factors. Thus, our results provide mechanistic insight into how meiotic class I CO formation is controlled by HEI10 coupling LLPS and ubiquitination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianyi Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Institute of Plant Biology, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai200438, China
| | - Hongkuan Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Institute of Plant Biology, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai200438, China
- Department of Epigenetics, Van Andel Institute, Grand Rapids, MI49503
| | - Qichao Lian
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Institute of Plant Biology, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai200438, China
- Department of Chromosome Biology, Max Planck Institute for Plant Breeding Research, Cologne50829, Germany
| | - Qian Jia
- College of Life Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou510642, China
| | - Chenjiang You
- College of Life Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou510642, China
| | - Gregory P. Copenhaver
- Department of Biology and the Integrative Program for Biological and Genome Sciences, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC27599-3280
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC27599-3280
| | - Cong Wang
- College of Life Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou510642, China
| | - Yingxiang Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Institute of Plant Biology, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai200438, China
- College of Life Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou510642, China
- Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Guangzhou510642, China
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8
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Kursel LE, Martinez JEA, Rog O. A suppressor screen in C. elegans identifies a multiprotein interaction that stabilizes the synaptonemal complex. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2023; 120:e2314335120. [PMID: 38055743 PMCID: PMC10723054 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2314335120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 12/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Successful chromosome segregation into gametes depends on tightly regulated interactions between the parental chromosomes. During meiosis, chromosomes are aligned end-to-end by an interface called the synaptonemal complex, which also regulates exchanges between them. However, despite the functional and ultrastructural conservation of this essential interface, how protein-protein interactions within the synaptonemal complex regulate chromosomal interactions remains poorly understood. Here, we describe a genetic interaction in the C. elegans synaptonemal complex, comprised of short segments of three proteins, SYP-1, SYP-3, and SYP-4. We identified the interaction through a saturated suppressor screen of a mutant that destabilizes the synaptonemal complex. The specificity and tight distribution of suppressors suggest a charge-based interface that promotes interactions between synaptonemal complex subunits and, in turn, allows intimate interactions between chromosomes. Our work highlights the power of genetic studies to illuminate the mechanisms that underlie meiotic chromosome interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa E. Kursel
- School of Biological Sciences and Center for Cell and Genome Sciences, The University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT84112
| | - Jesus E. Aguayo Martinez
- School of Biological Sciences and Center for Cell and Genome Sciences, The University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT84112
| | - Ofer Rog
- School of Biological Sciences and Center for Cell and Genome Sciences, The University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT84112
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9
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Vrielynck N, Peuch M, Durand S, Lian Q, Chambon A, Hurel A, Guérin J, Guérois R, Mercier R, Grelon M, Mézard C. SCEP1 and SCEP2 are two new components of the synaptonemal complex central element. Nat Plants 2023; 9:2016-2030. [PMID: 37973938 DOI: 10.1038/s41477-023-01558-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
The synaptonemal complex (SC) is a proteinaceous structure that forms between homologous chromosomes during meiosis prophase. The SC is widely conserved across species, but its structure and roles during meiotic recombination are still debated. While the SC central region is made up of transverse filaments and central element proteins in mammals and fungi, few central element proteins have been identified in other species. Here we report the identification of two coiled-coil proteins, SCEP1 and SCEP2, that form a complex and localize at the centre of the Arabidopsis thaliana SC. In scep1 and scep2 mutants, chromosomes are aligned but not synapsed (the ZYP1 transverse filament protein is not loaded), crossovers are increased compared with the wild type, interference is lost and heterochiasmy is strongly reduced. We thus report the identification of two plant SC central elements, and homologues of these are found in all major angiosperm clades.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathalie Vrielynck
- Université Paris-Saclay, INRAE, AgroParisTech, Institut Jean-Pierre Bourgin, Versailles, France
| | - Marion Peuch
- Université Paris-Saclay, INRAE, AgroParisTech, Institut Jean-Pierre Bourgin, Versailles, France
| | - Stéphanie Durand
- Department of Chromosome Biology, Max Planck Institute for Plant Breeding Research, Cologne, Germany
| | - Qichao Lian
- Department of Chromosome Biology, Max Planck Institute for Plant Breeding Research, Cologne, Germany
| | - Aurélie Chambon
- Université Paris-Saclay, INRAE, AgroParisTech, Institut Jean-Pierre Bourgin, Versailles, France
| | - Aurélie Hurel
- Université Paris-Saclay, INRAE, AgroParisTech, Institut Jean-Pierre Bourgin, Versailles, France
| | - Julie Guérin
- Université Paris-Saclay, INRAE, AgroParisTech, Institut Jean-Pierre Bourgin, Versailles, France
| | - Raphaël Guérois
- Université Paris-Saclay, CEA, CNRS, Institute for Integrative Biology of the Cell, Gif-sur-Yvette, France
| | - Raphaël Mercier
- Department of Chromosome Biology, Max Planck Institute for Plant Breeding Research, Cologne, Germany
| | - Mathilde Grelon
- Université Paris-Saclay, INRAE, AgroParisTech, Institut Jean-Pierre Bourgin, Versailles, France.
| | - Christine Mézard
- Université Paris-Saclay, INRAE, AgroParisTech, Institut Jean-Pierre Bourgin, Versailles, France.
- Université Paris-Saclay, INRAE, AgroParisTech, CNRS, Institut Jean-Pierre Bourgin, Versailles, France.
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10
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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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11
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Cahoon CK, Richter CM, Dayton AE, Libuda DE. Sexual dimorphic regulation of recombination by the synaptonemal complex in C. elegans. eLife 2023; 12:e84538. [PMID: 37796106 PMCID: PMC10611432 DOI: 10.7554/elife.84538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2022] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 10/06/2023] Open
Abstract
In sexually reproducing organisms, germ cells faithfully transmit the genome to the next generation by forming haploid gametes, such as eggs and sperm. Although most meiotic proteins are conserved between eggs and sperm, many aspects of meiosis are sexually dimorphic, including the regulation of recombination. The synaptonemal complex (SC), a large ladder-like structure that forms between homologous chromosomes, is essential for regulating meiotic chromosome organization and promoting recombination. To assess whether sex-specific differences in the SC underpin sexually dimorphic aspects of meiosis, we examined Caenorhabditis elegans SC central region proteins (known as SYP proteins) in oogenesis and spermatogenesis and uncovered sex-specific roles for the SYPs in regulating meiotic recombination. We find that SC composition, specifically SYP-2, SYP-3, SYP-5, and SYP-6, is regulated by sex-specific mechanisms throughout meiotic prophase I. During pachytene, both oocytes and spermatocytes differentially regulate the stability of SYP-2 and SYP-3 within an assembled SC. Further, we uncover that the relative amount of SYP-2 and SYP-3 within the SC is independently regulated in both a sex-specific and a recombination-dependent manner. Specifically, we find that SYP-2 regulates the early steps of recombination in both sexes, while SYP-3 controls the timing and positioning of crossover recombination events across the genomic landscape in only oocytes. Finally, we find that SYP-2 and SYP-3 dosage can influence the composition of the other SYPs in the SC via sex-specific mechanisms during pachytene. Taken together, we demonstrate dosage-dependent regulation of individual SC components with sex-specific functions in recombination. These sexual dimorphic features of the SC provide insights into how spermatogenesis and oogenesis adapted similar chromosome structures to differentially regulate and execute recombination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cori K Cahoon
- Institute of Molecular Biology, Department of Biology, University of OregonEugeneUnited States
| | - Colette M Richter
- Institute of Molecular Biology, Department of Biology, University of OregonEugeneUnited States
| | - Amelia E Dayton
- Institute of Molecular Biology, Department of Biology, University of OregonEugeneUnited States
| | - Diana E Libuda
- Institute of Molecular Biology, Department of Biology, University of OregonEugeneUnited States
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12
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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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13
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Liu D, Riggi M, Lee HO, Currie SL, Goodsell DS, Iwasa JH, Rog O. Depicting a cellular space occupied by condensates. Mol Biol Cell 2023; 34:tp2. [PMID: 37590933 PMCID: PMC10551707 DOI: 10.1091/mbc.e22-11-0519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2023] [Revised: 06/20/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Condensates have emerged as a new way to understand how cells are organized, and have been invoked to play crucial roles in essentially all cellular processes. In this view, the cell is occupied by numerous assemblies, each composed of member proteins and nucleic acids that preferentially interact with each other. However, available visual representations of condensates fail to communicate the growing body of knowledge about how condensates form and function. The resulting focus on only a subset of the potential implications of condensates can skew interpretations of results and hinder the generation of new hypotheses. Here we summarize the discussion from a workshop that brought together cell biologists, visualization and computation specialists, and other experts who specialize in thinking about space and ways to represent it. We place the recent advances in condensate research in a historical perspective that describes evolving views of the cell; highlight different attributes of condensates that are not well-served by current visual conventions; and survey potential approaches to overcome these challenges. An important theme of these discussions is that the new understanding on the roles of condensates exposes broader challenges in visual representations that apply to cell biological research more generally.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Liu
- Historisches Seminar, Abt. Wissenschaftsgeschichte, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Geschwister-Scholl-Platz 1, 80539 Munich, Germany
| | | | - Hyun O. Lee
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Simon L. Currie
- Department of Biophysics, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390
| | - David S. Goodsell
- Department of Integrative Structural and Computational Biology, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037
- Institute for Quantitative Biomedicine and Research Collaboratory for Structural Bioinformatics Protein Data Bank, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ 08854
| | | | - Ofer Rog
- School of Biological Sciences and Center for Cell and Genome Science, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112
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14
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Cheng X, Yang W, Lin W, Mei F. Paradoxes of Cellular SUMOylation Regulation: A Role of Biomolecular Condensates? Pharmacol Rev 2023; 75:979-1006. [PMID: 37137717 PMCID: PMC10441629 DOI: 10.1124/pharmrev.122.000784] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2022] [Revised: 04/20/2023] [Accepted: 04/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Protein SUMOylation is a major post-translational modification essential for maintaining cellular homeostasis. SUMOylation has long been associated with stress responses as a diverse array of cellular stress signals are known to trigger rapid alternations in global protein SUMOylation. In addition, while there are large families of ubiquitination enzymes, all small ubiquitin-like modifiers (SUMOs) are conjugated by a set of enzymatic machinery comprising one heterodimeric SUMO-activating enzyme, a single SUMO-conjugating enzyme, and a small number of SUMO protein ligases and SUMO-specific proteases. How a few SUMOylation enzymes specifically modify thousands of functional targets in response to diverse cellular stresses remains an enigma. Here we review recent progress toward understanding the mechanisms of SUMO regulation, particularly the potential roles of liquid-liquid phase separation/biomolecular condensates in regulating cellular SUMOylation during cellular stresses. In addition, we discuss the role of protein SUMOylation in pathogenesis and the development of novel therapeutics targeting SUMOylation. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: Protein SUMOylation is one of the most prevalent post-translational modifications and plays a vital role in maintaining cellular homeostasis in response to stresses. Protein SUMOylation has been implicated in human pathogenesis, such as cancer, cardiovascular diseases, neurodegeneration, and infection. After more than a quarter century of extensive research, intriguing enigmas remain regarding the mechanism of cellular SUMOylation regulation and the therapeutic potential of targeting SUMOylation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaodong Cheng
- Department of Integrative Biology & Pharmacology and Texas Therapeutics Institute, Institute of Molecular Medicine, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, Texas
| | - Wenli Yang
- Department of Integrative Biology & Pharmacology and Texas Therapeutics Institute, Institute of Molecular Medicine, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, Texas
| | - Wei Lin
- Department of Integrative Biology & Pharmacology and Texas Therapeutics Institute, Institute of Molecular Medicine, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, Texas
| | - Fang Mei
- Department of Integrative Biology & Pharmacology and Texas Therapeutics Institute, Institute of Molecular Medicine, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, Texas
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15
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Kursel LE, Martinez JEA, Rog O. A suppressor screen in C. elegans identifies a multi-protein interaction interface that stabilizes the synaptonemal complex. bioRxiv 2023:2023.08.21.554166. [PMID: 37662357 PMCID: PMC10473659 DOI: 10.1101/2023.08.21.554166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/05/2023]
Abstract
Successful chromosome segregation into gametes depends on tightly-regulated interactions between the parental chromosomes. During meiosis, chromosomes are aligned end-to-end by an interface called the synaptonemal complex, which also regulates exchanges between them. However, despite the functional and ultrastructural conservation of this essential interface, how protein-protein interactions within the synaptonemal complex regulate chromosomal interactions remains poorly understood. Here we describe a novel interaction interface in the C. elegans synaptonemal complex, comprised of short segments of three proteins, SYP-1, SYP-3 and SYP-4. We identified the interface through a saturated suppressor screen of a mutant that destabilizes the synaptonemal complex. The specificity and tight distribution of suppressors point to a charge-based interface that promotes interactions between synaptonemal complex subunits and, in turn, allows intimate interactions between chromosomes. Our work highlights the power of genetic studies to illuminate the mechanisms that underly meiotic chromosome interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa E. Kursel
- School of Biological Sciences and Center for Cell and Genome Sciences, University of Utah, United States
| | - Jesus E. Aguayo Martinez
- School of Biological Sciences and Center for Cell and Genome Sciences, University of Utah, United States
| | - Ofer Rog
- School of Biological Sciences and Center for Cell and Genome Sciences, University of Utah, United States
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16
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Liu C, Rex R, Lung Z, Wang JS, Wu F, Kim HJ, Zhang L, Sohn LL, Dernburg AF. A cooperative network at the nuclear envelope counteracts LINC-mediated forces during oogenesis in C. elegans. Sci Adv 2023; 9:eabn5709. [PMID: 37436986 PMCID: PMC10337908 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abn5709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2023] [Accepted: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 07/14/2023]
Abstract
Oogenesis involves transduction of mechanical forces from the cytoskeleton to the nuclear envelope (NE). In Caenorhabditis elegans, oocyte nuclei lacking the single lamin protein LMN-1 are vulnerable to collapse under forces mediated through LINC (linker of nucleoskeleton and cytoskeleton) complexes. Here, we use cytological analysis and in vivo imaging to investigate the balance of forces that drive this collapse and protect oocyte nuclei. We also use a mechano-node-pore sensing device to directly measure the effect of genetic mutations on oocyte nuclear stiffness. We find that nuclear collapse is not a consequence of apoptosis. It is promoted by dynein, which induces polarization of a LINC complex composed of Sad1 and UNC-84 homology 1 (SUN-1) and ZYGote defective 12 (ZYG-12). Lamins contribute to oocyte nuclear stiffness and cooperate with other inner nuclear membrane proteins to distribute LINC complexes and protect nuclei from collapse. We speculate that a similar network may protect oocyte integrity during extended oocyte arrest in mammals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenshu Liu
- California Institute for Quantitative Biosciences (QB3) and Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, MD 20815, USA
| | - Rachel Rex
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Zoe Lung
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, MD 20815, USA
| | - John S. Wang
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, MD 20815, USA
| | - Fan Wu
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, MD 20815, USA
| | - Hyung Jun Kim
- California Institute for Quantitative Biosciences (QB3) and Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Liangyu Zhang
- California Institute for Quantitative Biosciences (QB3) and Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, MD 20815, USA
| | - Lydia L. Sohn
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Abby F. Dernburg
- California Institute for Quantitative Biosciences (QB3) and Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, MD 20815, USA
- Department of Biological Sciences and Engineering, Life Sciences Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
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17
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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] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [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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18
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Mikeworth BP, Compere FV, Petrella LN. LIN-35 is necessary in both the soma and germline for preserving fertility in Caenorhabditis elegans under moderate temperature stress. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0286926. [PMID: 37294778 PMCID: PMC10256190 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0286926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Maintenance of germline function under stress conditions is crucial for species survival. The germ line in many species is especially sensitive to elevated temperature. We have investigated the role of the pocket protein LIN-35 in preserving fertility in Caenorhabditis elegans under moderate temperature stress. We show that lin-35 mutants display several temperature sensitive germline defects, and more severe reductions in brood size at elevated temperatures compared to wild type. This loss of fertility under temperature stress is primarily due to loss of zygotic, but not maternal, LIN-35. Additionally, we have found that expression of LIN-35 is necessary in both the germ line and soma for the preserving fertility under moderate temperature stress. Specifically, while LIN-35 function in the germ line is required for maintaining fertility in hermaphrodites, broad somatic expression of LIN-35 is also necessary for oocyte formation and/or function under moderate temperature stress. Together, our data add to the emerging understanding of the critical role that LIN-35 plays in preserving tissues against stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian P. Mikeworth
- Department of Biological Sciences, Marquette University, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States of America
| | - Frances V. Compere
- Department of Biological Sciences, Marquette University, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States of America
| | - Lisa N. Petrella
- Department of Biological Sciences, Marquette University, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States of America
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19
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Rafiei N, Ronceret A. Crossover interference mechanism: New lessons from plants. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1156766. [PMID: 37274744 PMCID: PMC10236007 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1156766] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Plants are the source of our understanding of several fundamental biological principles. It is well known that Gregor Mendel discovered the laws of Genetics in peas and that maize was used for the discovery of transposons by Barbara McClintock. Plant models are still useful for the understanding of general key biological concepts. In this article, we will focus on discussing the recent plant studies that have shed new light on the mysterious mechanisms of meiotic crossover (CO) interference, heterochiasmy, obligatory CO, and CO homeostasis. Obligatory CO is necessary for the equilibrated segregation of homologous chromosomes during meiosis. The tight control of the different male and female CO rates (heterochiasmy) enables both the maximization and minimization of genome shuffling. An integrative model can now predict these observed aspects of CO patterning in plants. The mechanism proposed considers the Synaptonemal Complex as a canalizing structure that allows the diffusion of a class I CO limiting factor linearly on synapsed bivalents. The coarsening of this limiting factor along the SC explains the interfering spacing between COs. The model explains the observed coordinated processes between synapsis, CO interference, CO insurance, and CO homeostasis. It also easily explains heterochiasmy just considering the different male and female SC lengths. This mechanism is expected to be conserved in other species.
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20
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Girard C, Zwicker D, Mercier R. The regulation of meiotic crossover distribution: a coarse solution to a century-old mystery? Biochem Soc Trans 2023:233030. [PMID: 37145037 DOI: 10.1042/bst20221329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2023] [Revised: 04/13/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Meiotic crossovers, which are exchanges of genetic material between homologous chromosomes, are more evenly and distantly spaced along chromosomes than expected by chance. This is because the occurrence of one crossover reduces the likelihood of nearby crossover events - a conserved and intriguing phenomenon called crossover interference. Although crossover interference was first described over a century ago, the mechanism allowing coordination of the fate of potential crossover sites half a chromosome away remains elusive. In this review, we discuss the recently published evidence supporting a new model for crossover patterning, coined the coarsening model, and point out the missing pieces that are still needed to complete this fascinating puzzle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chloe Girard
- Université Paris-Saclay, Commissariat à l'Énergie Atomiques et aux Énergies Alternatives (CEA), Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Institute for Integrative Biology of the Cell (I2BC), Gif-sur-Yvette, France
| | - David Zwicker
- Max Planck Institute for Dynamics and Self-Organization, Am Faßberg 17, 37077 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Raphael Mercier
- Department of Chromosome Biology, Max Planck Institute for Plant Breeding Research, Carl-von-Linné-Weg 10, Cologne, Germany
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21
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Almanzar DE, Gordon SG, Bristow C, Hamrick A, von Diezmann L, Liu H, Rog O. Meiotic DNA exchanges in C. elegans are promoted by proximity to the synaptonemal complex. Life Sci Alliance 2023; 6:e202301906. [PMID: 36697255 PMCID: PMC9877436 DOI: 10.26508/lsa.202301906] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2023] [Revised: 01/10/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
During meiosis, programmed double-strand DNA breaks are repaired to form exchanges between the parental chromosomes called crossovers. Chromosomes lacking a crossover fail to segregate accurately into the gametes, leading to aneuploidy. In addition to engaging the homolog, crossover formation requires the promotion of exchanges, rather than non-exchanges, as repair products. However, the mechanism underlying this meiosis-specific preference is not fully understood. Here, we study the regulation of meiotic sister chromatid exchanges in Caenorhabditis elegans by direct visualization. We find that a conserved chromosomal interface that promotes exchanges between the parental chromosomes, the synaptonemal complex, can also promote exchanges between the sister chromatids. In both cases, exchanges depend on the recruitment of the same set of pro-exchange factors to repair sites. Surprisingly, although the synaptonemal complex usually assembles between the two DNA molecules undergoing an exchange, its activity does not rely on a specific chromosome conformation. This suggests that the synaptonemal complex regulates exchanges-both crossovers and sister exchanges-by establishing a nuclear domain conducive to nearby recruitment of exchange-promoting factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- David E Almanzar
- School of Biological Sciences and Center for Cell and Genome Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Spencer G Gordon
- School of Biological Sciences and Center for Cell and Genome Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Chloe Bristow
- School of Biological Sciences and Center for Cell and Genome Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Antonia Hamrick
- School of Biological Sciences and Center for Cell and Genome Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Lexy von Diezmann
- School of Biological Sciences and Center for Cell and Genome Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Hanwenheng Liu
- School of Biological Sciences and Center for Cell and Genome Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Ofer Rog
- School of Biological Sciences and Center for Cell and Genome Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
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22
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Koury SA. Predicting recombination suppression outside chromosomal inversions in Drosophila melanogaster using crossover interference theory. Heredity (Edinb) 2023; 130:196-208. [PMID: 36721031 PMCID: PMC10076299 DOI: 10.1038/s41437-023-00593-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2022] [Revised: 01/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/20/2023] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Recombination suppression in chromosomal inversion heterozygotes is a well-known but poorly understood phenomenon. Surprisingly, recombination suppression extends far outside of inverted regions where there are no intrinsic barriers to normal chromosome pairing, synapsis, double-strand break formation, or recovery of crossover products. The interference hypothesis of recombination suppression proposes heterozygous inversion breakpoints possess chiasma-like properties such that recombination suppression extends from these breakpoints in a process analogous to crossover interference. This hypothesis is qualitatively consistent with chromosome-wide patterns of recombination suppression extending to both inverted and uninverted regions of the chromosome. The present study generated quantitative predictions for this hypothesis using a probabilistic model of crossover interference with gamma-distributed inter-event distances. These predictions were then tested with experimental genetic data (>40,000 meioses) on crossing-over in intervals that are external and adjacent to four common inversions of Drosophila melanogaster. The crossover interference model accurately predicted the partially suppressed recombination rates in euchromatic intervals outside inverted regions. Furthermore, assuming interference does not extend across centromeres dramatically improved model fit and partially accounted for excess recombination observed in pericentromeric intervals. Finally, inversions with breakpoints closest to the centromere had the greatest excess of recombination in pericentromeric intervals, an observation that is consistent with negative crossover interference previously documented near Drosophila melanogaster centromeres. In conclusion, the experimental data support the interference hypothesis of recombination suppression, validate a mathematical framework for integrating distance-dependent effects of structural heterozygosity on crossover distribution, and highlight the need for improved modeling of crossover interference in pericentromeric regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Spencer A Koury
- Department of Ecology and Evolution, Stony Brook University, 650 Life Sciences Building, Stony Brook, NY, 11794, USA.
- 2613 Ashwood Ave, Nashville, TN, 37212, USA.
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23
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Fozard JA, Morgan C, Howard M. Coarsening dynamics can explain meiotic crossover patterning in both the presence and absence of the synaptonemal complex. eLife 2023; 12:e79408. [PMID: 36847348 PMCID: PMC10036115 DOI: 10.7554/elife.79408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2022] [Accepted: 02/24/2023] [Indexed: 03/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The shuffling of genetic material facilitated by meiotic crossovers is a critical driver of genetic variation. Therefore, the number and positions of crossover events must be carefully controlled. In Arabidopsis, an obligate crossover and repression of nearby crossovers on each chromosome pair are abolished in mutants that lack the synaptonemal complex (SC), a conserved protein scaffold. We use mathematical modelling and quantitative super-resolution microscopy to explore and mechanistically explain meiotic crossover pattering in Arabidopsis lines with full, incomplete, or abolished synapsis. For zyp1 mutants, which lack an SC, we develop a coarsening model in which crossover precursors globally compete for a limited pool of the pro-crossover factor HEI10, with dynamic HEI10 exchange mediated through the nucleoplasm. We demonstrate that this model is capable of quantitatively reproducing and predicting zyp1 experimental crossover patterning and HEI10 foci intensity data. Additionally, we find that a model combining both SC- and nucleoplasm-mediated coarsening can explain crossover patterning in wild-type Arabidopsis and in pch2 mutants, which display partial synapsis. Together, our results reveal that regulation of crossover patterning in wild-type Arabidopsis and SC-defective mutants likely acts through the same underlying coarsening mechanism, differing only in the spatial compartments through which the pro-crossover factor diffuses.
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Affiliation(s)
- John A Fozard
- Computational and Systems Biology, John Innes Centre, Norwich Research ParkNorwichUnited Kingdom
| | - Chris Morgan
- Cell and Developmental Biology, John Innes Centre, Norwich Research ParkNorwichUnited Kingdom
| | - Martin Howard
- Computational and Systems Biology, John Innes Centre, Norwich Research ParkNorwichUnited Kingdom
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24
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Pollard MG, Rockmill B, Oke A, Anderson CM, Fung JC. Kinetic analysis of synaptonemal complex dynamics during meiosis of yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae reveals biphasic growth and abortive disassembly. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1098468. [PMID: 36814598 PMCID: PMC9939684 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1098468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2022] [Accepted: 01/19/2023] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The synaptonemal complex (SC) is a dynamic structure formed between chromosomes during meiosis which stabilizes and supports many essential meiotic processes such as pairing and recombination. In budding yeast, Zip1 is a functionally conserved element of the SC that is important for synapsis. Here, we directly measure the kinetics of Zip1-GFP assembly and disassembly in live cells of the yeast S. cerevisiae. The imaging of SC assembly in yeast is challenging due to the large number of chromosomes packed into a small nucleus. We employ a zip3Δ mutant in which only a few chromosomes undergo synapsis at any given time, initiating from a single site on each chromosome, thus allowing the assembly and disassembly kinetics of single SCs to be accurately monitored in living cells. SC assembly occurs with both monophasic and biphasic kinetics, in contrast to the strictly monophasic assembly seen in C. elegans. In wild-type cells, once maximal synapsis is achieved, programmed final disassembly rapidly follows, as Zip1 protein is actively degraded. In zip3Δ, this period is extended and final disassembly is prolonged. Besides final disassembly, we found novel disassembly events involving mostly short SCs that disappeared in advance of programmed final disassembly, which we termed "abortive disassembly." Abortive disassembly is distinct from final disassembly in that it occurs when Zip1 protein levels are still high, and exhibits a much slower rate of disassembly, suggesting a different mechanism for removal in the two types of disassembly. We speculate that abortive disassembly events represent defective or stalled SCs, possibly representing SC formation between non-homologs, that is then targeted for dissolution. These results reveal novel aspects of SC assembly and disassembly, potentially providing evidence of additional regulatory pathways controlling not just the assembly, but also the disassembly, of this complex cellular structure.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Jennifer C. Fung
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Center of Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
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25
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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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26
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Ortiz R, Echeverría OM, Masich S, Höög C, Hernández-Hernández A. A cryo-fixation protocol to study the structure of the synaptonemal complex. Chromosome Res 2022; 30:385-400. [PMID: 35486207 DOI: 10.1007/s10577-022-09689-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2022] [Revised: 03/08/2022] [Accepted: 03/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Genetic variability in sexually reproducing organisms results from an exchange of genetic material between homologous chromosomes. The genetic exchange mechanism is dependent on the synaptonemal complex (SC), a protein structure localized between the homologous chromosomes. The current structural models of the mammalian SC are based on electron microscopy, superresolution, and expansion microscopy studies using chemical fixatives and sample dehydration of gonads, which are methodologies known to produce structural artifacts. To further analyze the structure of the SC, without chemical fixation, we have adapted a cryo-fixation method for electron microscopy where pachytene cells are isolated from mouse testis by FACS, followed by cryo-fixation, cryo-substitution, and electron tomography. In parallel, we performed conventional chemical fixation and electron tomography on mouse seminiferous tubules to compare the SC structure obtained with the two fixation methods. We found several differences in the structure and organization of the SC in cryo-fixed samples when compared to chemically preserved samples. We found the central region of the SC to be wider and the transverse filaments to be more densely packed in the central region of the SC.
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Láscarez-Lagunas LI, Nadarajan S, Martinez-Garcia M, Quinn JN, Todisco E, Thakkar T, Berson E, Eaford D, Crawley O, Montoya A, Faull P, Ferrandiz N, Barroso C, Labella S, Koury E, Smolikove S, Zetka M, Martinez-Perez E, Colaiácovo MP. ATM/ATR kinases link the synaptonemal complex and DNA double-strand break repair pathway choice. Curr Biol 2022; 32:4719-4726.e4. [PMID: 36137547 PMCID: PMC9643613 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2022.08.081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2022] [Revised: 07/22/2022] [Accepted: 08/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) are deleterious lesions, which must be repaired precisely to maintain genomic stability. During meiosis, programmed DSBs are repaired via homologous recombination (HR) while repair using the nonhomologous end joining (NHEJ) pathway is inhibited, thereby ensuring crossover formation and accurate chromosome segregation.1,2 How DSB repair pathway choice is implemented during meiosis is unknown. In C. elegans, meiotic DSB repair takes place in the context of the fully formed, highly dynamic zipper-like structure present between homologous chromosomes called the synaptonemal complex (SC).3,4,5,6,7,8,9 The SC consists of a pair of lateral elements bridged by a central region composed of the SYP proteins in C. elegans. How the structural components of the SC are regulated to maintain the architectural integrity of the assembled SC around DSB repair sites remained unclear. Here, we show that SYP-4, a central region component of the SC, is phosphorylated at Serine 447 in a manner dependent on DSBs and the ATM/ATR DNA damage response kinases. We show that this SYP-4 phosphorylation is critical for preserving the SC structure following exogenous (γ-IR-induced) DSB formation and for promoting normal DSB repair progression and crossover patterning following SPO-11-dependent and exogenous DSBs. We propose a model in which ATM/ATR-dependent phosphorylation of SYP-4 at the S447 site plays important roles both in maintaining the architectural integrity of the SC following DSB formation and in warding off repair via the NHEJ repair pathway, thereby preventing aneuploidy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura I Láscarez-Lagunas
- Department of Genetics, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, 77 Avenue Louis Pasteur, Room 334, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Saravanapriah Nadarajan
- Department of Genetics, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, 77 Avenue Louis Pasteur, Room 334, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Marina Martinez-Garcia
- Department of Genetics, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, 77 Avenue Louis Pasteur, Room 334, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Julianna N Quinn
- Department of Genetics, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, 77 Avenue Louis Pasteur, Room 334, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Elena Todisco
- Department of Genetics, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, 77 Avenue Louis Pasteur, Room 334, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Tanuj Thakkar
- Department of Genetics, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, 77 Avenue Louis Pasteur, Room 334, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Elizaveta Berson
- Department of Genetics, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, 77 Avenue Louis Pasteur, Room 334, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Don Eaford
- Department of Genetics, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, 77 Avenue Louis Pasteur, Room 334, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Oliver Crawley
- MRC London Institute of Medical Sciences (LMS), Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, Du Cane Road, London W12 0NN, UK
| | - Alex Montoya
- MRC London Institute of Medical Sciences (LMS), Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, Du Cane Road, London W12 0NN, UK
| | - Peter Faull
- MRC London Institute of Medical Sciences (LMS), Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, Du Cane Road, London W12 0NN, UK
| | - Nuria Ferrandiz
- MRC London Institute of Medical Sciences (LMS), Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, Du Cane Road, London W12 0NN, UK
| | - Consuelo Barroso
- MRC London Institute of Medical Sciences (LMS), Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, Du Cane Road, London W12 0NN, UK
| | - Sara Labella
- McGill University, Biology Department, Stewart Biology Building, Room W5/24 1205 Dr. Penfield Avenue, Montreal, QC H3A1B1, Canada
| | - Emily Koury
- Department of Biology, The University of Iowa, Biology Building, Room 308, 129 E. Jefferson, Iowa City, IA 52242-1324, USA
| | - Sarit Smolikove
- Department of Biology, The University of Iowa, Biology Building, Room 308, 129 E. Jefferson, Iowa City, IA 52242-1324, USA
| | - Monique Zetka
- McGill University, Biology Department, Stewart Biology Building, Room W5/24 1205 Dr. Penfield Avenue, Montreal, QC H3A1B1, Canada
| | - Enrique Martinez-Perez
- MRC London Institute of Medical Sciences (LMS), Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, Du Cane Road, London W12 0NN, UK
| | - Monica P Colaiácovo
- Department of Genetics, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, 77 Avenue Louis Pasteur, Room 334, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
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Jing J, Mercier R. Meiosis: Deciphering the dialog between recombination and the synaptonemal complex. Curr Biol 2022; 32:R1235-R1237. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2022.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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Feijão T, Marques B, Silva RD, Carvalho C, Sobral D, Matos R, Tan T, Pereira A, Morais-de-Sá E, Maiato H, DeLuca SZ, Martinho RG. Polycomb group (PcG) proteins prevent the assembly of abnormal synaptonemal complex structures during meiosis. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2022; 119:e2204701119. [PMID: 36215502 PMCID: PMC9586294 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2204701119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2022] [Accepted: 07/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The synaptonemal complex (SC) is a proteinaceous scaffold that is assembled between paired homologous chromosomes during the onset of meiosis. Timely expression of SC coding genes is essential for SC assembly and successful meiosis. However, SC components have an intrinsic tendency to self-organize into abnormal repetitive structures, which are not assembled between the paired homologs and whose formation is potentially deleterious for meiosis and gametogenesis. This creates an interesting conundrum, where SC genes need to be robustly expressed during meiosis, but their expression must be carefully regulated to prevent the formation of anomalous SC structures. In this manuscript, we show that the Polycomb group protein Sfmbt, the Drosophila ortholog of human MBTD1 and L3MBTL2, is required to avoid excessive expression of SC genes during prophase I. Although SC assembly is normal after Sfmbt depletion, SC disassembly is abnormal with the formation of multiple synaptonemal complexes (polycomplexes) within the oocyte. Overexpression of the SC gene corona and depletion of other Polycomb group proteins are similarly associated with polycomplex formation during SC disassembly. These polycomplexes are highly dynamic and have a well-defined periodic structure. Further confirming the importance of Sfmbt, germ line depletion of this protein is associated with significant metaphase I defects and a reduction in female fertility. Since transcription of SC genes mostly occurs during early prophase I, our results suggest a role of Sfmbt and other Polycomb group proteins in downregulating the expression of these and other early prophase I genes during later stages of meiosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tália Feijão
- Algarve Biomedical Center Research Institute, Universidade do Algarve, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde (i3S), Universidade do Porto, Porto, 4200-135 Portugal
- Department of Medical Sciences and Institute for Biomedicine, Universidade de Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Bruno Marques
- Algarve Biomedical Center Research Institute, Universidade do Algarve, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
| | - Rui D. Silva
- Algarve Biomedical Center Research Institute, Universidade do Algarve, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
- Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Universidade do Algarve, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
| | - Célia Carvalho
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-028 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Daniel Sobral
- Associate Laboratory i4HB - Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, School of Science and Technology, NOVA University Lisbon, 2819-516 Caparica, Portugal
- Applied Molecular Biosciences Unit (UCIBIO), Department of Life Sciences, School of Science and Technology, NOVA University Lisbon, Caparica, 2819-516 Portugal
| | - Ricardo Matos
- Algarve Biomedical Center Research Institute, Universidade do Algarve, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
| | - Tian Tan
- Department of Biology, Brandeis University, Waltham, MA 02453
| | - António Pereira
- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde (i3S), Universidade do Porto, Porto, 4200-135 Portugal
| | - Eurico Morais-de-Sá
- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde (i3S), Universidade do Porto, Porto, 4200-135 Portugal
| | - Hélder Maiato
- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde (i3S), Universidade do Porto, Porto, 4200-135 Portugal
| | | | - Rui Gonçalo Martinho
- Algarve Biomedical Center Research Institute, Universidade do Algarve, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
- Department of Medical Sciences and Institute for Biomedicine, Universidade de Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-028 Lisboa, Portugal
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Chuang YC, Smith GR. Meiotic crossover interference: Methods of analysis and mechanisms of action. Curr Top Dev Biol 2022; 151:217-244. [PMID: 36681471 PMCID: PMC10063388 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ctdb.2022.04.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Segregation of chromosomes during meiosis, to form haploid gametes from diploid precursor cells, requires in most species formation of crossovers physically connecting homologous chromosomes. Along with sister chromatid cohesion, crossovers allow tension to be generated when chromosomes begin to segregate; tension signals that chromosome movement is proceeding properly. But crossovers too close to each other might result in less sister chromatid cohesion and tension and thus failed meiosis. Interference describes the non-random distribution of crossovers, which occur farther apart than expected from independence. We discuss both genetic and cytological methods of assaying crossover interference and models for interference, whose molecular mechanism remains to be elucidated. We note marked differences among species.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Gerald R Smith
- Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA, United States.
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Fernando LM, Quesada-Candela C, Murray M, Ugoaru C, Yanowitz JL, Allen AK. Proteasomal subunit depletions differentially affect germline integrity in C. elegans. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:901320. [PMID: 36060813 PMCID: PMC9428126 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.901320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2022] [Accepted: 07/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The 26S proteasome is a multi-subunit protein complex that is canonically known for its ability to degrade proteins in cells and maintain protein homeostasis. Non-canonical or non-proteolytic roles of proteasomal subunits exist but remain less well studied. We provide characterization of germline-specific functions of different 19S proteasome regulatory particle (RP) subunits in C. elegans using RNAi specifically from the L4 stage and through generation of endogenously tagged 19S RP lid subunit strains. We show functions for the 19S RP in regulation of proliferation and maintenance of integrity of mitotic zone nuclei, in polymerization of the synaptonemal complex (SC) onto meiotic chromosomes and in the timing of SC subunit redistribution to the short arm of the bivalent, and in turnover of XND-1 proteins at late pachytene. Furthermore, we report that certain 19S RP subunits are required for proper germ line localization of WEE-1.3, a major meiotic kinase. Additionally, endogenous fluorescent labeling revealed that the two isoforms of the essential 19S RP proteasome subunit RPN-6.1 are expressed in a tissue-specific manner in the hermaphrodite. Also, we demonstrate that the 19S RP subunits RPN-6.1 and RPN-7 are crucial for the nuclear localization of the lid subunits RPN-8 and RPN-9 in oocytes, further supporting the ability to utilize the C. elegans germ line as a model to study proteasome assembly real-time. Collectively, our data support the premise that certain 19S RP proteasome subunits are playing tissue-specific roles, especially in the germ line. We propose C. elegans as a versatile multicellular model to study the diverse proteolytic and non-proteolytic roles that proteasome subunits play in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Cristina Quesada-Candela
- Magee-Womens Research Institute and Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Makaelah Murray
- Department of Biology, Howard University, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Caroline Ugoaru
- Department of Biology, Howard University, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Judith L. Yanowitz
- Magee-Womens Research Institute and Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
- Departments of Developmental Biology, Microbiology, and Molecular Genetics, The Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
- *Correspondence: Judith L. Yanowitz, ; Anna K. Allen,
| | - Anna K. Allen
- Department of Biology, Howard University, Washington, DC, United States
- *Correspondence: Judith L. Yanowitz, ; Anna K. Allen,
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32
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Morgan C, Nayak A, Hosoya N, Smith GR, Lambing C. Meiotic chromosome organization and its role in recombination and cancer. Curr Top Dev Biol 2022; 151:91-126. [PMID: 36681479 PMCID: PMC10022578 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ctdb.2022.04.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Chromosomes adopt specific conformations to regulate various cellular processes. A well-documented chromosome configuration is the highly compacted chromosome structure during metaphase. More regional chromatin conformations have also been reported, including topologically associated domains encompassing mega-bases of DNA and local chromatin loops formed by kilo-bases of DNA. In this review, we discuss the changes in chromatin conformation taking place between somatic and meiotic cells, with a special focus on the establishment of a proteinaceous structure, called the chromosome axis, at the beginning of meiosis. The chromosome axis is essential to support key meiotic processes such as chromosome pairing, homologous recombination, and balanced chromosome segregation to transition from a diploid to a haploid stage. We review the role of the chromosome axis in meiotic chromatin organization and provide a detailed description of its protein composition. We also review the conserved and distinct roles between species of axis proteins in meiotic recombination, which is a major factor contributing to the creation of genetic diversity and genome evolution. Finally, we discuss situations where the chromosome axis is deregulated and evaluate the effects on genome integrity and the consequences from protein deregulation in meiocytes exposed to heat stress, and aberrant expression of genes encoding axis proteins in mammalian somatic cells associated with certain types of cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Aditya Nayak
- Department of Biology, Institute of Molecular Plant Biology, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH) Zurich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Noriko Hosoya
- Laboratory of Molecular Radiology, Center for Disease Biology and Integrative Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Gerald R Smith
- Division of Basic Sciences, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Christophe Lambing
- Plant Science Department, Rothamsted Research, Harpenden, United Kingdom.
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Schreiber M, Gao Y, Koch N, Fuchs J, Heckmann S, Himmelbach A, Börner A, Özkan H, Maurer A, Stein N, Mascher M, Dreissig S. Recombination landscape divergence between populations is marked by larger low-recombining regions in domesticated rye. Mol Biol Evol 2022; 39:msac131. [PMID: 35687854 PMCID: PMC9218680 DOI: 10.1093/molbev/msac131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2022] [Revised: 06/03/2022] [Accepted: 06/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The genomic landscape of recombination plays an essential role in evolution. Patterns of recombination are highly variable along chromosomes, between sexes, individuals, populations, and species. In many eukaryotes, recombination rates are elevated in sub-telomeric regions and drastically reduced near centromeres, resulting in large low-recombining (LR) regions. The processes of recombination are influenced by genetic factors, such as different alleles of genes involved in meiosis and chromatin structure, as well as external environmental stimuli like temperature and overall stress. In this work, we focused on the genomic landscapes of recombination in a collection of 916 rye (Secale cereale) individuals. By analysing population structure among individuals of different domestication status and geographic origin, we detected high levels of admixture, reflecting the reproductive biology of a self-incompatible, wind-pollinating grass species. We then analysed patterns of recombination in overlapping subpopulations, which revealed substantial variation in the physical size of LR regions, with a tendency for larger LR regions in domesticated subpopulations. Genome-wide association scans (GWAS) for LR region size revealed a major quantitative-trait-locus (QTL) at which, among 18 annotated genes, an ortholog of histone H4 acetyltransferase ESA1 was located. Rye individuals belonging to domesticated subpopulations showed increased synaptonemal complex length, but no difference in crossover frequency, indicating that only the recombination landscape is different. Furthermore, the genomic region harbouring rye ScESA1 showed moderate patterns of selection in domesticated subpopulations, suggesting that larger LR regions were indirectly selected for during domestication to achieve more homogeneous populations for agricultural use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mona Schreiber
- Department of Biology, University of Marburg, 35037 Marburg, Germany
- Leibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research (IPK), 06466 Seeland, OT Gatersleben, Germany
| | - Yixuan Gao
- Institute of Agricultural and Nutritional Sciences, Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, 06120 Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Natalie Koch
- Institute of Agricultural and Nutritional Sciences, Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, 06120 Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Joerg Fuchs
- Leibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research (IPK), 06466 Seeland, OT Gatersleben, Germany
| | - Stefan Heckmann
- Leibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research (IPK), 06466 Seeland, OT Gatersleben, Germany
| | - Axel Himmelbach
- Leibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research (IPK), 06466 Seeland, OT Gatersleben, Germany
| | - Andreas Börner
- Leibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research (IPK), 06466 Seeland, OT Gatersleben, Germany
| | - Hakan Özkan
- Faculty of Agriculture, Department of Field Crops, University of Cukurova, 01330 Adana, Turkey
| | - Andreas Maurer
- Institute of Agricultural and Nutritional Sciences, Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, 06120 Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Nils Stein
- Leibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research (IPK), 06466 Seeland, OT Gatersleben, Germany
| | - Martin Mascher
- Leibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research (IPK), 06466 Seeland, OT Gatersleben, Germany
- German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle-Jena-Leipzig, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Steven Dreissig
- Institute of Agricultural and Nutritional Sciences, Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, 06120 Halle (Saale), Germany
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Zhang R, Liu Y, Gao J. Phase separation in controlling meiotic chromosome dynamics. Curr Top Dev Biol 2022; 151:69-90. [PMID: 36681478 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ctdb.2022.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Sexually reproducing organisms produce haploid gametes through meiotic cell division, during which a single round of DNA replication is followed by two consecutive chromosome segregation. A series of meiosis-specific events take place during the meiotic prophase to ensure successful chromosome segregation. These events include programmed DNA double-strand break formation, chromosome movement driven by cytoplasmic forces, homologous pairing, synaptonemal complex installation, and inter-homolog crossover formation. Phase separation has emerged as a key principle controlling cellular biomolecular material organization and biological processes. Recent studies have revealed the involvements of phase separation in assembling meiotic chromosome-associated structures. Here we review and discuss how phase separation may participate in meiotic chromosome dynamics and propose that it may provide opportunities to understand the mysteries in meiotic regulations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruirui Zhang
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, College of Life Sciences, Key Laboratory of Animal Resistance Biology of Shandong Province, Shandong Normal University, Jinan, China
| | - Yuanyuan Liu
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, College of Life Sciences, Key Laboratory of Animal Resistance Biology of Shandong Province, Shandong Normal University, Jinan, China
| | - Jinmin Gao
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, College of Life Sciences, Key Laboratory of Animal Resistance Biology of Shandong Province, Shandong Normal University, Jinan, China.
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35
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Mittag T, Pappu RV. A conceptual framework for understanding phase separation and addressing open questions and challenges. Mol Cell 2022; 82:2201-2214. [DOI: 10.1016/j.molcel.2022.05.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2022] [Revised: 05/04/2022] [Accepted: 05/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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36
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Mytlis A, Kumar V, Qiu T, Deis R, Hart N, Levy K, Masek M, Shawahny A, Ahmad A, Eitan H, Nather F, Adar-Levor S, Birnbaum RY, Elia N, Bachmann-Gagescu R, Roy S, Elkouby YM. Control of meiotic chromosomal bouquet and germ cell morphogenesis by the zygotene cilium. Science 2022; 376:eabh3104. [PMID: 35549308 DOI: 10.1126/science.abh3104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
A hallmark of meiosis is chromosomal pairing, which requires telomere tethering and rotation on the nuclear envelope via microtubules, driving chromosome homology searches. Telomere pulling toward the centrosome forms the "zygotene chromosomal bouquet". Here, we identified the "zygotene cilium" in oocytes. This cilium provides a cable system for the bouquet machinery, extending throughout the germline cyst. Using zebrafish mutants and live manipulations, we demonstrate that the cilium anchors the centrosome to counterbalance telomere pulling. The cilium is essential for bouquet and synaptonemal complex formation, oogenesis, ovarian development, and fertility. Thus, a cilium represents a conserved player in zebrafish and mouse meiosis, which sheds light on reproductive aspects in ciliopathies, and suggests that cilia can control chromosomal dynamics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Avishag Mytlis
- Department of Developmental Biology and Cancer Research, Hebrew University of Jerusalem Faculty of Medicine, Ein-Kerem Campus, Jerusalem 9112102, Israel.,Institute for Medical Research-Israel-Canada (IMRIC), Ein-Kerem Campus, Jerusalem 9112102, Israel
| | - Vineet Kumar
- Department of Developmental Biology and Cancer Research, Hebrew University of Jerusalem Faculty of Medicine, Ein-Kerem Campus, Jerusalem 9112102, Israel.,Institute for Medical Research-Israel-Canada (IMRIC), Ein-Kerem Campus, Jerusalem 9112102, Israel
| | - Tao Qiu
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Proteos, 138673 Singapore
| | - Rachael Deis
- Department of Developmental Biology and Cancer Research, Hebrew University of Jerusalem Faculty of Medicine, Ein-Kerem Campus, Jerusalem 9112102, Israel.,Institute for Medical Research-Israel-Canada (IMRIC), Ein-Kerem Campus, Jerusalem 9112102, Israel
| | - Neta Hart
- Department of Developmental Biology and Cancer Research, Hebrew University of Jerusalem Faculty of Medicine, Ein-Kerem Campus, Jerusalem 9112102, Israel.,Institute for Medical Research-Israel-Canada (IMRIC), Ein-Kerem Campus, Jerusalem 9112102, Israel
| | - Karine Levy
- Department of Developmental Biology and Cancer Research, Hebrew University of Jerusalem Faculty of Medicine, Ein-Kerem Campus, Jerusalem 9112102, Israel.,Institute for Medical Research-Israel-Canada (IMRIC), Ein-Kerem Campus, Jerusalem 9112102, Israel
| | - Markus Masek
- Department of Molecular Life Sciences, University of Zurich, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland.,Institute of Medical Genetics, University of Zurich, 8952 Schlieren, Switzerland
| | - Amal Shawahny
- Department of Developmental Biology and Cancer Research, Hebrew University of Jerusalem Faculty of Medicine, Ein-Kerem Campus, Jerusalem 9112102, Israel.,Institute for Medical Research-Israel-Canada (IMRIC), Ein-Kerem Campus, Jerusalem 9112102, Israel
| | - Adam Ahmad
- Department of Developmental Biology and Cancer Research, Hebrew University of Jerusalem Faculty of Medicine, Ein-Kerem Campus, Jerusalem 9112102, Israel.,Institute for Medical Research-Israel-Canada (IMRIC), Ein-Kerem Campus, Jerusalem 9112102, Israel
| | - Hagai Eitan
- Department of Developmental Biology and Cancer Research, Hebrew University of Jerusalem Faculty of Medicine, Ein-Kerem Campus, Jerusalem 9112102, Israel.,Institute for Medical Research-Israel-Canada (IMRIC), Ein-Kerem Campus, Jerusalem 9112102, Israel
| | - Farouq Nather
- Department of Developmental Biology and Cancer Research, Hebrew University of Jerusalem Faculty of Medicine, Ein-Kerem Campus, Jerusalem 9112102, Israel.,Institute for Medical Research-Israel-Canada (IMRIC), Ein-Kerem Campus, Jerusalem 9112102, Israel
| | - Shai Adar-Levor
- Departments of Life Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Shave 84105, Israel
| | - Ramon Y Birnbaum
- Departments of Life Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Shave 84105, Israel
| | - Natalie Elia
- Departments of Life Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Shave 84105, Israel
| | - Ruxandra Bachmann-Gagescu
- Department of Molecular Life Sciences, University of Zurich, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland.,Institute of Medical Genetics, University of Zurich, 8952 Schlieren, Switzerland
| | - Sudipto Roy
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Proteos, 138673 Singapore.,Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, 117543 Singapore.,Department of Pediatrics, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, 119288 Singapore
| | - Yaniv M Elkouby
- Department of Developmental Biology and Cancer Research, Hebrew University of Jerusalem Faculty of Medicine, Ein-Kerem Campus, Jerusalem 9112102, Israel.,Institute for Medical Research-Israel-Canada (IMRIC), Ein-Kerem Campus, Jerusalem 9112102, Israel
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37
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Newman TAC, Beltran B, McGehee JM, Elnatan D, Cahoon CK, Paddy MR, Chu DB, Spakowitz AJ, Burgess SM. Diffusion and distal linkages govern interchromosomal dynamics during meiotic prophase. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2022; 119:e2115883119. [PMID: 35302885 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2115883119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
SignificanceEssential for sexual reproduction, meiosis is a specialized cell division required for the production of haploid gametes. Critical to this process are the pairing, recombination, and segregation of homologous chromosomes (homologs). While pairing and recombination are linked, it is not known how many linkages are sufficient to hold homologs in proximity. Here, we reveal that random diffusion and the placement of a small number of linkages are sufficient to establish the apparent "pairing" of homologs. We also show that colocalization between any two loci is more dynamic than anticipated. Our study provides observations of live interchromosomal dynamics during meiosis and illustrates the power of combining single-cell measurements with theoretical polymer modeling.
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38
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Chuang YC, Smith GR. Dynamic configurations of meiotic DNA-break hotspot determinant proteins. J Cell Sci 2022; 135:274269. [PMID: 35028663 PMCID: PMC8918816 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.259061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2021] [Accepted: 12/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Appropriate DNA double-strand break (DSB) and crossover distributions are required for proper meiotic chromosome segregation. Schizosaccharomyces pombe linear element proteins (LinEs) determine DSB hotspots; LinE-bound hotspots form three-dimensional clusters over ∼200 kb chromosomal regions. Here, we investigated LinE configurations and distributions in live cells using super-resolution fluorescence microscopy. We found LinEs form two chromosomal structures, dot-like and linear structures, in both zygotic and azygotic meiosis. Dot-like LinE structures appeared around the time of meiotic DNA replication, underwent dotty-to-linear-to-dotty configurational transitions and disassembled before the first meiotic division. DSB formation and repair did not detectably influence LinE structure formation but failure of DSB formation delayed disassembly. Recombination-deficient LinE missense mutants formed dot-like, but not linear, LinE structures. Our quantitative study reveals a transient form of LinE structures and suggests a novel role for LinE proteins in regulating meiotic events, such as DSB repair. We discuss the relationship of LinEs and the synaptonemal complex in other species. This article has an associated First Person interview with the first author of the paper.
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39
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Voelkel-Meiman K, Oke A, Feil A, Shames A, Fung J, MacQueen AJ. A role for synaptonemal complex in meiotic mismatch repair. Genetics 2022; 220:iyab230. [PMID: 35100397 PMCID: PMC9097268 DOI: 10.1093/genetics/iyab230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2021] [Accepted: 11/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
A large subset of meiotic recombination intermediates form within the physical context of synaptonemal complex (SC), but the functional relationship between SC structure and homologous recombination remains obscure. Our prior analysis of strains deficient for SC central element proteins demonstrated that tripartite SC is dispensable for interhomolog recombination in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Here, we report that while dispensable for recombination per se, SC proteins promote efficient mismatch repair at interhomolog recombination sites. Failure to repair mismatches within heteroduplex-containing meiotic recombination intermediates leads to genotypically sectored colonies (postmeiotic segregation events). We discovered increased postmeiotic segregation at THR1 in cells lacking Ecm11 or Gmc2, or in the SC-deficient but recombination-proficient zip1[Δ21-163] mutant. High-throughput sequencing of octad meiotic products furthermore revealed a genome-wide increase in recombination events with unrepaired mismatches in ecm11 mutants relative to wildtype. Meiotic cells missing Ecm11 display longer gene conversion tracts, but tract length alone does not account for the higher frequency of unrepaired mismatches. Interestingly, the per-nucleotide mismatch frequency is elevated in ecm11 when analyzing all gene conversion tracts, but is similar between wildtype and ecm11 if considering only those events with unrepaired mismatches. Thus, in both wildtype and ecm11 strains a subset of recombination events is susceptible to a similar degree of inefficient mismatch repair, but in ecm11 mutants a larger fraction of events fall into this inefficient repair category. Finally, we observe elevated postmeiotic segregation at THR1 in mutants with a dual deficiency in MutSγ crossover recombination and SC assembly, but not in the mlh3 mutant, which lacks MutSγ crossovers but has abundant SC. We propose that SC structure promotes efficient mismatch repair of joint molecule recombination intermediates, and that absence of SC is the molecular basis for elevated postmeiotic segregation in both MutSγ crossover-proficient (ecm11, gmc2) and MutSγ crossover-deficient (msh4, zip3) strains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen Voelkel-Meiman
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Wesleyan University, Middletown, CT 06459, USA
| | - Ashwini Oke
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Center of Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Arden Feil
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Wesleyan University, Middletown, CT 06459, USA
| | - Alexander Shames
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Wesleyan University, Middletown, CT 06459, USA
| | - Jennifer Fung
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Center of Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Amy J MacQueen
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Wesleyan University, Middletown, CT 06459, USA
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40
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Hyppa RW, Cho JD, Nambiar M, Smith GR. Redirecting meiotic DNA break hotspot determinant proteins alters localized spatial control of DNA break formation and repair. Nucleic Acids Res 2022; 50:899-914. [PMID: 34967417 PMCID: PMC8789058 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkab1253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2021] [Revised: 12/02/2021] [Accepted: 12/28/2021] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
During meiosis, DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) are formed at high frequency at special chromosomal sites, called DSB hotspots, to generate crossovers that aid proper chromosome segregation. Multiple chromosomal features affect hotspot formation. In the fission yeast S. pombe the linear element proteins Rec25, Rec27 and Mug20 are hotspot determinants - they bind hotspots with high specificity and are necessary for nearly all DSBs at hotspots. To assess whether they are also sufficient for hotspot determination, we localized each linear element protein to a novel chromosomal site (ade6 with lacO substitutions) by fusion to the Escherichia coli LacI repressor. The Mug20-LacI plus lacO combination, but not the two separate lac elements, produced a strong ade6 DSB hotspot, comparable to strong endogenous DSB hotspots. This hotspot had unexpectedly low ade6 recombinant frequency and negligible DSB hotspot competition, although like endogenous hotspots it manifested DSB interference. We infer that linear element proteins must be properly placed by endogenous functions to impose hotspot competition and proper partner choice for DSB repair. Our results support and expand our previously proposed DSB hotspot-clustering model for local control of meiotic recombination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Randy W Hyppa
- Division of Basic Sciences, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Joshua D Cho
- Division of Basic Sciences, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Mridula Nambiar
- Division of Basic Sciences, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Gerald R Smith
- Division of Basic Sciences, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
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41
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Alavattam KG, Maezawa S, Andreassen PR, Namekawa SH. Meiotic sex chromosome inactivation and the XY body: a phase separation hypothesis. Cell Mol Life Sci 2021; 79:18. [PMID: 34971404 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-021-04075-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2021] [Revised: 09/08/2021] [Accepted: 10/14/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
In mammalian male meiosis, the heterologous X and Y chromosomes remain unsynapsed and, as a result, are subject to meiotic sex chromosome inactivation (MSCI). MSCI is required for the successful completion of spermatogenesis. Following the initiation of MSCI, the X and Y chromosomes undergo various epigenetic modifications and are transformed into a nuclear body termed the XY body. Here, we review the mechanisms underlying the initiation of two essential, sequential processes in meiotic prophase I: MSCI and XY-body formation. The initiation of MSCI is directed by the action of DNA damage response (DDR) pathways; downstream of the DDR, unique epigenetic states are established, leading to the formation of the XY body. Accumulating evidence suggests that MSCI and subsequent XY-body formation may be driven by phase separation, a physical process that governs the formation of membraneless organelles and other biomolecular condensates. Thus, here we gather literature-based evidence to explore a phase separation hypothesis for the initiation of MSCI and the formation of the XY body.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kris G Alavattam
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA.,Center for Cardiovascular Biology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98109, USA.,Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98109, USA.,Department of Genome Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
| | - So Maezawa
- Faculty of Science and Technology, Department of Applied Biological Science, Tokyo University of Science, Chiba, 278-8510, Japan
| | - Paul R Andreassen
- Division of Experimental Hematology and Cancer Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, 45229, USA
| | - Satoshi H Namekawa
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of California, Davis, CA, 95616, USA.
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42
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Parker MW, Kao JA, Huang A, Berger JM, Botchan MR. Molecular determinants of phase separation for Drosophila DNA replication licensing factors. eLife 2021; 10:e70535. [PMID: 34951585 PMCID: PMC8813052 DOI: 10.7554/elife.70535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2021] [Accepted: 12/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) of intrinsically disordered regions (IDRs) in proteins can drive the formation of membraneless compartments in cells. Phase-separated structures enrich for specific partner proteins and exclude others. Previously, we showed that the IDRs of metazoan DNA replication initiators drive DNA-dependent phase separation in vitro and chromosome binding in vivo, and that initiator condensates selectively recruit replication-specific partner proteins (Parker et al., 2019). How initiator IDRs facilitate LLPS and maintain compositional specificity is unknown. Here, using Drosophila melanogaster (Dm) Cdt1 as a model initiation factor, we show that phase separation results from a synergy between electrostatic DNA-bridging interactions and hydrophobic inter-IDR contacts. Both sets of interactions depend on sequence composition (but not sequence order), are resistant to 1,6-hexanediol, and do not depend on aromaticity. These findings demonstrate that distinct sets of interactions drive condensate formation and specificity across different phase-separating systems and advance efforts to predict IDR LLPS propensity and partner selection a priori.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew W Parker
- Department of Biophysics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical CenterDallasUnited States
| | - Jonchee A Kao
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, BerkeleyBerkeleyUnited States
| | - Alvin Huang
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, BerkeleyBerkeleyUnited States
| | - James M Berger
- Department of Biophysics and Biophysical Chemistry, Johns Hopkins School of MedicineBaltimoreUnited States
| | - Michael R Botchan
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, BerkeleyBerkeleyUnited States
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43
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Bergeron-Sandoval LP, Kumar S, Heris HK, Chang CLA, Cornell CE, Keller SL, François P, Hendricks AG, Ehrlicher AJ, Pappu RV, Michnick SW. Endocytic proteins with prion-like domains form viscoelastic condensates that enable membrane remodeling. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2021; 118:e2113789118. [PMID: 34887356 PMCID: PMC8685726 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2113789118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Membrane invagination and vesicle formation are key steps in endocytosis and cellular trafficking. Here, we show that endocytic coat proteins with prion-like domains (PLDs) form hemispherical puncta in the budding yeast, Saccharomyces cerevisiae These puncta have the hallmarks of biomolecular condensates and organize proteins at the membrane for actin-dependent endocytosis. They also enable membrane remodeling to drive actin-independent endocytosis. The puncta, which we refer to as endocytic condensates, form and dissolve reversibly in response to changes in temperature and solution conditions. We find that endocytic condensates are organized around dynamic protein-protein interaction networks, which involve interactions among PLDs with high glutamine contents. The endocytic coat protein Sla1 is at the hub of the protein-protein interaction network. Using active rheology, we inferred the material properties of endocytic condensates. These experiments show that endocytic condensates are akin to viscoelastic materials. We use these characterizations to estimate the interfacial tension between endocytic condensates and their surroundings. We then adapt the physics of contact mechanics, specifically modifications of Hertz theory, to develop a quantitative framework for describing how interfacial tensions among condensates, the membrane, and the cytosol can deform the plasma membrane to enable actin-independent endocytosis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sandeep Kumar
- Département de Biochimie, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC H3C 3J7, Canada
| | | | - Catherine L A Chang
- Department of Chemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, Seattle, WA 98195-1700
| | - Caitlin E Cornell
- Department of Chemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, Seattle, WA 98195-1700
| | - Sarah L Keller
- Department of Chemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, Seattle, WA 98195-1700
| | - Paul François
- Ernest Rutherford Physics Building, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 2T8, Canada
| | - Adam G Hendricks
- Department of Bioengineering, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 0C3, Canada
| | - Allen J Ehrlicher
- Department of Bioengineering, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 0C3, Canada
| | - Rohit V Pappu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and Center for Science and Engineering of Living Systems, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63130;
| | - Stephen W Michnick
- Département de Biochimie, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC H3C 3J7, Canada;
- Centre Robert-Cedergren, Bio-Informatique et Génomique, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC H3C 3J7, Canada
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44
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Liu Y, Zhao Q, Nie H, Zhang F, Fu T, Zhang Z, Qi F, Wang R, Zhou J, Gao J. SYP-5 regulates meiotic thermotolerance in Caenorhabditis elegans. J Mol Cell Biol 2021; 13:662-675. [PMID: 34081106 PMCID: PMC8648394 DOI: 10.1093/jmcb/mjab035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2020] [Revised: 03/27/2021] [Accepted: 03/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Meiosis produces the haploid gametes required by all sexually reproducing organisms, occurring in specific temperature ranges in different organisms. However, how meiotic thermotolerance is regulated remains largely unknown. Using the model organism Caenorhabditis elegans, here, we identified the synaptonemal complex (SC) protein SYP-5 as a critical regulator of meiotic thermotolerance. syp-5-null mutants maintained a high percentage of viable progeny at 20°C but produced significantly fewer viable progeny at 25°C, a permissive temperature in wild-type worms. Cytological analysis of meiotic events in the mutants revealed that while SC assembly and disassembly, as well as DNA double-strand break repair kinetics, were not affected by the elevated temperature, crossover designation, and bivalent formation were significantly affected. More severe homolog segregation errors were also observed at elevated temperature. A temperature switching assay revealed that late meiotic prophase events were not temperature-sensitive and that meiotic defects during pachytene stage were responsible for the reduced viability of syp-5 mutants at the elevated temperature. Moreover, SC polycomplex formation and hexanediol sensitivity analysis suggested that SYP-5 was required for the normal properties of the SC, and charge-interacting elements in SC components were involved in regulating meiotic thermotolerance. Together, these findings provide a novel molecular mechanism for meiotic thermotolerance regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanyuan Liu
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, College of Life Sciences, Key Laboratory of Animal Resistance Biology of Shandong Province, Shandong Normal University, Jinan 250014, China
| | - Qiuchen Zhao
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, College of Life Sciences, Key Laboratory of Animal Resistance Biology of Shandong Province, Shandong Normal University, Jinan 250014, China
| | - Hui Nie
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, College of Life Sciences, Key Laboratory of Animal Resistance Biology of Shandong Province, Shandong Normal University, Jinan 250014, China
| | - Fengguo Zhang
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, College of Life Sciences, Key Laboratory of Animal Resistance Biology of Shandong Province, Shandong Normal University, Jinan 250014, China
| | - Tingting Fu
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, College of Life Sciences, Key Laboratory of Animal Resistance Biology of Shandong Province, Shandong Normal University, Jinan 250014, China
| | - Zhenguo Zhang
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, College of Life Sciences, Key Laboratory of Animal Resistance Biology of Shandong Province, Shandong Normal University, Jinan 250014, China
| | - Feifei Qi
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, College of Life Sciences, Key Laboratory of Animal Resistance Biology of Shandong Province, Shandong Normal University, Jinan 250014, China
| | - Ruoxi Wang
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, College of Life Sciences, Key Laboratory of Animal Resistance Biology of Shandong Province, Shandong Normal University, Jinan 250014, China
| | - Jun Zhou
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, College of Life Sciences, Key Laboratory of Animal Resistance Biology of Shandong Province, Shandong Normal University, Jinan 250014, China
| | - Jinmin Gao
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, College of Life Sciences, Key Laboratory of Animal Resistance Biology of Shandong Province, Shandong Normal University, Jinan 250014, China
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45
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Liu H, Gordon SG, Rog O. Heterologous synapsis in C. elegans is regulated by meiotic double-strand breaks and crossovers. Chromosoma 2021; 130:237-250. [PMID: 34608541 PMCID: PMC8671313 DOI: 10.1007/s00412-021-00763-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2021] [Revised: 09/21/2021] [Accepted: 09/23/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Alignment of the parental chromosomes during meiotic prophase is key to the formation of genetic exchanges, or crossovers, and consequently to the successful production of gametes. In almost all studied organisms, alignment involves synapsis: the assembly of a conserved inter-chromosomal interface called the synaptonemal complex (SC). While the SC usually synapses homologous sequences, it can assemble between heterologous sequences. However, little is known about the regulation of heterologous synapsis. Here, we study the dynamics of heterologous synapsis in the nematode C. elegans. We characterize two experimental scenarios: SC assembly onto a folded-back chromosome that cannot pair with its homologous partner; and synapsis of pseudo-homologs, a fusion chromosome partnering with an unfused chromosome half its size. We observed elevated levels of heterologous synapsis when the number of meiotic double-strand breaks or crossovers were reduced, indicating that the promiscuity of synapsis is regulated by break formation or repair. In addition, our data suggests the existence of both chromosome-specific and nucleus-wide regulation on heterologous synapsis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanwenheng Liu
- School of Biological Sciences and Center for Cell and Genome Sciences, University of Utah, 257 South 1400 East, Salt Lake City, UT, 84112-0840, USA
- The Division of Biology & Biomedical Sciences, Washington University in St. Louis, 660 South Euclid Avenue, Missouri, 63110, USA
| | - Spencer G Gordon
- School of Biological Sciences and Center for Cell and Genome Sciences, University of Utah, 257 South 1400 East, Salt Lake City, UT, 84112-0840, USA
| | - Ofer Rog
- School of Biological Sciences and Center for Cell and Genome Sciences, University of Utah, 257 South 1400 East, Salt Lake City, UT, 84112-0840, USA.
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46
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Kursel LE, Cope HD, Rog O. Unconventional conservation reveals structure-function relationships in the synaptonemal complex. eLife 2021; 10:72061. [PMID: 34787570 PMCID: PMC8598163 DOI: 10.7554/elife.72061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2021] [Accepted: 10/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Functional requirements constrain protein evolution, commonly manifesting in a conserved amino acid sequence. Here, we extend this idea to secondary structural features by tracking their conservation in essential meiotic proteins with highly diverged sequences. The synaptonemal complex (SC) is a ~100-nm-wide ladder-like meiotic structure present in all eukaryotic clades, where it aligns parental chromosomes and regulates exchanges between them. Despite the conserved ultrastructure and functions of the SC, SC proteins are highly divergent within Caenorhabditis. However, SC proteins have highly conserved length and coiled-coil domain structure. We found the same unconventional conservation signature in Drosophila and mammals, and used it to identify a novel SC protein in Pristionchus pacificus, Ppa-SYP-1. Our work suggests that coiled-coils play wide-ranging roles in the structure and function of the SC, and more broadly, that expanding sequence analysis beyond measures of per-site similarity can enhance our understanding of protein evolution and function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa E Kursel
- School of Biological Sciences and Center for Cell and Genome Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, United States
| | - Henry D Cope
- School of Biological Sciences and Center for Cell and Genome Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, United States
| | - Ofer Rog
- School of Biological Sciences and Center for Cell and Genome Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, United States
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47
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Fielder SM, Kent T, Ling H, Gleason EJ, Kelly WG. A motor independent requirement for Dynein light chain in C. elegans meiotic synapsis. Genetics 2021; 220:6426083. [PMID: 34788833 DOI: 10.1093/genetics/iyab203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2021] [Accepted: 10/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The dynein motor complex is thought to aid in homolog pairing in many organisms by moving chromosomes within the nuclear periphery to promote and test homologous interactions. This precedes synaptonemal complex (SC) formation during homolog synapsis, which stabilizes homolog proximity during recombination. We observed that depletion of the dynein light chain (DLC-1) in Caenorhabditis elegans irreversibly prevents synapsis, causing an increase in off-chromatin formation of SC protein foci with increasing temperature. This requirement for DLC-1 is independent of its function in dynein motors, as SYP protein foci do not form with depletion of other dynein motor components. In contrast to normal SC-related structures, foci formed with DLC-1 depletion are resistant to dissolution with 1,6-hexanediol, similar to aggregates of SC proteins formed in high growth temperatures. Dynein light chains have been shown to act as hub proteins that interact with other proteins through a conserved binding motif. We identified a similar DLC-1 binding motif in the C. elegans SC protein SYP-2, and mutation of the putative motif causes meiosis defects that are exacerbated by elevated temperatures. We propose that DLC-1 acts as a pre-synapsis chaperone-like factor for SYP proteins to help regulate their self-association prior to the signals for SC assembly, a role that is revealed by its increased essentiality at elevated temperatures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara M Fielder
- Biology Department, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia 30322, USA.,Program in Genetics and Molecular Biology, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia 30322, USA
| | - Tori Kent
- Biology Department, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia 30322, USA
| | - Huiping Ling
- Biology Department, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia 30322, USA
| | | | - William G Kelly
- Biology Department, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia 30322, USA
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48
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Li J, Gao J, Wang R. Control of Chromatin Organization and Chromosome Behavior during the Cell Cycle through Phase Separation. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222212271. [PMID: 34830152 PMCID: PMC8621359 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222212271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2021] [Revised: 10/29/2021] [Accepted: 11/09/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Phase-separated condensates participate in various biological activities. Liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) can be driven by collective interactions between multivalent and intrinsically disordered proteins. The manner in which chromatin-with various morphologies and activities-is organized in a complex and small nucleus still remains to be fully determined. Recent findings support the claim that phase separation is involved in the regulation of chromatin organization and chromosome behavior. Moreover, phase separation also influences key events during mitosis and meiosis. This review elaborately dissects how phase separation regulates chromatin and chromosome organization and controls mitotic and meiotic chromosome behavior.
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49
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Sankaranarayanan M, Emenecker RJ, Wilby EL, Jahnel M, Trussina IREA, Wayland M, Alberti S, Holehouse AS, Weil TT. Adaptable P body physical states differentially regulate bicoid mRNA storage during early Drosophila development. Dev Cell 2021; 56:2886-2901.e6. [PMID: 34655524 PMCID: PMC8555633 DOI: 10.1016/j.devcel.2021.09.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2021] [Revised: 07/22/2021] [Accepted: 09/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Ribonucleoprotein condensates can exhibit diverse physical states in vitro and in vivo. Despite considerable progress, the relevance of condensate physical states for in vivo biological function remains limited. Here, we investigated the physical properties of processing bodies (P bodies) and their impact on mRNA storage in mature Drosophila oocytes. We show that the conserved DEAD-box RNA helicase Me31B forms viscous P body condensates, which adopt an arrested physical state. We demonstrate that structurally distinct proteins and protein-protein interactions, together with RNA, regulate the physical properties of P bodies. Using live imaging and in situ hybridization, we show that the arrested state and integrity of P bodies support the storage of bicoid (bcd) mRNA and that egg activation modulates P body properties, leading to the release of bcd for translation in the early embryo. Together, this work provides an example of how physical states of condensates regulate cellular function in development.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Sankaranarayanan
- Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge CB2 3EJ, UK.
| | - Ryan J Emenecker
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Washington University School of Medicine, 660 S. Euclid Ave., St. Louis, MO 63110, USA; Center for Science and Engineering of Living Systems, Washington University in St. Louis, 1 Brookings Drive, St. Louis, MO 63130, USA
| | - Elise L Wilby
- Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge CB2 3EJ, UK
| | - Marcus Jahnel
- Center for Molecular and Cellular Bioengineering, Biotechnology Center, Technische Universität Dresden, Tatzberg 47/49, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Irmela R E A Trussina
- Center for Molecular and Cellular Bioengineering, Biotechnology Center, Technische Universität Dresden, Tatzberg 47/49, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Matt Wayland
- Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge CB2 3EJ, UK
| | - Simon Alberti
- Center for Molecular and Cellular Bioengineering, Biotechnology Center, Technische Universität Dresden, Tatzberg 47/49, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Alex S Holehouse
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Washington University School of Medicine, 660 S. Euclid Ave., St. Louis, MO 63110, USA; Center for Science and Engineering of Living Systems, Washington University in St. Louis, 1 Brookings Drive, St. Louis, MO 63130, USA
| | - Timothy T Weil
- Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge CB2 3EJ, UK.
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Abstract
The synaptonemal complex (SC) is a meiosis-specific proteinaceous macromolecular structure that assembles between paired homologous chromosomes during meiosis in various eukaryotes. The SC has a highly conserved ultrastructure and plays critical roles in controlling multiple steps in meiotic recombination and crossover formation, ensuring accurate meiotic chromosome segregation. Recent studies in different organisms, facilitated by advances in super-resolution microscopy, have provided insights into the macromolecular structure of the SC, including the internal organization of the meiotic chromosome axis and SC central region, the regulatory pathways that control SC assembly and dynamics, and the biological functions exerted by the SC and its substructures. This review summarizes recent discoveries about how the SC is organized and regulated that help to explain the biological functions associated with this meiosis-specific structure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng-Guo Zhang
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, College of Life Sciences, Key Laboratory of Animal Resistance Biology of Shandong Province, Shandong Normal University, Jinan 250014, China
| | - Rui-Rui Zhang
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, College of Life Sciences, Key Laboratory of Animal Resistance Biology of Shandong Province, Shandong Normal University, Jinan 250014, China
| | - Jin-Min Gao
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, College of Life Sciences, Key Laboratory of Animal Resistance Biology of Shandong Province, Shandong Normal University, Jinan 250014, China
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