Reconstitution of SPO11-dependent double-strand break formation.

ABSTRACT: Homologous meiotic recombination starts with DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) generated by SPO11 protein¹. SPO11 is critical for meiosis in most species but the DSBs it makes are also dangerous because of their mutagenic² and gametocidal³ potential, so cells must foster SPO11's beneficial functions while minimizing its risks⁴. SPO11 mechanism and regulation remain poorly understood. Here we report reconstitution of DNA cleavage in vitro with purified recombinant mouse SPO11 bound to its essential partner TOP6BL. Similar to their yeast orthologs^5,6, SPO11-TOP6BL complexes are monomeric (1:1) in solution and bind tightly to DNA. Unlike in yeast, however, dimeric (2:2) assemblies of mouse SPO11-TOP6BL cleave DNA to form covalent 5´ attachm

SUBMITTER: Zheng Z 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11601517 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature