METTL16 is Required for Meiotic Sex Chromosome Inactivation and DSB Formation and Recombination during Male Meiosis.

ABSTRACT: Meiosis in males is a critical process that ensures complete spermatogenesis and genetic diversity. However, the key regulators involved in this process and the underlying molecular mechanisms remain unclear. Here, we report an essential role of the m⁶A methyltransferase METTL16 in meiotic sex chromosome inactivation (MSCI), double-strand break (DSB) formation, homologous recombination and SYCP1 deposition during male meiosis. METTL16 depletion results in a significantly upregulated transcriptome on sex chromosomes in pachytene spermatocytes and leads to reduced DSB formation and recombination, and increased SYCP1 depositioin during the first wave of spermatogenesis. Mechanistically, in pachytene spermatocytes, METTL16 interacts with MDC1/SCML2 to coordinate DNA damage response

SUBMITTER: Yin L 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11744674 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature