Interplay between synaptonemal complex, homologous recombination, and centromeres during mammalian meiosis.

ABSTRACT: The intimate synapsis of homologous chromosome pairs (homologs) by synaptonemal complexes (SCs) is an essential feature of meiosis. In many organisms, synapsis and homologous recombination are interdependent: recombination promotes SC formation and SCs are required for crossing-over. Moreover, several studies indicate that initiation of SC assembly occurs at sites where crossovers will subsequently form. However, recent analyses in budding yeast and fruit fly imply a special role for centromeres in the initiation of SC formation. In addition, in budding yeast, persistent SC-dependent centromere-association facilitates the disjunction of chromosomes that have failed to become connected by crossovers. Here, we examine the interplay between SCs, recombination, and centromeres in a mammal. In

SUBMITTER: Qiao H 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3386176 | biostudies-literature | 2012 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature