Covariation of synaptonemal complex length and mammalian meiotic exchange rates.
Analysis of recombination between loci (linkage analysis) has been a cornerstone of human genetic research, enabling investigators to localize and, ultimately, identify genetic loci. However, despite these efforts little is known about patterns of meiotic exchange in human germ cells or the mechanisms that control these patterns. Using recently developed immunofluorescence methodology to examine exchanges in human spermatocytes, we have identified remarkable variation in the rate of recombination within and among individuals. Subsequent analyses indicate that, in humans and mice, this variation is linked to differences in the length of the synaptonemal complex. Thus, at least in mammals, a physical structure, the synaptonemal complex, reflects genetic rather than physical distance.
Lynn
Audrey
A
Department of Genetics, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA.
Koehler
Kara E
KE
Judis
LuAnn
L
Chan
Ernest R
ER
Cherry
Jonathan P
JP
Schwartz
Stuart
S
Seftel
Allen
A
Hunt
Patricia A
PA
Hassold
Terry J
TJ
D048868:Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000818:Animals; D002352:Carrier Proteins; D002877:Chromosomes, Human / Q000502:physiology / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D003434:Crossing Over, Genetic; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D017404:In Situ Hybridization, Fluorescence; D008297:Male; D008540:Meiosis; D051379:Mice; D008815:Mice, Inbred Strains; D008856:Microscopy, Fluorescence; D008875:Middle Aged; D000070957:MutL Protein Homolog 1; D009363:Neoplasm Proteins / Q000032:analysis; D009687:Nuclear Proteins; D011995:Recombination, Genetic; D013090:Spermatocytes / Q000502:physiology / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D013573:Synaptonemal Complex / Q000648:ultrastructure*
D048868:Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing; D002352:Carrier Proteins; C501486:MLH1 protein, human; C501485:Mlh1 protein, mouse; D009363:Neoplasm Proteins; D009687:Nuclear Proteins; D000070957:MutL Protein Homolog 1