Effective chromosome pairing requires chromatin remodeling at the onset of meiosis.
During meiosis, homologous chromosomes (homologues) recognize each other and then intimately associate. Studies exploiting species with large chromosomes reveal that chromatin is remodeled at the onset of meiosis before this intimate association. However, little is known about the effect the remodeling has on pairing. We show here in wheat that chromatin remodeling of homologues can only occur if they are identical or nearly identical. Moreover, a failure to undergo remodeling results in reduced pairing between the homologues. Thus, chromatin remodeling at the onset of meiosis enables the chromosomes to become competent to pair and recombine efficiently.
Colas
Isabelle
I
John Innes Centre, Norwich Research Park, Colney Lane, Norwich NR4 7UH, United Kingdom.
Shaw
Peter
P
Prieto
Pilar
P
Wanous
Michael
M
Spielmeyer
Wolfgang
W
Mago
Rohit
R
Moore
Graham
G
D042002:Chromatin Assembly and Disassembly; D023902:Chromosome Pairing; D032461:Chromosomes, Plant / Q000235:genetics*; D006570:Heterochromatin / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D011995:Recombination, Genetic; D014908:Triticum / Q000235:genetics*
D006570:Heterochromatin