DNA double strand break repair, chromosome synapsis and transcriptional silencing in meiosis.
Chromosome pairing and synapsis during meiotic prophase requires the formation and repair of DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) by the topoisomerase-like enzyme SPO11. Chromosomes, or chromosomal regions, that lack a pairing partner, such as the largely heterologous X and Y chromosomes, show delayed meiotic DSB repair and are transcriptionally silenced. Herein, we review meiosis-specific aspects of DSB repair in relation to homology recognition and meiotic silencing of heterologous regions. We propose a dynamic interplay between progression of synapsis and persistent meiotic DSBs. Signaling from these persistent breaks could inhibit heterologous synapsis and stimulate meiotic silencing of the X and Y chromosomes.
Inagaki
Akiko
A
Department of Reproduction and Development, Erasmus MC-University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands.
Schoenmakers
Sam
S
Baarends
Willy M
WM
D000818:Animals; D023902:Chromosome Pairing / Q000235:genetics*; D053903:DNA Breaks, Double-Stranded; D004260:DNA Repair / Q000235:genetics*; D020868:Gene Silencing; D008540:Meiosis / Q000235:genetics*; D014158:Transcription, Genetic