title: DNA double strand break repair, chromosome synapsis and transcriptional silencing in meiosis.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Department of Reproduction and Development, Erasmus MC-University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands.
authors.forename: Akiko
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Inagaki
authors.forename: Sam
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Schoenmakers
authors.forename: Willy M
authors.initials: WM
authors.lastname: Baarends
mesh_terms: 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