Crossover patterning by the beam-film model: analysis and implications.
Crossing-over is a central feature of meiosis. Meiotic crossover (CO) sites are spatially patterned along chromosomes. CO-designation at one position disfavors subsequent CO-designation(s) nearby, as described by the classical phenomenon of CO interference. If multiple designations occur, COs tend to be evenly spaced. We have previously proposed a mechanical model by which CO patterning could occur. The central feature of a mechanical mechanism is that communication along the chromosomes, as required for CO interference, can occur by redistribution of mechanical stress. Here we further explore the nature of the beam-film model, its ability to quantitatively explain CO patterns in detail in several organisms, and its implications for three important patterning-related phenomena: CO homeostasis, the fact that the level of zero-CO bivalents can be low (the "obligatory CO"), and the occurrence of non-interfering COs. Relationships to other models are discussed.
Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America.
Liangran
L
Zhang
Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America.
Zhangyi
Z
Liang
School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America.
John
J
Hutchinson
Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America.
Nancy
N
Kleckner
D000818:Animals; D017173:Caenorhabditis elegans / Q000235:genetics; D002875:Chromosomes / Q000235:genetics*; D003434:Crossing Over, Genetic; D008540:Meiosis / Q000235:genetics*; D008957:Models, Genetic; D013573:Synaptonemal Complex / Q000235:genetics