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Genetics of Meiotic Chromosome Dynamics
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Genetics of Meiotic Chromosome Dynamics

A special issue of Genes (ISSN 2073-4425). This special issue belongs to the section "Molecular Genetics and Genomics".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (10 December 2021) | Viewed by 38648

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Monique Zetka

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Guest Editor
Department of Biology, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 1B1, Canada
Interests: meiosis; genetics; chromosome structure; pairing; crossover formation and designation;
Dr. Verena Jantsch

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Guest Editor
Max Perutz Laboratories, Vienna BioCenter (VBC), University of Vienna, 1030 Vienna, Austria
Interests: meiosis; chromosome movement; meiotic recombination; chromosome pairing;

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues, 

Genetic analysis of meiotic chromosome segregation provided the foundation for studies that in the modern era have been accelerated by the advent of live and high-resolution microscopy, reverse genetic techniques, and the emergence of the omics era. These approaches have transformed our understanding of meiosis by revealing conserved pathways, critical functions for the nuclear envelope, the unexpected involvement of cytoplasmic macromolecular complexes, and the biophysical properties of meiotic molecular assemblies. Given the breadth of the expansion of the field, a challenge has been to consolidate recent advances with our view of meiosis as a series of connected and interdependent processes that pair, recombine, and segregate chromosomes.

In this Special Issue of Genes, we welcome reviews, mini-reviews, original research articles, and short communications that put into perspective or advance our understanding of meiotic processes. Of particular interest are overviews or investigations in the areas of chromosome pairing, crossover formation and dynamics, segregation mechanics, and quality control at critical junctures. Since our modern understanding of these processes originates in classical genetic and cytogenetic analyses, we welcome a consideration of the relevant studies underpinning a particular field and when appropriate.

Dr. Monique Zetka
Dr. Verena Jantsch
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • meiosis 
  • genetics 
  • chromosome structure 
  • chromosome pairing 
  • synapsis 
  • recombination 
  • crossover formation 
  • meiotic forces 
  • nuclear envelope 
  • meiotic spindle

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Published Papers (7 papers)

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Review

12 pages, 672 KiB  
Review
How and Why Chromosomes Interact with the Cytoskeleton during Meiosis
by Hyung Jun Kim, Chenshu Liu and Abby F. Dernburg
Genes 2022, 13(5), 901; https://doi.org/10.3390/genes13050901 - 18 May 2022
Cited by 15 | Viewed by 3975
Abstract
During the early meiotic prophase, connections are established between chromosomes and cytoplasmic motors via a nuclear envelope bridge, known as a LINC (linker of nucleoskeleton and cytoskeleton) complex. These widely conserved links can promote both chromosome and nuclear motions. Studies in diverse organisms [...] Read more.
During the early meiotic prophase, connections are established between chromosomes and cytoplasmic motors via a nuclear envelope bridge, known as a LINC (linker of nucleoskeleton and cytoskeleton) complex. These widely conserved links can promote both chromosome and nuclear motions. Studies in diverse organisms have illuminated the molecular architecture of these connections, but important questions remain regarding how they contribute to meiotic processes. Here, we summarize the current knowledge in the field, outline the challenges in studying these chromosome dynamics, and highlight distinctive features that have been characterized in major model systems. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Genetics of Meiotic Chromosome Dynamics)
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16 pages, 1875 KiB  
Review
Functions and Regulation of Meiotic HORMA-Domain Proteins
by Josh P. Prince and Enrique Martinez-Perez
Genes 2022, 13(5), 777; https://doi.org/10.3390/genes13050777 - 27 Apr 2022
Cited by 15 | Viewed by 4124
Abstract
During meiosis, homologous chromosomes must recognize, pair, and recombine with one another to ensure the formation of inter-homologue crossover events, which, together with sister chromatid cohesion, promote correct chromosome orientation on the first meiotic spindle. Crossover formation requires the assembly of axial elements, [...] Read more.
During meiosis, homologous chromosomes must recognize, pair, and recombine with one another to ensure the formation of inter-homologue crossover events, which, together with sister chromatid cohesion, promote correct chromosome orientation on the first meiotic spindle. Crossover formation requires the assembly of axial elements, proteinaceous structures that assemble along the length of each chromosome during early meiosis, as well as checkpoint mechanisms that control meiotic progression by monitoring pairing and recombination intermediates. A conserved family of proteins defined by the presence of a HORMA (HOp1, Rev7, MAd2) domain, referred to as HORMADs, associate with axial elements to control key events of meiotic prophase. The highly conserved HORMA domain comprises a flexible safety belt sequence, enabling it to adopt at least two of the following protein conformations: one closed, where the safety belt encircles a small peptide motif present within an interacting protein, causing its topological entrapment, and the other open, where the safety belt is reorganized and no interactor is trapped. Although functional studies in multiple organisms have revealed that HORMADs are crucial regulators of meiosis, the mechanisms by which HORMADs implement key meiotic events remain poorly understood. In this review, we summarize protein complexes formed by HORMADs, discuss their roles during meiosis in different organisms, draw comparisons to better characterize non-meiotic HORMADs (MAD2 and REV7), and highlight possible areas for future research. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Genetics of Meiotic Chromosome Dynamics)
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10 pages, 1296 KiB  
Review
A Brief History of Drosophila (Female) Meiosis
by Jessica E. Fellmeth and Kim S. McKim
Genes 2022, 13(5), 775; https://doi.org/10.3390/genes13050775 - 27 Apr 2022
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 3473
Abstract
Drosophila has been a model system for meiosis since the discovery of nondisjunction. Subsequent studies have determined that crossing over is required for chromosome segregation, and identified proteins required for the pairing of chromosomes, initiating meiotic recombination, producing crossover events, and building a [...] Read more.
Drosophila has been a model system for meiosis since the discovery of nondisjunction. Subsequent studies have determined that crossing over is required for chromosome segregation, and identified proteins required for the pairing of chromosomes, initiating meiotic recombination, producing crossover events, and building a spindle to segregate the chromosomes. With a variety of genetic and cytological tools, Drosophila remains a model organism for the study of meiosis. This review focusses on meiosis in females because in male meiosis, the use of chiasmata to link homologous chromosomes has been replaced by a recombination-independent mechanism. Drosophila oocytes are also a good model for mammalian meiosis because of biological similarities such as long pauses between meiotic stages and the absence of centrosomes during the meiotic divisions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Genetics of Meiotic Chromosome Dynamics)
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9 pages, 637 KiB  
Review
Loss, Gain, and Retention: Mechanisms Driving Late Prophase I Chromosome Remodeling for Accurate Meiotic Chromosome Segregation
by Laura I. Láscarez-Lagunas, Marina Martinez-Garcia and Monica P. Colaiácovo
Genes 2022, 13(3), 546; https://doi.org/10.3390/genes13030546 - 19 Mar 2022
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 3444
Abstract
To generate gametes, sexually reproducing organisms need to achieve a reduction in ploidy, via meiosis. Several mechanisms are set in place to ensure proper reductional chromosome segregation at the first meiotic division (MI), including chromosome remodeling during late prophase I. Chromosome remodeling after [...] Read more.
To generate gametes, sexually reproducing organisms need to achieve a reduction in ploidy, via meiosis. Several mechanisms are set in place to ensure proper reductional chromosome segregation at the first meiotic division (MI), including chromosome remodeling during late prophase I. Chromosome remodeling after crossover formation involves changes in chromosome condensation and restructuring, resulting in a compact bivalent, with sister kinetochores oriented to opposite poles, whose structure is crucial for localized loss of cohesion and accurate chromosome segregation. Here, we review the general processes involved in late prophase I chromosome remodeling, their regulation, and the strategies devised by different organisms to produce bivalents with configurations that promote accurate segregation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Genetics of Meiotic Chromosome Dynamics)
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15 pages, 1946 KiB  
Review
Rec8 Cohesin: A Structural Platform for Shaping the Meiotic Chromosomes
by Takeshi Sakuno and Yasushi Hiraoka
Genes 2022, 13(2), 200; https://doi.org/10.3390/genes13020200 - 22 Jan 2022
Cited by 15 | Viewed by 7942
Abstract
Meiosis is critically different from mitosis in that during meiosis, pairing and segregation of homologous chromosomes occur. During meiosis, the morphology of sister chromatids changes drastically, forming a prominent axial structure in the synaptonemal complex. The meiosis-specific cohesin complex plays a central role [...] Read more.
Meiosis is critically different from mitosis in that during meiosis, pairing and segregation of homologous chromosomes occur. During meiosis, the morphology of sister chromatids changes drastically, forming a prominent axial structure in the synaptonemal complex. The meiosis-specific cohesin complex plays a central role in the regulation of the processes required for recombination. In particular, the Rec8 subunit of the meiotic cohesin complex, which is conserved in a wide range of eukaryotes, has been analyzed for its function in modulating chromosomal architecture during the pairing and recombination of homologous chromosomes in meiosis. Here, we review the current understanding of Rec8 cohesin as a structural platform for meiotic chromosomes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Genetics of Meiotic Chromosome Dynamics)
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8 pages, 658 KiB  
Review
All Ways Lead to Rome—Meiotic Stabilization Can Take Many Routes in Nascent Polyploid Plants
by Adrián Gonzalo
Genes 2022, 13(1), 147; https://doi.org/10.3390/genes13010147 - 15 Jan 2022
Cited by 18 | Viewed by 4761
Abstract
Newly formed polyploids often show extensive meiotic defects, resulting in aneuploid gametes, and thus reduced fertility. However, while many neopolyploids are meiotically unstable, polyploid lineages that survive in nature are generally stable and fertile; thus, those lineages that survive are those that are [...] Read more.
Newly formed polyploids often show extensive meiotic defects, resulting in aneuploid gametes, and thus reduced fertility. However, while many neopolyploids are meiotically unstable, polyploid lineages that survive in nature are generally stable and fertile; thus, those lineages that survive are those that are able to overcome these challenges. Several genes that promote polyploid stabilization are now known in plants, allowing speculation on the evolutionary origin of these meiotic adjustments. Here, I discuss results that show that meiotic stability can be achieved through the differentiation of certain alleles of certain genes between ploidies. These alleles, at least sometimes, seem to arise by novel mutation, while standing variation in either ancestral diploids or related polyploids, from which alleles can introgress, may also contribute. Growing evidence also suggests that the coevolution of multiple interacting genes has contributed to polyploid stabilization, and in allopolyploids, the return of duplicated genes to single copies (genome fractionation) may also play a role in meiotic stabilization. There is also some evidence that epigenetic regulation may be important, which can help explain why some polyploid lineages can partly stabilize quite rapidly. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Genetics of Meiotic Chromosome Dynamics)
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33 pages, 1243 KiB  
Review
Meiosis in Polyploids and Implications for Genetic Mapping: A Review
by Nina Reis Soares, Marcelo Mollinari, Gleicy K. Oliveira, Guilherme S. Pereira and Maria Lucia Carneiro Vieira
Genes 2021, 12(10), 1517; https://doi.org/10.3390/genes12101517 - 27 Sep 2021
Cited by 19 | Viewed by 9762
Abstract
Plant cytogenetic studies have provided essential knowledge on chromosome behavior during meiosis, contributing to our understanding of this complex process. In this review, we describe in detail the meiotic process in auto- and allopolyploids from the onset of prophase I through pairing, recombination, [...] Read more.
Plant cytogenetic studies have provided essential knowledge on chromosome behavior during meiosis, contributing to our understanding of this complex process. In this review, we describe in detail the meiotic process in auto- and allopolyploids from the onset of prophase I through pairing, recombination, and bivalent formation, highlighting recent findings on the genetic control and mode of action of specific proteins that lead to diploid-like meiosis behavior in polyploid species. During the meiosis of newly formed polyploids, related chromosomes (homologous in autopolyploids; homologous and homoeologous in allopolyploids) can combine in complex structures called multivalents. These structures occur when multiple chromosomes simultaneously pair, synapse, and recombine. We discuss the effectiveness of crossover frequency in preventing multivalent formation and favoring regular meiosis. Homoeologous recombination in particular can generate new gene (locus) combinations and phenotypes, but it may destabilize the karyotype and lead to aberrant meiotic behavior, reducing fertility. In crop species, understanding the factors that control pairing and recombination has the potential to provide plant breeders with resources to make fuller use of available chromosome variations in number and structure. We focused on wheat and oilseed rape, since there is an abundance of elucidating studies on this subject, including the molecular characterization of the Ph1 (wheat) and PrBn (oilseed rape) loci, which are known to play a crucial role in regulating meiosis. Finally, we exploited the consequences of chromosome pairing and recombination for genetic map construction in polyploids, highlighting two case studies of complex genomes: (i) modern sugarcane, which has a man-made genome harboring two subgenomes with some recombinant chromosomes; and (ii) hexaploid sweet potato, a naturally occurring polyploid. The recent inclusion of allelic dosage information has improved linkage estimation in polyploids, allowing multilocus genetic maps to be constructed. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Genetics of Meiotic Chromosome Dynamics)
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