Changes in protein composition of meiotic nodules during mammalian meiosis

1998 ◽  
Vol 111 (4) ◽  
pp. 413-423 ◽  
Author(s):  
A.W. Plug ◽  
A.H. Peters ◽  
K.S. Keegan ◽  
M.F. Hoekstra ◽  
P. de Boer ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Dna Sequences ◽  
Protein A ◽  
Reca Protein ◽  
Protein Composition ◽  
Homologous Chromosomes ◽  
E Coli ◽  
Recombination Nodules ◽  
Chromosome Synapsis ◽  
Repair Protein ◽  
Mismatch Repair Protein

Homologous chromosome synapsis and meiotic recombination are facilitated by several meiosis-specific structures: the synaptonemal complex (SC), and two types of meiotic nodules: (1) early meiotic nodules (MNs), also called zygotene nodules or early recombination nodules, and (2) late recombination nodules (RNs). The former are thought to be nucleoprotein complexes involved in the check for homology preceding, or accompanying synapsis, while the latter have been shown to be involved in reciprocal recombination. We have examined by immunocytochemistry the meiotic localization of a series of proteins at sites along the asynapsed axial elements prior to homologous synapsis and at sites along the SCs following synapsis. Several of the proteins examined have been implicated in repair/recombination and include RAD51, a mammalian homolog of the Escherichia coli RecA protein; Replication Protein-A (RPA), a single-strand DNA binding protein; and MLH1, a mismatch repair protein which is a homolog of the E. coli MutL protein. In addition two proteins were examined that have been implicated in meiotic checkpoints: ATM, the protein mutated in the human disease Ataxia Telangiectasia, and ATR, another member of the same family of PIK kinases. We present evidence that these proteins are all components of meiotic nodules and document changes in protein composition of these structures during zygonema and pachynema of meiotic prophase in mouse spermatocytes. These studies support the supposition that a subset of MNs are converted into RNs. However, our data also demonstrate changes in protein composition within the context of early MNs, suggesting a differentiation of these nodules during the process of synapsis. The same changes in protein composition occurred on both the normal X axis, which has no homologous pairing partner in spermatocytes, and on the axes of aberrant chromosomes that nonhomologously synapse during synaptic adjustment. These findings suggest that DNA sequences associated with MNs still must undergo an obligatory processing, even in the absence of interactions between homologous chromosomes.

Localization of two mammalian cyclin dependent kinases during mammalian meiosis

2001 ◽  
Vol 114 (4) ◽  
pp. 685-693 ◽  
Author(s):  
T. Ashley ◽  
D. Walpita ◽  
DG de Rooij
Keyword(s):  
Cell Cycle Progression ◽  
Protein A ◽  
Mitotic Cell ◽  
Cycle Progression ◽  
Cyclin Dependent Kinases ◽  
Meiotic Progression ◽  
Sister Chromatids ◽  
Reciprocal Recombination ◽  
Repair Protein ◽  
Mismatch Repair Protein

Mammalian meiotic progression, like mitotic cell cycle progression, is regulated by cyclins and cyclin dependent kinases (CDKs). However, the unique requirements of meiosis (homologous synapsis, reciprocal recombination and the dual divisions that segregate first homologues, then sister chromatids) have led to different patterns of CDK expression. Here we show that Cdk4 colocalizes with replication protein A (RPA) on the synaptonemal complexes (SCs) of newly synapsed axes of homologously pairing bivalents, but disappears from these axes by mid-pachynema. The switch from the mitotic pattern of expression occurs during the last two spermatogonial divisions. Cdk2 colocalizes with MLH1, a mismatch repair protein at sites of reciprocal recombination in mid-late pachynema. In addition Cdk2 localizes to the telomeres of chromosomal bivalents throughout meiotic prophase. The mitotic pattern of expression of Cdk2 remains unchanged throughout the spermatogonial divisions, but is altered in meiosis of the spermatocytes.

Immunocytological Analysis of Meiotic Recombination in the Gray Goose (Anser anser)

2017 ◽  
Vol 151 (1) ◽  
pp. 27-35 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anna A. Torgasheva ◽  
Pavel M. Borodin
Keyword(s):  
Recombination Rate ◽  
Interspecific Variation ◽  
Male Meiosis ◽  
Recombination Rates ◽  
Anser Anser ◽  
Recombination Nodules ◽  
Repair Protein ◽  
Protein Marking ◽  
Mlh1 Foci ◽  
Mismatch Repair Protein

Studies on mammals demonstrate wide interspecific variation in the number and distribution of recombination events along chromosomes. Birds represent an interesting model group for comparative analysis of cytological and ecological drivers of recombination rate evolution. Yet, data on variation in recombination rates in birds are limited to a dozen of species. In this study, we used immunolocalization of MLH1, a mismatch repair protein marking mature recombination nodules, to estimate the overall recombination rate and distribution of crossovers along macrochromosomes in female and male meiosis of the gray goose (Anser anser). The average number of MLH1 foci was significantly higher in oocytes than in spermatocytes (73.6 ± 7.8 and 58.9 ± 7.6, respectively). MLH1 foci distribution along individual macrobivalents showed subtelomeric peaks, which were more pronounced in males. Analysis of distances between neighboring MLH1 foci on macrobivalents revealed stronger crossover interference in male meiosis. These data create a framework for future genetic and physical mapping of the gray goose.

scholarly journals Negative heterosis for meiotic recombination rate in spermatocytes of the domestic chicken Gallus gallus

2021 ◽  
Vol 25 (6) ◽  
pp. 661-668
Author(s):  
L. P. Malinovskaya ◽  
K. V. Tishakova ◽  
T. I. Bikchurina ◽  
A. Yu. Slobodchikova ◽  
N. Yu. Torgunakov ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Dna Sequences ◽  
Meiotic Recombination ◽  
Recombination Rate ◽  
F1 Hybrids ◽  
Dna Breaks ◽  
Recombination Rates ◽  
Recombination Nodules ◽  
Double Strand Dna Breaks ◽  
Repair Protein ◽  
Benefits And Costs

Benefits and costs of meiotic recombination are a matter of discussion. Because recombination breaks allele combinations already tested by natural selection and generates new ones of unpredictable fitness, a high recombination rate is generally beneficial for the populations living in a fluctuating or a rapidly changing environment and costly in a stable environment. Besides genetic benefits and costs, there are cytological effects of recombination, both positive and negative. Recombination is necessary for chromosome synapsis and segregation. However, it involves a massive generation of double-strand DNA breaks, erroneous repair of which may lead to germ cell death or various mutations and chromosome rearrangements. Thus, the benefits of recombination (generation of new allele combinations) would prevail over its costs (occurrence of deleterious mutations) as long as the population remains sufficiently heterogeneous. Using immunolocalization of MLH1, a mismatch repair protein, at the synaptonemal complexes, we examined the number and distribution of recombination nodules in spermatocytes of two chicken breeds with high (Pervomai) and low (Russian Crested) recombination rates and their F1 hybrids and backcrosses. We detected negative heterosis for recombination rate in the F1 hybrids. Backcrosses to the Pervomai breed were rather homogenous and showed an intermediate recombination rate. The differences in overall recombination rate between the breeds, hybrids and backcrosses were mainly determined by the differences in the crossing over number in the seven largest macrochromosomes. The decrease in recombination rate in F1 is probably determined by difficulties in homology matching between the DNA sequences of genetically divergent breeds. The suppression of recombination in the hybrids may impede gene flow between parapatric populations and therefore accelerate their genetic divergence. 

Male Meiotic Recombination in the Steppe Agama, Trapelus sanguinolentus (Agamidae, Iguania, Reptilia)

2019 ◽  
Vol 157 (1-2) ◽  
pp. 107-114 ◽  
Author(s):  
Artem P. Lisachov ◽  
Katerina V. Tishakova ◽  
Yakov A. Tsepilov ◽  
Pavel M. Borodin
Keyword(s):  
Meiotic Recombination ◽  
Mammalian Species ◽  
Recombination Rates ◽  
Mlh1 Focus ◽  
Closely Related Species ◽  
Lateral Element ◽  
Recombination Nodules ◽  
Repair Protein ◽  
Mlh1 Foci ◽  
Mismatch Repair Protein

Meiotic recombination rates and patterns of crossover distributions along the chromosomes vary considerably even between closely related species. The adaptive significance of these differences is still unclear due to the paucity of empirical data. Most data on recombination come from mammalian species, while other vertebrate clades are poorly explored. Using immunolocalization of the protein of the lateral element of the synaptonemal complex (SYCP3) and the mismatch-repair protein MLH1, which marks mature recombination nodules, we analyzed recombination rates and crossover distribution in meiotic prophase chromosomes of the steppe agama (Trapelus sanguinolentus, Agamidae, Acrodonta, Iguania) and compared them with data obtained for the genus Anolis (Dactyloidae, Pleurodonta, Iguania). We found that, despite a smaller genome size, the total SC length and the MLH1 focus number per cell are much higher in the agama than in the anoles. The distributions of the MLH1 foci in the agama are multimodal in larger chromosomes and bimodal in smaller chromosomes without a significant centromere effect, resembling the patterns known for birds. A possible relationship between karyotype remodeling and the evolution of recombination in Iguania is discussed.

Electron Microscopy and image analysis of nucleo-protein complexes

1994 ◽  
Vol 52 ◽  
pp. 88-89
Author(s):  
E. H. Egelman ◽  
X. Yu
Keyword(s):  
Electron Microscopy ◽  
Image Analysis ◽  
Normal Cell ◽  
Genetic Recombination ◽  
Protein Complexes ◽  
Chromosomal Rearrangements ◽  
Reca Protein ◽  
E Coli ◽  
Helical Polymer ◽  
Specific Protease

The RecA protein of E. coli has been shown to mediate genetic recombination, regulate its own synthesis, control the expression of other genes, act as a specific protease, form a helical polymer and have an ATPase activity, among other observed properties. The unusual filament formed by the RecA protein on DNA has not previously been shown to exist outside of bacteria. Within this filament, the 36 Å pitch of B-form DNA is extended to about 95 Å, the pitch of the RecA helix. We have now establishedthat similar nucleo-protein complexes are formed by bacteriophage and yeast proteins, and availableevidence suggests that this structure is universal across all of biology, including humans. Thus, understanding the function of the RecA protein will reveal basic mechanisms, in existence inall organisms, that are at the foundation of general genetic recombination and repair.Recombination at this moment is assuming an importance far greater than just pure biology. The association between chromosomal rearrangements and neoplasms has become stronger and stronger, and these rearrangements are most likely products of the recombinatory apparatus of the normal cell. Further, damage to DNA appears to be a major cause of cancer.

Developing a Genetic System in Deinococcus radiodurans for Analyzing Mutations

Genetics ◽  
2004 ◽  
Vol 166 (2) ◽  
pp. 661-668
Author(s):  
Mandy Kim ◽  
Erika Wolff ◽  
Tiffany Huang ◽  
Lilit Garibyan ◽  
Ashlee M Earl ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Dna Sequences ◽  
Deinococcus Radiodurans ◽  
Genetic System ◽  
Base Change ◽  
Base Substitution ◽  
Wild Type ◽  
Base Pairs ◽  
E Coli ◽  
Radiation Induced ◽  
Induced Mutagenesis

Abstract We have applied a genetic system for analyzing mutations in Escherichia coli to Deinococcus radiodurans, an extremeophile with an astonishingly high resistance to UV- and ionizing-radiation-induced mutagenesis. Taking advantage of the conservation of the β-subunit of RNA polymerase among most prokaryotes, we derived again in D. radiodurans the rpoB/Rif r system that we developed in E. coli to monitor base substitutions, defining 33 base change substitutions at 22 different base pairs. We sequenced >250 mutations leading to Rif r in D. radiodurans derived spontaneously in wild-type and uvrD (mismatch-repair-deficient) backgrounds and after treatment with N-methyl-N′-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine (NTG) and 5-azacytidine (5AZ). The specificities of NTG and 5AZ in D. radiodurans are the same as those found for E. coli and other organisms. There are prominent base substitution hotspots in rpoB in both D. radiodurans and E. coli. In several cases these are at different points in each organism, even though the DNA sequences surrounding the hotspots and their corresponding sites are very similar in both D. radiodurans and E. coli. In one case the hotspots occur at the same site in both organisms.

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