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DNA double strand break repair, chromosome synapsis and transcriptional silencing in meiosis

Volume 5, Issue 4   May 16, 2010
Pages 255 - 266
http://dx.doi.org/10.4161/epi.5.4.11518
Authors: Akiko Inagaki, Sam Schoenmakers and Willy M. Baarends

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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.

Received: February 12, 2010; Accepted: February 16, 2010

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