Control of Meiotic Crossovers: From Double-Strand Break Formation to Designation

Gray, Stephen; Cohen, Paula E.

Abstract

© 2016 by Annual Reviews. All rights reserved. Meiosis, the mechanism of creating haploid gametes, is a complex cellular process observed across sexually reproducing organisms. Fundamental to meiosis is the process of homologous recombination, whereby DNA double-strand breaks are introduced into the genome and are subsequently repaired to generate either noncrossovers or crossovers. Although homologous recombination is essential for chromosome pairing during prophase I, the resulting crossovers are critical for maintaining homolog interactions and enabling accurate segregation at the first meiotic division. Thus, the placement, timing, and frequency of crossover formation must be exquisitely controlled. In this review, we discuss the proteins involved in crossover formation, the process of their formation and designation, and the rules governing crossovers, all within the context of the important landmarks of prophase I. We draw together crossover designation data across organisms, analyze their evolutionary divergence, and propose a universal model for crossover regulation.

Citation

Gray, S., & Cohen, P. E. (2016). Control of Meiotic Crossovers: From Double-Strand Break Formation to Designation. Annual Review of Genetics, 50(1), 175-210. https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev-genet-120215-035111

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Sep 14, 2016
• Online Publication Date: Sep 14, 2016
• Publication Date: Nov 23, 2016
• Deposit Date: Nov 11, 2019
• Journal: Annual Review of Genetics
• Print ISSN: 0066-4197
• Electronic ISSN: 1545-2948
• Publisher: Annual Reviews
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 50
• Issue: 1
• Pages: 175-210
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev-genet-120215-035111
• Keywords: Genetics
• Public URL: https://nottingham-repository.worktribe.com/output/3204036
• Publisher URL: https://www.annualreviews.org/doi/10.1146/annurev-genet-120215-035111