DNA damage on the right spot

Organisms are said to be diploid when they carry two copies of each chromosome in their cells, one from each of their biological parents. But in order for each parent to only pass on one copy of their own chromosomes, they need to make haploid cells, which only carry one copy of each chromosome. These cells form by a special kind of cell division called meiosis, in which the two chromosomes from each pair in the parent cells are first linked, and then pulled apart into the daughter cells.

Accurate meiosis requires a type of DNA damage called double-stranded DNA breaks. These breaks cut through the chromosomes and can be dangerous to the cell if they are not repaired correctly. During meiosis, a set of proteins gather around the chromosomes to ensure the cuts happen in the right place and to repair the damage. One of these proteins is called Mer2. Previous studies suggest that this protein plays a role in placing the DNA breaks and controlling when they happen.

To find out more, Rousova et al. examined Mer2 and the proteins that interact with it in budding yeast cells. This involved taking the proteins out of the cell to get a closer look. The experiments showed that Mer2 sticks directly to the chromosomes and acts as a tether for other proteins. It collaborates with two partners, called Hop1 and Mre11, to make sure that DNA breaks happen safely. These proteins detect the state of the chromosome and repair the damage. Stopping Mer2 from interacting with Mre11 prevented DNA breaks from forming in budding yeast cells.

Although Rousova et al. used budding yeast to study the proteins involved in meiosis, similar proteins exist in plant and animal cells too. Understanding how they work could open new avenues of research into cell division. For example, studies on plant proteins could provide tools for creating new crop strains. Studies on human proteins could also provide insights into fertility problems and cancer.