PLK-1/2-mediated SYP-4 phosphorylation is dependent on crossover precursor formation, triggering a switch in the dynamic state of the synaptonemal complex that reduces the formation of further double-strand breaks at late meiotic prophase.
Coordination between crossover designation and synaptonemal complex disassembly is executed via a conserved MAP kinase pathway and is critical for accurate chromosome segregation during meiosis.
Formation of a phase-separated interface between homologous chromosomes during meiosis enables regulatory signals to spread in cis over long distances, illuminating the longstanding mystery of crossover interference.
A structural and biochemical study of human SYCP3 provides the first molecular model for the three-dimensional organisation that is imposed upon chromosomal DNA during meiosis and is essential for genetic exchange and fertility.
A regulatory circuit that localizes to the synaptonemal complex, a liquid crystalline compartment between chromosomes, ensures crossing-over while limiting the number of crossovers between homologous chromosomes during meiosis.
Building on previous work (Syrjänen, Pellegrini, & Davies, 2014), it is shown that SYCP3 contributes to the architecture of meiotic chromosomes through local bridging interactions that result in large-scale compaction of the chromosome axis.
Prdm9-generated meiotic asynapsis of homologous chromosomes in mouse subspecific hybrids causes hybrid sterility and can be reversed by introducing random stretches of consubspecific sequence (≥ 27Mb) on four chromosomes most sensitive to asynapsis.
