Meiotic DSB patterning: A multifaceted process

• Published in: Cell cycle (Georgetown, Tex.) Vol. 15; no. 1; pp. 13 - 21
• Main Authors: Cooper, Tim J., Garcia, Valerie, Neale, Matthew J.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Taylor & Francis 02.01.2016
• Subjects: Animals; ATM; Cell Cycle Proteins - genetics; Cell Cycle Proteins - metabolism; DNA Breaks, Double-Stranded; DNA Repair - physiology; DSB competition; DSB formation; DSB hotspots; DSB interference; Extra View; Homologous Recombination - physiology; Humans; meiosis; Meiosis - physiology; recombination; Saccharomyces cerevisiae Proteins - genetics; Saccharomyces cerevisiae Proteins - metabolism; Tel1; DSB competition; DSB formation; Tel1; meiosis; recombination; DSB interference; ATM; DSB hotspots
• ISSN: 1538-4101; 1551-4005
• DOI: 10.1080/15384101.2015.1093709

Meiosis is a specialized two-step cell division responsible for genome haploidization and the generation of genetic diversity during gametogenesis. An integral and distinctive feature of the meiotic program is the evolutionarily conserved initiation of homologous recombination (HR) by the developmentally programmed induction of DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs). The inherently dangerous but essential act of DSB formation is subject to multiple forms of stringent and self-corrective regulation that collectively ensure fruitful and appropriate levels of genetic exchange without risk to cellular survival. Within this article we focus upon an emerging element of this control-spatial regulation-detailing recent advances made in understanding how DSBs are evenly distributed across the genome, and present a unified view of the underlying patterning mechanisms employed.