The role of topological events for meiotic homologue paring and genome haploidization

• Applicant: Professor Dr. Harry Scherthan, since 4/2010
• Subject Area: Cell Biology
• Term: from 2009 to 2015
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 114974210

Genome reduction by meiosis requires the pairing and separation of homologous chromosomes during meiosis I, eventually leading to genome reduction to the haploid complement in sperm or spores. Breaks in double stranded DNA (DSBs) and their ordered repair is required to pair homologues in prophase I of most eukaryotes. The homologue search process poses a three-dimensional problem o the cell and involves chf-omosome mobility in mammals and yeasts, with the latter organism displaying dramatic movements throughout prophase I. It has been hypothesized that chromosome mobility contributes to the disruption of excess recombinogenic chromosome interactions, but this issue remains poorly understood. Any pre-existing 3D order in the premeiotic nucleus will support homology search. Hence, pair-wise centromere associations have been considered to facilitate homologue sorting in plants and yeast. In this proposal we will investigate /) parental genome distribution and centromere associations in meiosis of mouse M. spretus x M. musculus hybrids and //) whether chromosome mobility in yeast contributes to elimination of ectopic recombinogenic interactions instigated by ionising radiation of prophase I cells. /'//) Finally, the genetic interaction of mutations that affect telomere clustering will be probed in strains with lasting telomere clustering.

• DFG Programme: Priority Programmes
• Subproject of: SPP 1384: Mechanisms of Genome Haploidisation
• Major Instrumentation: Beleuchtungseinheit zur Fluoreszenzanregung
• Instrumentation Group: 5040 Spezielle Mikroskope (außer 500-503)
• Ehemaliger Antragsteller: Professor Dr. Roland Kappler, from 3/2010 until 4/2010