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Updated: Jul 26, 2026
11:40
Preparation of the Mgm101 Recombination Protein by MBP-based Tagging Strategy
Published on: June 25, 2013
Mnd1p: an evolutionarily conserved protein required for meiotic recombination
Jennifer L Gerton1, Joseph L DeRisi
1Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of California, 513 Parnassus Avenue, Box 0448, San Francisco, CA 94143-0448, USA.
Summary
The gene MND1 is essential for meiotic recombination in yeast, playing a key role in strand invasion during the process. Its function is conserved across diverse species, highlighting its evolutionary importance.
Area of Science:
- Genetics
- Molecular Biology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Meiotic recombination is crucial for accurate chromosome segregation during meiosis.
- The molecular mechanisms underlying meiotic recombination initiation and progression are not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify genes essential for meiotic recombination using a functional genomics approach.
- To elucidate the role of the gene YGL183c (MND1) in meiotic recombination.
Main Methods:
- Functional genomics screen in Saccharomyces cerevisiae.
- Analysis of meiotic progression and recombination intermediates in mnd1-1 mutants.
- Physical and genetic analysis of recombination events.
Main Results:
- The gene YGL183c, named MND1, was identified as essential for meiotic recombination.
- MND1 is spliced in meiotic cells, extending the annotated open reading frame.
- mnd1-1 mutants initiated recombination but failed to form heteroduplex DNA or double Holliday junctions, indicating a defect in strand invasion.
- MND1 homologs are conserved in diverse eukaryotes, from protists to mammals.
Conclusions:
- Mnd1p is a novel protein required for a critical step in meiotic recombination, likely strand invasion.
- The conserved nature of MND1 suggests a fundamental role in eukaryotic meiosis.
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