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S. pombe meiotic linear elements contain proteins related to synaptonemal complex components
Alexander Lorenz1, Jennifer L Wells, David W Pryce
1Institute of Botany, University of Vienna, Rennweg 14, A-1030, Austria.
Journal of Cell Science
|July 1, 2004
Summary
Fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe forms linear elements (LEs) instead of synaptonemal complexes (SCs) during meiosis. Proteins Rec10, Hop1, and Mek1 localize to these LEs, suggesting conserved functions with SCs.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Genetics
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe lacks synaptonemal complexes (SCs) during meiotic prophase.
- Linear elements (LEs) are observed in S. pombe meiotic nuclei instead of SCs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the protein composition and evolutionary relationship of LEs in S. pombe.
- To determine if S. pombe LEs share components with S. cerevisiae SCs.
Main Methods:
- Electron microscopy to observe nuclear structures.
- In situ immunostaining to localize proteins.
Main Results:
- S. pombe Rec10, homologous to S. cerevisiae SC protein Red1, localizes to LEs.
- Homologues of S. cerevisiae Hop1 and Mek1 also localize to S. pombe LEs.
Conclusions:
- LEs in S. pombe share evolutionary relationships with the lateral elements of SCs.
- LEs and SCs may perform similar functions in different yeast species.