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Coprinus cinereus Mer3 is required for synaptonemal complex formation during meiosis

Hiroko Sugawara1, Kazuki Iwabata, Akiyo Koshiyama

  • 1Department of Applied Biological Science, Faculty of Science and Technology, Tokyo University of Science, Noda, Chiba, Japan.

Chromosoma
|October 9, 2008
PubMed

Insights

The DNA helicase CcMer3 is essential for homologous synapsis during meiosis in Coprinus cinereus. A mer3 mutant showed defective synaptonemal complex formation, leading to reduced spore production.

Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Genetics
  • Mycology

Background:

  • Mer3 is a conserved DNA helicase vital for meiotic recombination and crossover formation.
  • Understanding Mer3 function is crucial for comprehending meiotic processes in eukaryotes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To identify and characterize the MER3 homolog in Coprinus cinereus (Ccmer3).
  • To investigate the role of CcMer3 in meiotic progression, chromosome synapsis, and spore production.

Main Methods:

  • Gene identification and expression analysis in C. cinereus meiocytes.
  • Immunostaining to determine CcMer3 localization on chromosomes.
  • Generation and analysis of a C. cinereus mer3 mutant.
  • Electron microscopy for chromosome structure analysis.

Main Results:

  • CcMer3 is expressed in zygotene and pachytene meiocytes and localizes to chromosomes.
  • CcMer3 foci are more abundant on paired chromosomes.
  • The mer3 mutant exhibits abnormal meiosis, apoptosis post-prophase I, and drastically reduced basidiospore production.
  • Mutant analysis reveals defective synapsis despite axial element formation, impacting spore viability.

Conclusions:

  • CcMer3 is essential for the formation of the synaptonemal complex following axial element alignment.
  • CcMer3 plays a critical role in homologous synapsis, a prerequisite for successful meiotic recombination and spore formation.

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