Analysis of Schizosaccharomyces pombe Meiosis

Meiosis is a specialized cell cycle that generates haploid gametes from diploid cells. The fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe is one of the best model organisms for studying the regulatory mechanisms of meiosis. S. pombe cells, which normally grow in the haploid state, diploidize by conjugation and initiate meiosis when starved for nutrients, especially nitrogen. Following two rounds of chromosome segregation, spore formation takes place. The switch from mitosis to meiosis is controlled by a kinase, Pat1, and an RNA-binding protein, Mei2. Mei2 is also a key factor for meiosis-specific gene expression. Studies on S. pombe have offered insights into cell cycle regulation and chromosome segregation during meiosis. Here we outline the current understanding of the molecular mechanisms regulating the initiation and progression of meiosis, and introduce methods for the study of meiosis in fission yeast.