Exiting prophase I: no clear boundary

The meiotic cell cycle provides a unique model to study the relationship between recombinational DNA repair and the cell cycle, since homologous recombination, induced by programmed DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs), is integrated as an essential step during meiosis. The pachytene checkpoint, which is situated towards the end of meiotic prophase I, coordinates homologous recombination and cell cycle progression, similar to the DNA damage checkpoint mechanisms operating in vegetative cells. However, there are a number of features unique to meiosis, making the system optimized for the purpose of meiosis. Our recent work highlights the involvement of three major cell cycle kinases, Dbf4-dependent Cdc7 kinase, Polo kinase and CDK, in coordinating homologous recombination and the meiotic cell cycle. In this review, we will discuss the unique interplay between meiotic cell cycle control and homologous recombination during meiosis I.