DEtail-seq is an ultra-efficient and convenient method for meiotic DNA break profiling in multiple organisms

Area of Science:

• Genetics and Genomics
• Molecular Biology
• Reproductive Biology

Background:

• Programmed DNA double-strand break (DSB) formation is essential for meiotic recombination.
• Current methods for mapping DSB 3' ends lack efficiency and precision.
• Understanding DSB distribution is critical for meiosis research.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce a novel, high-efficiency technique for characterizing meiotic DSB 3' ends.
• To analyze the nature and location of meiotic DSBs in various species.
• To provide new insights into the regulation of meiotic recombination hotspots.

Main Methods:

• Development and application of DNA End tailing and sequencing (DEtail-seq).
• Near single-nucleotide resolution mapping of DSB 3' ends.
• Analysis of DSB distribution in yeast, mouse, and human genomes.

Main Results:

• DEtail-seq enables ultra-efficient characterization of meiotic DSB 3' ends across species.
• In budding yeast, DSB 3' ends are stable with minimal resection.
• Meiotic DSBs in mice are enriched in de novo H3K4me3 peaks during leptotene.
• Human meiotic DSB hotspots are located near common fragile sites and CTCF-associated enhancers.

Conclusions:

• DEtail-seq is a powerful tool for detecting DSB ends in diverse organisms.
• The study provides novel insights into the genomic distribution and regulatory mechanisms of meiotic DSB hotspots.
• Findings advance the understanding of meiotic recombination and genome stability.