Telomeres, the nuclear lamina, and membrane remodeling: Orchestrating meiotic chromosome movements

Telomeres, the DNA-protein complex located at the ends of linear eukaryotic chromosomes, not only safeguard genetic information from DNA erosion and aberrant activation of the DNA damage response pathways but also play a pivotal role in sexual reproduction. During meiotic prophase I, telomeres attach to the nuclear envelope and migrate along its surface, facilitating two-dimensional DNA homology searches that ensure precise pairing and recombination of the paternal and maternal chromosomes. Recent studies across diverse model systems have revealed intricate molecular mechanisms, including modifications to telomere- and nuclear envelope-binding proteins, the nuclear lamina, and even membrane composition. Emerging evidence reveals mutations in the genes encoding these meiotic telomere and nuclear envelope-associated proteins among infertile patients. This review highlights recent advances in the field of meiotic telomere research, particularly emphasizing mammalian model systems, contextualizes these findings through comparisons with other eukaryotes, and concludes by exploring potential future research directions in the field.