Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 10, 2026

06:18
Frequency and Distribution of Crossovers in Caenorhabditis elegans Meiosis by SNP Genotyping using Real-time PCR
Published on: July 11, 2025
777
Crossover interference mediates multiscale patterning along meiotic chromosomes
Martin A White1, Beth Weiner1, Lingluo Chu1,2
1Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA.
Nature Communications
|November 25, 2025
Summary
Meiotic crossover interference creates evenly spaced crossovers using a two-tiered patterning system. This involves molecular "triads" at both major and minor crossover sites, regulated by Pch2/TRIP13.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Meiotic crossover interference is crucial for accurate chromosome segregation.
- The spatial patterning mechanisms underlying interference remain incompletely understood.
- Budding yeast provides a powerful model for studying meiotic recombination.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate the molecular basis of meiotic crossover interference.
- To investigate the spatial organization of recombination machinery.
- To understand the role of protein remodelers in meiotic patterning.
Main Methods:
- Quantitative molecular analysis along yeast chromosomes.
- High-resolution imaging of meiotic chromosome components.
- Genetic manipulation of key meiotic factors, including Pch2/TRIP13.
Main Results:
- Meiotic interference establishes two interdigitated patterns with distinct periodicities.
- These patterns are formed by molecular "triads" at canonical and minority crossover sites.
- The protein remodeler Pch2/TRIP13 dynamically regulates triad components in real-time.
Conclusions:
- Meiotic crossover interference operates via a "two-tiered" patterning mechanism.
- Triad assemblies are fundamental to both canonical and minority crossover site organization.
- Pch2/TRIP13 plays a dynamic regulatory role in interference patterning.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Crossing Over
168.6K
Unlike mitosis, meiosis aims for genetic diversity in its creation of haploid gametes. Dividing germ cells first begin this process in prophase I, where each chromosome—replicated in S phase—is now composed of two sister chromatids (identical copies) joined centrally.
The homologous pairs of sister chromosomes—one from the maternal and one from the paternal genome—then begin to align alongside each other lengthwise, matching corresponding DNA positions in a process...
The homologous pairs of sister chromosomes—one from the maternal and one from the paternal genome—then begin to align alongside each other lengthwise, matching corresponding DNA positions in a process...
168.6K
Crossing Over
6.1K
Crossing over is the exchange of genetic information between homologous chromosomes during prophase I of meiosis I. Genetic recombination gives rise to allelic diversity in the newly formed daughter cells. In humans, crossing over produces genetically distinct haploid egg and sperm cells that undergo fertilization to produce unique offspring. Before cell division starts, the germ cell’s chromosome(s) undergo duplication in the S phase of the cell cycle. As the cells enter prophase I,...
6.1K
Meiosis I
217.5K
Meiosis is a carefully orchestrated set of cell divisions, the goal of which—in humans—is to produce haploid sperm or eggs, each containing half the number of chromosomes present in somatic cells elsewhere in the body. Meiosis I is the first such division, and involves several key steps, among them: condensation of replicated chromosomes in diploid cells; the pairing of homologous chromosomes and their exchange of information; and finally, the separation of homologous chromosomes by...
217.5K
Meiosis I
43.7K
Meiosis is the division of a diploid cell into haploid cells forming sperm and eggs in animals through differentiation. Meiosis I is the first stage of meiosis, where the genetic recombination of homologous chromosomes and the reduction of the ploidy level by half occurs.
Prophase I is the most extended and complex step of meiosis I characterized by synapsis, chromosome pairing, and recombination of the homologous chromosomes. This process is facilitated by a proteinaceous structure called the...
Prophase I is the most extended and complex step of meiosis I characterized by synapsis, chromosome pairing, and recombination of the homologous chromosomes. This process is facilitated by a proteinaceous structure called the...
43.7K
Gene Conversion
10.5K
Other than maintaining genome stability via DNA repair, homologous recombination plays an important role in diversifying the genome. In fact, the recombination of sequences forms the molecular basis of genomic evolution. Random and non-random permutations of genomic sequences create a library of new amalgamated sequences. These newly formed genomes can determine the fitness and survival of cells. In bacteria, homologous and non-homologous types of recombination lead to the evolution of new...
10.5K
Meiosis II
206.5K
Meiosis II is the second and final stage of meiosis. It relies on the haploid cells produced during meiosis I, each of which contain only 23 chromosomes—one from each homologous initial pair. Importantly, each chromosome in these cells is composed of two joined copies, and when these cells enter meiosis II, the goal is to separate such sister chromatids using the same microtubule-based network employed in other division processes. The result of meiosis II is two haploid cells, each...
206.5K

