Signaling Cascades in Meiotic Chromosome Dynamics

Meiosis is a specialized cell division essential for sexual reproduction, generating haploid gametes through two consecutive nuclear divisions following a single round of DNA replication. During an extended meiotic prophase I, chromosomes undergo elaborate rearrangements, such as pairing, synapsis, and recombination, culminating in crossovers that physically link homologs for accurate segregation. Errors in these processes cause aneuploidy, a leading contributor to infertility, miscarriage, and congenital disorders. These chromosomal events must be precisely coordinated with cell cycle transitions through signaling pathways involving cell cycle and DNA damage checkpoint kinases, as well as ubiquitin-mediated regulation. These pathways control the timing and levels of programmed DNA double-strand breaks, monitor synapsis and crossover formation, and enforce surveillance checkpoints that eliminate defective cells. This review examines how signaling networks orchestrate chromosome dynamics during meiotic prophase, highlighting conserved principles and organism-specific adaptations that ensure faithful genetic transmission across generations.