Open AccessDiffusion and distal linkages govern interchromosomal dynamics during meiotic prophase
Author(s) -
Trent Newman,
Bruno Beltran,
James McGehee,
Daniel Elnatan,
Cori K. Cahoon,
Michael R. Paddy,
Daniel Chu,
Andrew J. Spakowitz,
Sean M. Burgess
Publication year - 2022
Publication title -
proceedings of the national academy of sciences of the united states of america
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 5.011
H-Index - 771
eISSN - 1091-6490
pISSN - 0027-8424
DOI - 10.1073/pnas.2115883119
Subject(s) - meiosis , pairing , homologous chromosome , biology , homologous recombination , genetics , sexual reproduction , chromosome segregation , recombination , ploidy , prophase , genetic recombination , colocalization , cell division , microbiology and biotechnology , evolutionary biology , chromosome , dna , cell , gene , physics , superconductivity , quantum mechanics
Significance Essential for sexual reproduction, meiosis is a specialized cell division required for the production of haploid gametes. Critical to this process are the pairing, recombination, and segregation of homologous chromosomes (homologs). While pairing and recombination are linked, it is not known how many linkages are sufficient to hold homologs in proximity. Here, we reveal that random diffusion and the placement of a small number of linkages are sufficient to establish the apparent “pairing” of homologs. We also show that colocalization between any two loci is more dynamic than anticipated. Our study provides observations of live interchromosomal dynamics during meiosis and illustrates the power of combining single-cell measurements with theoretical polymer modeling.