A Highlights from MBoC Selection: akirin is required for diakinesis bivalent structure and synaptonemal complex disassembly at meiotic prophase I

During meiosis, evolutionarily conserved mechanisms regulate chromosome remodeling, leading to the formation of a tight bivalent structure. This bivalent, a linked pair of homologous chromosomes, is essential for proper chromosome segregation in meiosis. The formation of a tight bivalent involves chromosome condensation and restructuring around the crossover. The synaptonemal complex (SC), which mediates homologous chromosome association before crossover formation, disassembles concurrently with increased condensation during bivalent remodeling. Both chromosome condensation and SC disassembly are likely critical steps in acquiring functional bivalent structure. The mechanisms controlling SC disassembly, however, remain unclear. Here we identify akir-1 as a gene involved in key events of meiotic prophase I in Caenorhabditis elegans. AKIR-1 is a protein conserved among metazoans that lacks any previously known function in meiosis. We show that akir-1 mutants exhibit severe meiotic defects in late prophase I, including improper disassembly of the SC and aberrant chromosome condensation, independently of the condensin complexes. These late-prophase defects then lead to aberrant reconfiguring of the bivalent. The meiotic divisions are delayed in akir-1 mutants and are accompanied by lagging chromosomes. Our analysis therefore provides evidence for an important role of proper SC disassembly in configuring a functional bivalent structure.     

Meiotic events at the centromeric heterochromatin: histone H3 phosphorylation, topoisomerase IIα localization and chromosome condensation

Mechanisms of chromosome condensation and segregation during the first meiotic division are not well understood. Resolution of recombination events to form chiasmata is important, for it is chiasmata that hold homologous chromosomes together for their oppositional orientation on the meiotic metaphase spindle, thus ensuring their accurate segregation during anaphase I. Events at the centromere are also important in bringing about proper attachment to the spindle apparatus. This study was designed to correlate the presence and activity of two proteins at the centromeric heterochromatin, topoisomerase II alpha (TOP2A) and histone H3, with the processes of chromosome condensation and individualization of chiasmate bivalents in murine spermatocytes. We tested the hypothesis that phosphorylation of histone H3 is a key event instigating localization of TOP2A to the centromeric heterochromatin and condensation of chromosomes as spermatocytes exit prophase and progress to metaphase. Activity of topoisomerase II is required for condensation of chromatin at the end of meiotic prophase. Histone H3 becomes phosphorylated at the end of prophase, beginning with its phosphorylation at the centromeric heterochromatin in the diplotene stage. However, it cannot be involved in localization of TOP2A, since TOP2A is localized to the centromeric heterochromatin throughout most of meiotic prophase. This observation suggests a meiotic function for TOP2A in addition to its role in chromatin condensation. The use of kinase inhibitors demonstrates that phosphorylation of histone H3 can be uncoupled from meiotic chromosome condensation; therefore other proteins, such as those constituting metaphase-promoting factor, must be involved. These results define the timing of important meiotic events at the centromeric heterochromatin and provide insight into mechanisms of chromosome condensation for meiotic metaphase.     

The condensin complexes play distinct roles to ensure normal chromosome morphogenesis during meiotic division in Arabidopsis

Meiosis is a specialized cell division essential for sexual reproduction. During meiosis the chromosomes are highly organized, and correct chromosome architecture is required for faithful segregation of chromosomes at anaphase I and II. Condensin is involved in chromosome organization during meiotic and mitotic cell divisions. Three condensin subunits, AtSMC4 and the condensin I and II specific subunits AtCAP‐D2 and AtCAP‐D3, respectively, have been studied for their role in meiosis. This has revealed that both the condensin I and condensin II complexes are required to maintain normal structural integrity of the meiotic chromosomes during the two nuclear divisions. Their roles appear functionally distinct in that condensin I is required to maintain normal compaction of the centromeric repeats and 45S rDNA, whereas loss of condensin II was associated with extensive interchromosome connections at metaphase I. Depletion of condensin is also associated with a slight reduction in crossover formation, suggesting a role during meiotic prophase I.     

Mutations in the Chromosomal Passenger Complex and the Condensin Complex Differentially Affect Synaptonemal Complex Disassembly and Metaphase I Configuration in Drosophila Female Meiosis

Production of haploid gametes relies on the specially regulated meiotic cell cycle. Analyses of the role of essential mitotic regulators in meiosis have been hampered by a shortage of appropriate alleles in metazoans. We characterized female-sterile alleles of the condensin complex component dcap-g and used them to define roles for condensin in Drosophila female meiosis. In mitosis, the condensin complex is required for sister-chromatid resolution and contributes to chromosome condensation. In meiosis, we demonstrate a role for dcap-g in disassembly of the synaptonemal complex and for proper retention of the chromosomes in a metaphase I-arrested state. The chromosomal passenger complex also is known to have mitotic roles in chromosome condensation and is required in some systems for localization of the condensin complex. We used the QA26 allele of passenger component incenp to investigate the role of the passenger complex in oocyte meiosis. Strikingly, in incenp^QA26 mutants maintenance of the synaptonemal complex is disrupted. In contrast to the dcap-g mutants, the incenp mutation leads to a failure of paired homologous chromosomes to biorient, such that bivalents frequently orient toward only one pole in prometaphase and metaphase I. We show that incenp interacts genetically with ord, suggesting an important functional relationship between them in meiotic chromosome dynamics. The dcap-g and incenp mutations cause maternal effect lethality, with embryos from mutant mothers arrested in the initial mitotic divisions.     

Persistence of histone H2AX phosphorylation after meiotic chromosome synapsis and abnormal centromere cohesion in poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (Parp-1) null oocytes

In spite of the impact of aneuploidy on human health little is known concerning the molecular mechanisms involved in the formation of structural or numerical chromosome abnormalities during meiosis. Here, we provide novel evidence indicating that lack of PARP-1 function during oogenesis predisposes the female gamete to genome instability. During prophase I of meiosis, a high proportion of Parp-1^(−/−) mouse oocytes exhibit a spectrum of meiotic defects including incomplete homologous chromosome synapsis or persistent histone H2AX phosphorylation in fully synapsed chromosomes at the late pachytene stage. Moreover, the X chromosome bivalent is also prone to exhibit persistent double strand DNA breaks (DSBs). In striking contrast, such defects were not detected in mutant pachytene spermatocytes. In fully-grown wild type oocytes at the germinal vesicle stage, PARP-1 protein associates with nuclear speckles and upon meiotic resumption, undergoes a striking re-localization towards spindle poles as well as pericentric heterochromatin domains at the metaphase II stage. Notably, a high proportion of in vivo matured Parp-1^(−/−) oocytes show lack of recruitment of the kinetochore-associated protein BUB3 to centromeric domains and fail to maintain metaphase II arrest. Defects in chromatin modifications in the form of persistent histone H2AX phosphorylation during prophase I of meiosis and deficient sister chromatid cohesion during metaphase II predispose mutant oocytes to premature anaphase II onset upon removal from the oviductal environment. Our results indicate that PARP-1 plays a critical role in the maintenance of chromosome stability at key stages of meiosis in the female germ line. Moreover, in the metaphase II stage oocyte PARP-1 is required for the regulation of centromere structure and function through a mechanism that involves the recruitment of BUB3 protein to centromeric domains.     

Mutations in the Drosophila condensin subunit dCAP-G: defining the role of condensin for chromosome condensation in mitosis and gene expression in interphase

Chromosomes are dynamic structures that are reorganized during the cell cycle to optimize them for distinct functions. SMC and non-SMC condensin proteins associate into complexes that have been implicated in the process of chromosome condensation. The roles of the individual non-SMC subunits of the complex are poorly understood, and mutations in the CAP-G subunit have not been described in metazoans. Here we elucidate a role for dCAP-G in chromosome condensation and cohesion in Drosophila. We illustrate the requirement of dCAP-G for condensation during prophase and prometaphase; however, we find that alternate mechanisms ensure that replicated chromosomes are condensed prior to metaphase. In contrast, dCAP-G is essential for chromosome condensation in metaphase of single, unreplicated sister chromatids, suggesting that there is an interplay between replicated chromatids and the condensin complex. In the dcap-g mutants, defects in sister-chromatid separation are also observed. Chromatid arms fail to resolve in prophase and are unable to separate at anaphase, whereas sister centromeres show aberrant separation in metaphase and successfully move to spindle poles at anaphase. We also identified a role for dCAP-G during interphase in regulating heterochromatic gene expression.     

Condensin II resolves chromosomal associations to enable anaphase I segregation in Drosophila male meiosis

Several meiotic processes ensure faithful chromosome segregation to create haploid gametes. Errors to any one of these processes can lead to zygotic aneuploidy with the potential for developmental abnormalities. During prophase I of Drosophila male meiosis, each bivalent condenses and becomes sequestered into discrete chromosome territories. Here, we demonstrate that two predicted condensin II subunits, Cap-H2 and Cap-D3, are required to promote territory formation. In mutants of either subunit, territory formation fails and chromatin is dispersed throughout the nucleus. Anaphase I is also abnormal in Cap-H2 mutants as chromatin bridges are found between segregating heterologous and homologous chromosomes. Aneuploid sperm may be generated from these defects as they occur at an elevated frequency and are genotypically consistent with anaphase I segregation defects. We propose that condensin II–mediated prophase I territory formation prevents and/or resolves heterologous chromosomal associations to alleviate their potential interference in anaphase I segregation. Furthermore, condensin II–catalyzed prophase I chromosome condensation may be necessary to resolve associations between paired homologous chromosomes of each bivalent. These persistent chromosome associations likely consist of DNA entanglements, but may be more specific as anaphase I bridging was rescued by mutations in the homolog conjunction factor teflon. We propose that the consequence of condensin II mutations is a failure to resolve heterologous and homologous associations mediated by entangled DNA and/or homolog conjunction factors. Furthermore, persistence of homologous and heterologous interchromosomal associations lead to anaphase I chromatin bridging and the generation of aneuploid gametes.     

Condensin suppresses recombination and regulates double-strand break processing at the repetitive ribosomal DNA array to ensure proper chromosome segregation during meiosis in budding yeast

During meiosis, homologues are linked by crossover, which is required for bipolar chromosome orientation before chromosome segregation at anaphase I. The repetitive ribosomal DNA (rDNA) array, however, undergoes little or no meiotic recombination. Hyperrecombination can cause chromosome missegregation and rDNA copy number instability. We report here that condensin, a conserved protein complex required for chromosome organization, regulates double-strand break (DSB) formation and repair at the rDNA gene cluster during meiosis in budding yeast. Condensin is highly enriched at the rDNA region during prophase I, released at the prophase I/metaphase I transition, and reassociates with rDNA before anaphase I onset. We show that condensin plays a dual role in maintaining rDNA stability: it suppresses the formation of Spo11-mediated rDNA breaks, and it promotes DSB processing to ensure proper chromosome segregation. Condensin is unnecessary for the export of rDNA breaks outside the nucleolus but required for timely repair of meiotic DSBs. Our work reveals that condensin coordinates meiotic recombination with chromosome segregation at the repetitive rDNA sequence, thereby maintaining genome integrity.     

Condensin I binds chromatin early in prophase and displays a highly dynamic association with <Emphasis Type="Italic">Drosophila</Emphasis> mitotic chromosomes

The condensed state of mitotic chromosomes is crucial for faithful genome segregation. Key factors implicated in the formation of mitotic chromosomes are the condensin I and II complexes. In Drosophila, condensin I appears to play a major role in mitotic chromosome organization. To analyze its dynamic behavior, we expressed Barren, a condensin I non-Structural Maintenance of Chromosomes subunit, as a fully functional enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) fusion protein in the female and followed it during early embryonic divisions. We find that, in Drosophila, Barren-EGFP associates with chromatin early in prophase concomitantly with the initiation of chromosome condensation. Barren-EGFP loading starts at the centromeric region from where it spreads distally reaching maximum accumulation at metaphase/early anaphase. Fluorescence Recovery After Photobleaching analysis indicates that most of the bound protein exchanges rapidly with the cytoplasmic pool during prometaphase/metaphase. Taken together, our results suggest that in Drosophila, condensin I is involved in the initial stages of chromosome condensation. Furthermore, the rapid turnover of Barren-EGFP indicates that the mechanism by which condensin I promotes mitotic chromosome organization is inconsistent with a static scaffold model. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.     

Condensins I and II are essential for construction of bivalent chromosomes in mouse oocytes

In many eukaryotes, condensins I and II associate with chromosomes in an ordered fashion during mitosis and play nonoverlapping functions in their assembly and segregation. Here we report for the first time the spatiotemporal dynamics and functions of the two condensin complexes during meiotic divisions in mouse oocytes. At the germinal vesicle stage (prophase I), condensin I is present in the cytoplasm, whereas condensin II is localized within the nucleus. After germinal vesicle breakdown, condensin II starts to associate with chromosomes and becomes concentrated onto chromatid axes of bivalent chromosomes by metaphase I. REC8 "glues" chromosome arms along their lengths. In striking contrast to condensin II, condensin I localizes primarily around centromeric regions at metaphase I and starts to associate stably with chromosome arms only after anaphase I. Antibody injection experiments show that condensin functions are required for many aspects of meiotic chromosome dynamics, including chromosome individualization, resolution, and segregation. We propose that the two condensin complexes play distinctive roles in constructing bivalent chromosomes: condensin II might play a primary role in resolving sister chromatid axes, whereas condensin I might contribute to monopolar attachment of sister kinetochores, possibly by assembling a unique centromeric structure underneath.     

Arabidopsis Cell Division Cycle 20.1 Is Required for Normal Meiotic Spindle Assembly and Chromosome Segregation

Cell division requires proper spindle assembly; a surveillance pathway, the spindle assembly checkpoint (SAC), monitors whether the spindle is normal and correctly attached to kinetochores. The SAC proteins regulate mitotic chromosome segregation by affecting CDC20 (Cell Division Cycle 20) function. However, it is unclear whether CDC20 regulates meiotic spindle assembly and proper homolog segregation. Here, we show that the Arabidopsis thaliana CDC20.1 gene is indispensable for meiosis and male fertility. We demonstrate that cdc20.1 meiotic chromosomes align asynchronously and segregate unequally and the metaphase I spindle has aberrant morphology. Comparison of the distribution of meiotic stages at different time points between the wild type and cdc20.1 reveals a delay of meiotic progression from diakinesis to anaphase I. Furthermore, cdc20.1 meiocytes exhibit an abnormal distribution of a histone H3 phosphorylation mark mediated by the Aurora kinase, providing evidence that CDC20.1 regulates Aurora localization for meiotic chromosome segregation. Further evidence that CDC20.1 and Aurora are functionally related was provided by meiosis-specific knockdown of At-Aurora1 expression, resulting in meiotic chromosome segregation defects similar to those of cdc20.1. Taken together, these results suggest a critical role for CDC20.1 in SAC-dependent meiotic chromosome segregation.     

Localisation of the SMC loading complex Nipbl/Mau2 during mammalian meiotic prophase I

Evidence from lower eukaryotes suggests that the chromosomal associations of all the structural maintenance of chromosome (SMC) complexes, cohesin, condensin and Smc5/6, are influenced by the Nipbl/Mau2 heterodimer. Whether this function is conserved in mammals is currently not known. During mammalian meiosis, very different localisation patterns have been reported for the SMC complexes, and the localisation of Nipbl/Mau2 has just recently started to be investigated. Here, we show that Nipbl/Mau2 binds on chromosomal axes from zygotene to mid-pachytene in germ cells of both sexes. In spermatocytes, Nipbl/Mau2 then relocalises to chromocenters, whereas in oocytes it remains bound to chromosomal axes throughout prophase to dictyate arrest. The localisation pattern of Nipbl/Mau2, together with those seen for cohesin, condensin and Smc5/6 subunits, is consistent with a role as a loading factor for cohesin and condensin I, but not for Smc5/6. We also demonstrate that Nipbl/Mau2 localises next to Rad51 and γH2AX foci. NIPBL gene deficiencies are associated with the Cornelia de Lange syndrome in humans, and we find that haploinsufficiency of the orthologous mouse gene results in an altered distribution of double-strand breaks marked by γH2AX during prophase I. However, this is insufficient to result in major meiotic malfunctions, and the chromosomal associations of the synaptonemal complex proteins and the three SMC complexes appear cytologically indistinguishable in wild-type and Nipbl ^+/? spermatocytes.     

Checkpoint kinase 1 is essential for meiotic cell cycle regulation in mouse oocytes

Checkpoint kinase 1 (Chk1) plays key roles in all currently defined cell cycle checkpoints, but its functions in mouse oocyte meiosis remain unclear. In this study, we report the expression, localization and functions of Chk1 in mouse oocyte meiosis. Chk1 was expressed from germinal vesicle (GV) to metaphase II (MII) stages and localized to the spindle from pro-metaphase I (pro-MI) to MII stages in mouse oocytes. Chk1 depletion facilitated the G₂/M transition while Chk1 overexpression inhibited the G₂/M transition as indicated by germinal vesicle breakdown (GVBD), through regulation of Cdh1 and Cyclin B1. Chk1 depletion did not affect meiotic cell cycle progression after GVBD, but its overexpression after GVBD activated the spindle assembly checkpoint and prevented homologous chromosome segregation, thus arresting oocytes at pro-MI or metaphase I (MI) stages. These results suggest that Chk1 is indispensable for prophase I arrest and functions in G₂/M checkpoint regulation in meiotic oocytes. Moreover, Chk1 overexpression affects meiotic spindle assembly checkpoint regulation and thus chromosome segregation.     

Genetic Collection of Meiotic Mutants of Rye <Emphasis Type="Italic">Secale cereale</Emphasis> L.

Genetic collection of meiotic mutants of winter rye Secale cereale L. (2n = 14) was created. Mutations were detected in inbred F₂ generations after self-fertilization of the F₁ hybrids, obtained by individual crossing of rye plants (cultivar Vyatka) or weedy rye with plants from autofertile lines. The mutations cause partial or complete plant sterility and are maintained in collection in a heterozygous state. Genetic analysis accompanied by cytogenetic study of meiosis has revealed six mutation types. (1) Nonallelic asynaptic mutations sy1 and sy9 caused the formation of only axial chromosome elements in prophase and anaphase. The synaptonemal complexes (SCs) were absent, the formation of the chromosome “bouquet” was impaired, and all chromosomes were univalent in meiotic metaphase I in 96.8% (sy1) and 67% (sy2) of cells. (2) Weak asynaptic mutation sy3, which hindered complete termination of synapsis in prophase I. Subterminal asynaptic segments were always observed in the SC, and at least one pair of univalents was present in metaphase I, but the number of cells with 14 univalents did not exceed 2%. (3) Mutations sy2, sy6, sy7, sy8, sy10, and sy19, which caused partially nonhomologous synapsis: change in pairing partners and fold-back chromosome synapsis in prophase I. In metaphase I, the number of univalents varied and multivalents were observed. (4) Mutation mei6, which causes the formation of ultrastructural protrusions on the lateral SC elements, gaps and branching of these elements. (5) Allelic mutations mei8 and mei8-10, which caused irregular chromatin condensation along chromosomes in prophase I, sticking and fragmentation of chromosomes in metaphase I. (6) Allelic mutations mei5 and mei10, which caused chromosome hypercondensation, defects of the division spindle formation, and random arrest of cells at different meiotic stages. However, these mutations did not affect the formation of microspore envelopes even around the cells, whose development was blocked at prophase I. Analysis of cytological pictures of meiosis in double rye mutants reveled epistatic interaction in the mutation series sy9 > sy1 > sy3 > sy19, which reflects the order of switching these genes in the course of meiosis. The expression of genes sy2 and sy19 was shown to be controlled by modifier genes. Most meiotic mutations found in rye have analogs in other plant species.     

Histone modifications related to chromosome silencing and elimination during male meiosis in Bengalese finch

We report here that a germline-restricted chromosome (GRC) is regularly present in males and females of the Bengalese finch (Lonchura domestica). While the GRC is euchromatic in oocytes, in spermatocytes this chromosome is cytologically seen as entirely heterochromatic and presumably inactive. The GRC is observed in the cytoplasm of secondary spermatocytes, indicating that its elimination from the nucleus occurs during the first meiotic division. By immunofluorescence on microspreads, we investigated the presence of histone H3 modifications throughout male meiosis, as well as in postmeiotic stages. We found that the GRC is highly enriched in di- and trimethylated histone H3 at lysine 9 during prophase I, in agreement with the presumed inactive state of this chromosome. At metaphase I, dimethylated histone H3 is no longer detectable on the GRC and its chromatin is more faintly stained with DAPI. The condensed GRC is underphosphorylated at serine 10 compared to the regular chromosomes during metaphase I, being phosphorylated later at this site after the first meiotic division. From these results, we proposed that trimethylation of histone H3 at lysine 9 on the GRC chromatin increases during metaphase I. This hypermethylated state at lysine 9 may preclude the phosphorylation of the adjacent serine 10 residue, providing an example of cross-talk of histone H3 modifications as described in experimental systems. The differential underphosphorylation of the GRC chromatin before elimination is interpreted as a cytologically detectable byproduct of deficient activity of Aurora B kinase, which is responsible for the phosphorylation of H3 at serine 10 during mitosis and meiosis.     

The aurora B kinase AIR-2 regulates kinetochores during mitosis and is required for separation of homologous Chromosomes during meiosis

BACKGROUND: Mitotic chromosome segregation depends on bi-orientation and capture of sister kinetochores by microtubules emanating from opposite spindle poles and the near synchronous loss of sister chromatid cohesion. During meiosis I, in contrast, sister kinetochores orient to the same pole, and homologous kinetochores are captured by microtubules emanating from opposite spindle poles. Additionally, mechanisms exist that prevent complete loss of cohesion during meiosis I. These features ensure that homologs separate during meiosis I and sister chromatids remain together until meiosis II. The mechanisms responsible for orienting kinetochores in mitosis and for causing asynchronous loss of cohesion during meiosis are not well understood. RESULTS: During mitosis in C. elegans, aurora B kinase, AIR-2, is not required for sister chromatid separation, but it is required for chromosome segregation. Condensin recruitment during metaphase requires AIR-2; however, condensin functions during prometaphase, independent of AIR-2. During metaphase, AIR-2 promotes chromosome congression to the metaphase plate, perhaps by inhibiting attachment of chromatids to both spindle poles. During meiosis in AIR-2-depleted oocytes, congression of bivalents appears normal, but segregation fails. Localization of AIR-2 on meiotic bivalents suggests this kinase promotes separation of homologs by promoting the loss of cohesion distal to the single chiasma. Inactivation of the phosphatase that antagonizes AIR-2 causes premature separation of chromatids during meiosis I, in a separase-dependent reaction. CONCLUSIONS: Aurora B functions to resolve chiasmata during meiosis I and to regulate kinetochore function during mitosis. Condensin mediates chromosome condensation during prophase, and condensin-independent pathways contribute to chromosome condensation during metaphase.     

The DUET gene is necessary for chromosome organization and progression during male meiosis in Arabidopsis and encodes a PHD finger protein

Progression through the meiotic cell cycle is an essential part of the developmental program of sporogenesis in plants. The duet mutant of Arabidopsis was identified as a male sterile mutant that lacked pollen and underwent an aberrant male meiosis. Male meiocyte division resulted in the formation of two cells instead of a normal tetrad. In wild type, male meiosis extends across two successive bud positions in an inflorescence whereas in duet, meiotic stages covered three to five bud positions indicating defective progression. Normal microspores were absent in the mutant and the products of the aberrant meiosis were uni- to tri-nucleate cells that later degenerated, resulting in anthers containing largely empty locules. Defects in male meiotic chromosome organization were observed starting from diplotene and extending to subsequent stages of meiosis. There was an accumulation of meiotic structures at metaphase 1, suggesting an arrest in cell cycle progression. Double mutant analysis revealed interaction with dyad, a mutation causing chromosome cohesion during female meiosis. Cloning and molecular analysis of DUET indicated that it potentially encodes a PHD-finger protein and shows specific expression in male meiocytes. Taken together these data suggest that DUET is required for male meiotic chromosome organization and progression.