Topoisomerase II mediates meiotic crossover interference.

Citation:

Zhang L, Wang S, Yin S, Hong S, Kim KP, Kleckner N. Topoisomerase II mediates meiotic crossover interference. Nature. 2014;511 (7511) :551-6.

Date Published:

2014 Jul 31

Abstract:

Spatial patterning is a ubiquitous feature of biological systems. Meiotic crossovers provide an interesting example, defined by the classic phenomenon of crossover interference. Here we identify a molecular pathway for interference by analysing crossover patterns in budding yeast. Topoisomerase II plays a central role, thus identifying a new function for this critical molecule. SUMOylation (of topoisomerase II and axis component Red1) and ubiquitin-mediated removal of SUMOylated proteins are also required. The findings support the hypothesis that crossover interference involves accumulation, relief and redistribution of mechanical stress along the protein/DNA meshwork of meiotic chromosome axes, with topoisomerase II required to adjust spatial relationships among DNA segments.