Mechanisms of homologous chromosome synapsis and recombination in mammalian meiosis

Abstract

Homologous chromosome synapsis and recombination are key events that occur during meiotic prophase and result in the formation of chromatin structures called chiasmata. These chromatin structures physically connect homologous chromosomes, which in turn ensures that each set of homologs are correctly segregated later in meiosis. During my PhD, I identified novel aspects that promote the synapsis and recombination of homologs during mammalian female and male meiotic prophase. In addition, I devised a new method that enables mouse fetal oocytes to be studied through live-cell microscopy. The details of these findings are discussed within this thesis.