Chromosome Pairing Research Articles

Homologous chromosome pairing starts at the ends.

Homologous chromosome pairing starts at the ends.

The Satellite DNA PcH-Sat, Isolated and Characterized in the Limpet Patella caerulea (Mollusca, Gastropoda), Suggests the Origin from a Nin-SINE Transposable Element.

Satellite DNA (sat-DNA) was previously described as junk and selfish DNA in the cellular economy, without a clear functional role. However, during the last two decades, evidence has been accumulated about the roles of sat-DNA in different cellular functions and its probable involvement in tumorigenesis and adaptation to environmental changes. In molluscs, studies on sat-DNAs have been performed mainly on bivalve species, especially those of economic interest. Conversely, in Gastropoda (which includes about 80% of the currently described molluscs species), studies on sat-DNA have been largely neglected. In this study, we isolated and characterized a sat-DNA, here named PcH-sat, in the limpet Patella caerulea using the restriction enzyme method, particularly HaeIII. Monomeric units of PcH-sat are 179 bp long, AT-rich (58.7%), and with an identity among monomers ranging from 91.6 to 99.8%. Southern blot showed that PcH-sat is conserved in P. depressa and P. ulyssiponensis, while a smeared signal of hybridization was present in the other three investigated limpets (P. ferruginea, P. rustica and P. vulgata). Dot blot showed that PcH-sat represents about 10% of the genome of P. caerulea, 5% of that of P. depressa, and 0.3% of that of P. ulyssiponensis. FISH showed that PcH-sat was mainly localized on pericentromeric regions of chromosome pairs 2 and 4-7 of P. caerulea (2n = 18). A database search showed that PcH-sat contains a large segment (of 118 bp) showing high identity with a homologous trait of the Nin-SINE transposable element (TE) of the patellogastropod Lottia gigantea, supporting the hypothesis that TEs are involved in the rising and tandemization processes of sat-DNAs.

Centromere pairing enables correct segregation of meiotic chromosomes

Proper chromosome segregation in meiosis I relies on the formation of connections between homologous chromosomes. Crossovers between homologs provide a connection that allows them to attach correctly to the meiosis I spindle. Tension is transmitted across the crossover when the partners attach to microtubules from opposing poles of the spindle. Tension stabilizes microtubule attachments that will pull the partners toward opposite poles at anaphase. Paradoxically, in many organisms, non-crossover partners segregate correctly. The mechanism by which non-crossover partners become bioriented on the meiotic spindle is unknown. Both crossover and non-crossover partners pair their centromeres early in meiosis (prophase). In budding yeast, centromere pairing is correlated with subsequent correct segregation of the partners. The mechanism by which centromere pairing, in prophase, promotes later correct attachment of the partners to the metaphase spindle is unknown. We used live cell imaging to track the biorientation process of non-crossover chromosomes. We find that centromere pairing allows the establishment of connections between the partners that allows their later interdependent attachment to the meiotic spindle using tension-sensing biorientation machinery. Because all chromosome pairs experience centromere pairing, our findings suggest that crossover chromosomes also utilize this mechanism to achieve maximal segregation fidelity.

The first chromosome-level genome of the stag beetle Dorcus hopei Saunders, 1854 (Coleoptera: Lucanidae)

Stag beetles (Coleoptera: Lucanidae) represent a significant saproxylic assemblage in forest ecosystems and are noted for their enlarged mandibles and male polymorphism. Despite their relevance as ideal models for the study of exaggerated mandibles that aid in attracting mates, the regulatory mechanisms associated with these traits remain understudied, and restricted by the lack of high-quality reference genomes for stag beetles. To address this limitation, we successfully assembled the first chromosome-level genome of a representative species Dorcus hopei. The genome was 496.58 Mb in length, with a scaffold N50 size of 54.61 Mb, BUSCO values of 99.8%, and 96.8% of scaffolds anchored to nine pairs of chromosomes. We identified 285.27 Mb (57.45%) of repeat sequences and annotated 11,231 protein-coding genes. This genome will be a valuable resource for further understanding the evolution and ecology of stag beetles, and provides a basis for studying the mechanisms of exaggerated mandibles through comparative analysis.

Prenatal ultrasound findings and clinical outcomes of uniparental disomy: a retrospective study

BackgroundUniparental disomy is the inheritance of a homologous chromosome pair or part of homologous chromosomes from only one parent. However, the clinical significance of uniparental disomy and the difference among the prognosis of involvement of different chromosomes remain unclear.ObjectiveTo assess the associated prenatal ultrasound presentations and clinical outcomes of uniparental disomy on different chromosomes and to analyze the relationship between prenatal ultrasound markers and clinical outcomes.Study designWe retrospectively analyzed data from fetuses with uniparental disomy diagnosed using chromosome microarray analysis with the Affymetrix CytoScan HD array at our institution between January 2013 and September 2022. The relationship between prenatal ultrasound findings, the involved chromosome(s), and clinical outcomes was evaluated.ResultsDuring the study period, 36 fetuses with uniparental disomy were diagnosed, and two cases were excluded for non-available postnatal data. Finally, 34 fetuses were included in our study, of which 30 (88.2%) had uniparental disomy occurring on a single chromosome, while four (11.8%) were identified with uniparental disomy on different chromosomes. The most frequently involved chromosomes were chromosomes 16, X and 2, which presented in 8 (23.5%), 5 (14.7%) and 4 (11.8%), respectively. Prenatal ultrasound abnormalities were detected in 21 fetuses, with the most common category being multiple abnormalities (12 (57.1%)). Fetal growth restriction was identified in 14 (41.2%) fetuses, all of which coexisted with other abnormal findings. The rate of adverse perinatal outcomes in patients with uniparental disomy and fetal abnormalities was significantly higher than those without abnormalities (76.2% versus 15.4%, P = 0.002). The incidence of fetal or neonatal death was significantly higher in fetuses with fetal growth restriction than those without (85.7% versus 30.0%, P = 0.004).ConclusionsThe prognosis of fetuses with uniparental disomy combined with fetal abnormalities, especially fetal growth restriction, was much poorer than those without.

Metabolism of halauxifen acid is regulated by genes located on wheat chromosome 5A

Abstract Allohexaploid wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is tolerant to halauxifen-methyl (HM) via rapid detoxification of the phytotoxic form of HM, halauxifen acid (HA), to non-phytotoxic metabolites. Previous research utilizing ‘Chinese Spring’ (CS) wheat, alien substitution (i.e., endogenous chromosome pair substituted with a homoeologous pair from diploid Sears’ goatgrass (Aegilops searsii M. Feldman & M. Kislev) (AS), or nullisomic-tetrasomic (NT) lines indicated plants lacking chromosome 5A are more sensitive than CS to HM. We hypothesized the increased HM sensitivity of these plants results from losing gene(s) on chromosome 5A associated with HA metabolism, which leads to a reduced HA detoxification rate relative to CS. To compare HA abundance among AS, CS, alien substitution, and NT lines during a time course, two excised-leaf studies using unlabeled HM and liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry analyses were performed. Aegilops searsii accumulated more HA than CS did, and each substitution line at 8, 12, and 24 h after treatment (HAT). Furthermore, only the wheat substitution line lacking chromosome 5A displayed greater abundance of HA relative to CS (2.4- to 3.8-fold, depending on the time point). In contrast, HA abundances in lines possessing chromosome 5A were not different than HA abundances in CS at all time points. When NT lines were compared with CS, the nullisomic 5D-tetrasomic 5A (N5D-T5A) line displayed similar HA abundance, whereas the nullisomic 5A-tetrasomic 5D (N5A-T5D) accumulated approximately 3-fold more HA at 12 and 24 HAT. These results biochemically support the hypothesis that genes encoding HA-detoxifying enzyme(s) are located on wheat chromosome 5A and corroborate findings from previous greenhouse phenotypic experiments. Future experimentation is needed to identify and characterize genes and enzymes on wheat chromosome 5A involved with HA detoxification, which may include cytochrome P450 monooxygenases, unknown oxidases, UDP-dependent glucosyltransferases, or, potentially, transcription factors that regulate expression of these genes associated with HA detoxification.

Chromosomal organization of different repetitive sequences in four wasp species of the genus Trypoxylon Latreille (Hymenoptera: Crabronidae) and insights into the composition of wasp telomeres.

This study characterizes the chromosomal organization of DNA repetitive sequences and the karyotypic evolution in four representatives of the solitary wasp genus Trypoxylon using conventional and molecular cytogenetic techniques. Our findings present the first cytogenetic data for Trypoxylon rogenhoferi (2n = 30) and Trypoxylon albonigrum (2n = 32), while the karyotypes of Trypoxylon nitidum (2n = 30) and Trypoxylon lactitarse (2n = 30) were similar to those previously described. Fluorochrome staining and microsatellite distribution data revealed differences in the constitutive heterochromatin composition among species. Trypoxylon nitidum and T. albonigrum exhibited one major rDNA cluster, potentially representing an ancestral pattern for aculeate Hymenoptera, while T. rogenhoferi and T. lactitarse showed two pericentromeric rRNA gene sites, suggesting amplification events in their ancestral clade. The (TCAGG)n motif hybridized in the terminal regions of the chromosomes in all four Trypoxylon species, which may suggest that this sequence represents DNA telomeric repeat. Notably, the presence of this repetitive sequence in the centromeric regions of certain chromosome pairs in two species supports the hypothesis of chromosomal fusions or inversions in the ancestral karyotype of Trypoxylon. The study expands the chromosomal mapping data of repetitive sequences in wasps and offers insights into the dynamic evolutionary landscape of karyotypes in these insects.

A cyclical switch of gametogenic pathways in hybrids depends on the ploidy level

The cellular and molecular mechanisms governing sexual reproduction are conserved across eukaryotes. Nevertheless, hybridization can disrupt these mechanisms, leading to asexual reproduction, often accompanied by polyploidy. In this study, we investigate how ploidy level and ratio of parental genomes in hybrids affect their reproductive mode. We analyze the gametogenesis of sexual species and their diploid and triploid hybrids from the freshwater fish family Cobitidae, using newly developed cytogenetic markers. We find that diploid hybrid females possess oogonia and oocytes with original (diploid) and duplicated (tetraploid) ploidy. Diploid oocytes cannot progress beyond pachytene due to aberrant pairing. However, tetraploid oocytes, which emerge after premeiotic genome endoreplication, exhibit normal pairing and result in diploid gametes. Triploid hybrid females possess diploid, triploid, and haploid oogonia and oocytes. Triploid and haploid oocytes cannot progress beyond pachytene checkpoint due to aberrant chromosome pairing, while diploid oocytes have normal pairing in meiosis, resulting in haploid gametes. Diploid oocytes emerge after premeiotic elimination of a single-copied genome. Triploid hybrid males are sterile due to aberrant pairing and the failure of chromosomal segregation during meiotic divisions. Thus, changes in ploidy and genome dosage may lead to cyclical alteration of gametogenic pathways in hybrids.

Seeding the meiotic DNA break machinery and initiating recombination on chromosome axes.

Programmed DNA double-strand break (DSB) formation is a crucial feature of meiosis in most organisms. DSBs initiate recombination-mediated linking of homologous chromosomes, which enables correct chromosome segregation in meiosis. DSBs are generated on chromosome axes by heterooligomeric focal clusters of DSB-factors. Whereas DNA-driven protein condensation is thought to assemble the DSB-machinery, its targeting to chromosome axes is poorly understood. We uncover in mice that efficient biogenesis of DSB-machinery clusters requires seeding by axial IHO1 platforms. Both IHO1 phosphorylation and formation of axial IHO1 platforms are diminished by chemical inhibition of DBF4-dependent kinase (DDK), suggesting that DDK contributes to the control of the axial DSB-machinery. Furthermore, we show that axial IHO1 platforms are based on an interaction between IHO1 and the chromosomal axis component HORMAD1. IHO1-HORMAD1-mediated seeding of the DSB-machinery on axes ensures sufficiency of DSBs for efficient pairing of homologous chromosomes. Without IHO1-HORMAD1 interaction, residual DSBs depend on ANKRD31, which enhances both the seeding and the growth of DSB-machinery clusters. Thus, recombination initiation is ensured by complementary pathways that differentially support seeding and growth of DSB-machinery clusters, thereby synergistically enabling DSB-machinery condensation on chromosomal axes.

A telomere-to-telomere genome assembly of Hongyingzi, a sorghum cultivar used for Chinese Baijiu production

Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench) is a world cereal crop used in China for producing Baijiu, a distilled spirit. We report a telomere-to-telomere genome assembly of the Baijiu cultivar Hongyingzi, HYZ-T2T, using ultralong reads. The 10 chromosome pairs contained 33,462 genes, of which 93% were functionally annotated. The 20 telomeres and 10 centromeric regions on the HYZ-T2T chromosomes were predicted and two consecutive large inversions on chromosome 2 were characterized. A 65-gene reconstruction of the metabolic pathway of tannins, the flavor substances in Baijiu, was performed and may advance the breeding of sorghum cultivars for Baijiu production.

The zinc-finger protein Z4 cooperates with condensin II to regulate somatic chromosome pairing and 3D chromatin organization.

Chromosome pairing constitutes an important level of genome organization, yet the mechanisms that regulate pairing in somatic cells and the impact on 3D chromatin organization are still poorly understood. Here, we address these questions in Drosophila, an organism with robust somatic pairing. In Drosophila, pairing preferentially occurs at loci consisting of numerous architectural protein binding sites (APBSs), suggesting a role of architectural proteins (APs) in pairing regulation. Amongst these, the anti-pairing function of the condensin II subunit CAP-H2 is well established. However, the factors that regulate CAP-H2 localization and action at APBSs remain largely unknown. Here, we identify two factors that control CAP-H2 occupancy at APBSs and, therefore, regulate pairing. We show that Z4, interacts with CAP-H2 and is required for its localization at APBSs. We also show that hyperosmotic cellular stress induces fast and reversible unpairing in a Z4/CAP-H2 dependent manner. Moreover, by combining the opposite effects of Z4 depletion and osmostress, we show that pairing correlates with the strength of intrachromosomal 3D interactions, such as active (A) compartment interactions, intragenic gene-loops, and polycomb (Pc)-mediated chromatin loops. Altogether, our results reveal new players in CAP-H2-mediated pairing regulation and the intimate interplay between inter-chromosomal and intra-chromosomal 3D interactions.

Abstract 405: Translocation detection in cancer using low-pass pore-c sequencing

Abstract Complex chromosomal rearrangements, including translocations, play a critical role in oncogenesis and are often identified as recurrent genetic aberrations in hematologic malignancies and solid tumors[1]. Translocation detection by karyotyping of an individual’s metaphase chromosomes remains challenging for detection of balanced rearrangements, which have no gain or loss of genetic material. Rearrangement detection using whole-genome sequencing is a viable alternative, but it relies on breakpoint-spanning reads and requires high sequencing depth (30-60x) with long reads to achieve high sensitivity, especially in repetitive regions of the genome[2]. Here, we describe a workflow for translocation detection at low sequencing depth with Oxford Nanopore’s long read chromatin conformation capture technique, Pore-C[3]. Importantly, for translocation calling, Pore-C does not rely on breakpoint-spanning reads but rather the high intrachromosomal interaction frequency of genomic regions around the breakpoint, thus largely lowering sequencing depth requirements and reducing mapping issues in low complexity regions. We prepared, barcoded, and sequenced Pore-C libraries of 3 cancer cell lines including lung cancer (A549), Acute Monocytic Leukemia (THP-1), melanoma (COLO 829) and its matching normal (COLO 829 BL) on a single Q20+ MinION flow cell (FLO-MIN114). Genome-wide contact maps of low-pass data (<1.5 Gbps per sample) were compared against higher depth (>30 Gbps per sample) Hi-C maps [4], revealing that low-pass Pore-C successfully captured large-scale genomic rearrangement. For example, chromosomal pairs chr8-chr11 and chr15-chr19 in A549, chr9-chr11 and chr1-chr20 in THP1, and chr7-chr15 in Colo829 were detected at <0.5X depth of sequencing coverage. These translocation events were further validated by breakpoint analysis using adaptive sampling, where targeted regions were previously confirmed by independent studies[4],[5]. Low-pass Pore-C detects translocations in an unbiased manner and does not require prior knowledge of the translocation structure. Combined with its simple sample-preparation workflow and the capability to provide genome-wide copy-number information in a single experiment, it can serve as a cost-effective and comprehensive tool for cancer genomic studies. [1] Chromosomal translocations in human cancer, Nature, 372, 143 (1994) [2] Hi-C as a tool for precise detection and characterisation of chromosomal rearrangements and copy number variation in human tumors, Genome Biology, 18, 125 (2017) [3] Identifying synergistic high-order 3D chromatin conformations from genome-scale nanopore concatemer sequencing, Nature Biotechnology, 40, 1488(2022) [4] Chromosomal translocations detection in cancer cells using chromosomal conformation capture data, Genes (Basel), 13, 7 (2022) [5] A multi-platform reference for somatic structural variation detection, Cell Genomics, 2, 6 (2022) Citation Format: Scott Hickey, Xiaoguang Dai, Sergey Aganezov, John Beaulaurier, Eoghan Harrington, Sissel Juul. Translocation detection in cancer using low-pass pore-c sequencing [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2024; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2024 Apr 5-10; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(6_Suppl):Abstract nr 405.

Türkiye'ye endemik Pseudophoxinus anatolicus (Hankó 1925)'un karyolojik analizi

The karyological characteristics of nearly half of the Pseudophoxinus species in Türkiye were determined. In this study, it is planned to determine the karyological characteristics of P. anatolicus, which is common in Beyşehir Lake, specimens were caught from the coast at Çiftlik village. The captured specimen were karyological analysed and Giemsa staining, C-banding and Ag-NOR staining were applied to the slides that obtained. The chromosome set of this species consists of 12 pairs of metacentric, eight pairs of submetacentric, two pairs of subtelocentric and three pairs of acrocentric chromosomes. Dark and slightly C-bands were observed in the centromeric regions of some chromosomes. Active Ag-NORs were detected in the telomeric region of the short arm of two pairs of chromosomes. Our results are similar to those of other Pseudophoxinus species except for some differences and it was determined that Anatolian minnow has a conserved karyotype like other Pseudophoxinus species.

Uncharted territories: Solving the mysteries of male meiosis in flies.

The segregation of homologous chromosomes during meiosis typically requires tight end-to-end chromosome pairing. However, in Drosophila spermatogenesis, male flies segregate their chromosomes without classic synaptonemal complex formation and without recombination, instead compartmentalizing homologs into subnuclear domains known as chromosome territories (CTs). How homologs find each other in the nucleus and are separated into CTs has been one of the biggest riddles in chromosome biology. Here, we discuss our current understanding of pairing and CT formation in flies and review recent data on how homologs are linked and partitioned during meiosis in male flies.

First cytogenetic study of the Somphong’s rasbora (Trigonostigma somphongsi) (Perciformes, Cyprinidae), a critically endangered species in Thailand

The first chromosome study of Trigonostigma somphongsi (Meinken,1958) from Thailand. Specimens were collected from Pak Phli District, Nakhornnayok Province, central Thailand. The mitotic chromosomes were directly prepared from kidney tissues of two males and two females. Conventional staining and Ag-NOR banding techniques were applied to stain the chromosomes. The results shown that diploid chromosome number of T. somphongsi was 2n=50, the fundamental numbers (NF) were 92 in both male and female. The types chromosomes consisted of 10 metacentric, 20 submetacentric, 12 acrocentric and 8 telocentric chromosomes. The result also exhibited that the interstitial nucleolar organizer regions (NORs) were clearly observed at the short arm of chromosome pair 2. The karyotype formula could be deduced as: 2n (diploid) 50=10m+20sm+12a+8t.

Chromosome ends initiate homologous chromosome pairing during rice meiosis.

During meiotic prophase I, chromosomes undergo large-scale dynamics to allow homologous chromosome pairing, prior to which chromosome ends attach to the inner nuclear envelope and form a chromosomal bouquet. Chromosome pairing is crucial for homologous recombination and accurate chromosome segregation during meiosis. However, the specific mechanism by which homologous chromosomes recognize each other is poorly understood. Here, we investigated the process of homologous chromosome pairing during early prophase I of meiosis in rice (Oryza sativa) using pooled oligo probes specific to an entire chromosome or chromosome arm. We revealed that chromosome pairing begins from both ends and extends toward the center from early zygotene through late zygotene. Genetic analysis of both trisomy and autotetraploidy also showed that pairing initiation is induced by both ends of a chromosome. However, healed ends that lack the original terminal regions on telocentric and acrocentric chromosomes cannot initiate homologous chromosome pairing, even though they may still enter the telomere clustering region at the bouquet stage. Furthermore, a chromosome that lacks the distal parts on both sides loses the ability to pair with other intact chromosomes. Thus, the native ends of chromosomes play a crucial role in initiating homologous chromosome pairing during meiosis and likely have a substantial impact on genome differentiation.

Induction of somatic cell haploidy by premature cell division.

Canonical mitotic and meiotic cell divisions commence with replicated chromosomes consisting of two sister chromatids. Here, we developed and explored a model of premature cell division, where nonreplicated, G0/G1-stage somatic cell nuclei are transplanted to the metaphase cytoplasm of mouse oocytes. Subsequent cell division generates daughter cells with reduced ploidy. Unexpectedly, genome sequencing analysis revealed proper segregation of homologous chromosomes, resulting in complete haploid genomes. We observed a high occurrence of somatic genome haploidization in nuclei from inbred genetic backgrounds but not in hybrids, emphasizing the importance of sequence homology between homologs. These findings suggest that premature cell division relies on mechanisms similar to meiosis I, where genome haploidization is facilitated by homologous chromosome interactions, recognition, and pairing. Unlike meiosis, no evidence of recombination between somatic cell homologs was detected. Our study offers an alternative in vitro gametogenesis approach by directly reprogramming diploid somatic cells into haploid oocytes.

Meiotic pairing and morphological and yield characterisation of three advanced lines of hexaploid tritordeum (×Tritordeum martini)

AbstractHexaploid tritordeum [×Tritordeum martinii A. Pujadas (Poaceae) nothosp. nov.; HchHchAABB] resulted from crosses between wild barley (Hordeum chilense Roem et. Schultz) and durum wheat [Triticum turgidum L. ssp. durum (Desf.) Husn.]. Tritordeum (HT) presents interesting agronomic traits that can be transferred to cultivated wheat. Through the years, several HT lines were developed and characterised. Genomic stability and fertility are expected for advanced HT lines with multiple self‐fertilisation generations. In this work, we analysed the meiotic chromosomal pairing in pollen mother cells (PMCs) of three advanced lines of hexaploid tritordeum (HT9, HT31 and HT67) after fluorescence in situ hybridisation (FISH) performed with genomic DNA from H. chilense and the bread wheat cloned rDNA sequence, pTa71, as probes, and characterised nine morphological and yield‐related traits for three consecutive years in adult plants. As expected, all HT lines showed regular meiotic chromosomal pairing, ensuring plant fertility as previously confirmed by the characterisation of morphological and yield‐related traits in adult plants of preceding generations. Globally, tritordeum is interesting for wheat breeding and has potential as an alternative crop.

Three near-complete genome assemblies reveal substantial centromere dynamics from diploid to tetraploid in Brachypodium genus

BackgroundCentromeres are critical for maintaining genomic stability in eukaryotes, and their turnover shapes genome architectures and drives karyotype evolution. However, the co-evolution of centromeres from different species in allopolyploids over millions of years remains largely unknown.ResultsHere, we generate three near-complete genome assemblies, a tetraploid Brachypodium hybridum and its two diploid ancestors, Brachypodium distachyon and Brachypodium stacei. We detect high degrees of sequence, structural, and epigenetic variations of centromeres at base-pair resolution between closely related Brachypodium genomes, indicating the appearance and accumulation of species-specific centromere repeats from a common origin during evolution. We also find that centromere homogenization is accompanied by local satellite repeats bursting and retrotransposon purging, and the frequency of retrotransposon invasions drives the degree of interspecies centromere diversification. We further investigate the dynamics of centromeres during alloploidization process, and find that dramatic genetics and epigenetics architecture variations are associated with the turnover of centromeres between homologous chromosomal pairs from diploid to tetraploid. Additionally, our pangenomes analysis reveals the ongoing variations of satellite repeats and stable evolutionary homeostasis within centromeres among individuals of each Brachypodium genome with different polyploidy levels.ConclusionsOur results provide unprecedented information on the genomic, epigenomic, and functional diversity of highly repetitive DNA between closely related species and their allopolyploid genomes at both coarse and fine scale.

COSA-1 mediated pro-crossover complex formation promotes meiotic crossing over in C. elegans.

Accurate chromosome segregation during meiosis requires the establishment of at least one crossover (CO) between each pair of homologous chromosomes. CO formation depends on a group of conserved pro-CO proteins, which colocalize at CO-designated sites during late meiotic prophase I. However, it remains unclear whether these pro-CO proteins form a functional complex and how they promote meiotic CO formation in vivo. Here, we show that COSA-1, a key component required for CO formation, interacts with other pro-CO factors, MSH-5 and ZHP-3, via its N-terminal disordered region. Point mutations that impair these interactions do not affectCO designation, but they strongly hinder the accumulation of COSA-1 at CO-designated sites and result in defective CO formation. These defects can be partially bypassed by artificially tethering an interaction-compromised COSA-1 derivate to ZHP-3. Furthermore, we revealed that the accumulation of COSA-1 into distinct foci is required to assemble functional 'recombination nodules'. These prevent early CO-designated recombination intermediates from being dismantled by the RTEL-1 helicase and protect late recombination intermediates, such as Holliday junctions, until they are resolved by CO-specific resolvases. Altogether, our findings provide insight into COSA-1 mediated pro-CO complex assembly and its contribution to CO formation.