Atz‐1 Influences meiosis to maintain germline chromosomal stability in Caenorhabditis elegans. (10th August 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Dawson, Joseph A.; Methven‐Kelley, Caitlin; Davis, Gregory M.
• Is Part Of: Cell biology international. Volume 41:Number 10(2017)
• Page Start: 1160
• Page End: 1168
• Publication Date: 2017-08-10
• Subjects: chromosomes -- development -- DNA damage/repair -- meiosis/mitosis -- reproductive biology; Cytology -- Periodicals; Cells -- Periodicals; 571.605
• DOI: 10.1002/cbin.10821
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1065-6995

Abstract

Abstract: Exchange of genetic information during meiosis occurs in all sexually reproducing species to produce haploid gametes from diploid cells. This process involves tight coordination of a meiotic specific cohesin complex, the synaptonemal complex, and DNA damage repair mechanisms. In this study, we describe a putative myosin heavy chain protein orthologous to human myosin 1, F28D1.2, which we named Abnormal Transition Zone ( atz‐1 ). Deletion of atz‐1 results in embryonic lethality and a depleted transition zone, accompanied by reduced expression of the meiotic cohesin protein, REC‐8. atz‐1 mutants display disorganized and aggregated chromosomal bodies in diakinetic oocytes. In addition to this, atz‐1 mutants are hypersensitive to mild inhibition of DNA damage repair, suggesting that DNA replication in atz‐1 mutants is impaired. Moreover, the atz‐1 mutant phenotype is germline specific and resupplying somatically expressed atz‐1 does not rescue the reproductive defects associated with atz‐1 mutants. Overall, our data suggest that atz‐1 contributes to meiosis and maintains germline chromosomal stability.