The cohesin complex in mammalian meiosis

In mammalian meiosis, distinct types of cohesin complexes are produced by altering the combination of meiosis ‐specific subunits. The meiosis‐specific subunits endow the cohesin complex with specific functions for numerous meiosis‐associated chromosomal events. This review mainly focuses on the cohesin complex in mammalian meiosis, pointing out the differences in its roles from those in mitosis. AbstractCohesin is an evolutionary conserved multi ‐protein complex that plays a pivotal role in chromosome dynamics. It plays a role both in sister chromatid cohesion and in establishing higher order chromosome architecture, in somatic and germ cells. Notably, the cohesin complex in meiosis differs from that in mitosis. In mammalian meiosis, dist inct types of cohesin complexes are produced by altering the combination of meiosis‐specific subunits. The meiosis‐specific subunits endow the cohesin complex with specific functions for numerous meiosis‐associated chromosomal events, such as chromosome axis formation, homologue association, m eiotic recombination and centromeric cohesion for sister kinetochore geometry. This review mainly focuses on the cohesin complex in mammalian meiosis, pointing out the differences in its roles from those in mitosis. Further, common and divergent aspects of the meiosis‐specific cohesin complex betw een mammals and other organisms are discussed.

Source: Genes to Cells - November 27, 2018 Category: Genetics & Stem Cells Authors: Kei ‐ichiro Ishiguro Tags: REVIEW ARTICLE Source Type: research