bioRxiv · 10.1101/056713
PRDM9 forms a multiprotein complex tethering recombination hotspots to the chromosomal axis
Abstract
In mammals, meiotic recombination occurs at 1-2 kb genomic regions termed hotspots, whose positions and activities are determined by PRDM9, a DNA-binding histone methyltransferase. We now show that the KRAB domain of PRDM9 forms complexes with additional proteins to allow hotspots to proceed into the next phase of recombination. By a combination of yeast-two hybrid assay, in vitro binding, and co-immunoprecipitation from mouse spermatocytes, we identified four proteins that directly interact with PRDM9s KRAB domain, namely CXXC1, EWSR1, EHMT2, and CDYL. These proteins are co-expressed in spermatocytes at the early stages of meiotic prophase I, the limited period when PRDM9 is expressed. We also detected association of PRDM9-bound complexes with the meiotic cohesin REC8 and the synaptonemal complex proteins SYCP3 and SYCP1. Our results suggest a model in which PRDM9-bound hotspot DNA is brought to the chromosomal axis by the action of these proteins, ensuring the proper chromatin and spatial environment for subsequent recombination events.
Explore related subjects
Keep this discovery
Emil D Parvanov, Hui Tian, Timothy Billings, Ruth L Saxl, Catrina Spruce, Rakesh Aithal, Lumir Krejci, Kenneth Paigen, Petko M Petkov. 2016-06-02. PRDM9 forms a multiprotein complex tethering recombination hotspots to the chromosomal axis. https://doi.org/10.1101/056713
Cite the original work for its findings. Save a collection to share your selection of sources.