A Novel Mouse Synaptonemal Complex Protein Is Essential for Loading of Central Element Proteins, Recombination, and Fertility

• DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1002088
• Publication Date: 2011-05-26T21:06:39Z
• Authors: Sabine Schramm; Johanna Fraune; Ronald Naumann; Abrahan Hernandez...; Christer Höög; Howard J. Cooke; Manfred Alsheimer; Ricardo Benavente
• Keywords: Synapsis; Synaptonemal complex; Chromosomal crossover; Meiocyte; Ectopic recombination

The synaptonemal complex (SC) is a proteinaceous, meiosis-specific structure that highly conserved in evolution. During meiosis, the SC mediates synapsis of homologous chromosomes. It essential for proper recombination and segregation chromosomes, therefore genome haploidization. Mutations human genes can cause infertility. In order to gain better understanding process assembly model system would be relevant humans, we are investigating meiosis mice. Here, report on newly identified component murine SC, which named SYCE3. SYCE3 strongly among mammals localizes central element (CE) SC. By generating Syce3 knockout mouse, found required fertility both sexes. Loss blocks initiation results meiotic arrest. absence SYCE3, appears normal, but its progression severely impaired resulting complete MLH1 foci, presumed markers crossovers wild-type meiocytes. assembly, downstream transverse filament protein SYCP1, upstream other previously described CE–specific proteins. We conclude enables chromosome loading proteins, turn promote between