Recombination-independent recognition of DNA homology for meiotic silencing in Neurospora crassa

• DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2108664118
• Publication Date: 2021-08-12T19:41:30Z
• Authors: Nicholas Rhoades; Tinh-Suong Nguyen; Guillaume Witz; Germano Cecere; Thomas Hammond; Alexey K. Mazur; Eugene Gladyshev
• Keywords: Homology

Significance Homologous chromosomes (or selected chromosomal regions) can engage in sequence-specific pairing as intact entities. The mechanism behind this process remains mysterious, part because prevailing evidence suggests that DNA molecules must be broken before being evaluated for homology. In work, we study a phenomenon detects dissimilar fragments present at the allelic positions on pair of homologous during meiosis. We find recognition such is incompatible with canonical homology-sensing mechanisms operate DNAs. Instead, it consistent direct duplexes through series short, interspersed quadruplexes. This may represent general property and underlie large repertoire homology-dependent phenomena.