The synaptonemal complex aligns meiotic chromosomes by wetting

• DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adt5675
• Publication Date: 2025-02-26T18:58:46Z
• Authors: Spencer G. Gordon; Alyssa A. Rodriguez; Yajie Gu; Kevin D. Corbett; Chiu Fan Lee; Ofer Rog
• Keywords: Synaptonemal complex

During meiosis, the parental chromosomes are drawn together to enable exchange of genetic information. Chromosomes aligned through assembly a conserved interface, synaptonemal complex, composed central region that forms between two parallel chromosomal backbones called axes. Here, we identify axis-central interface in C. elegans , containing positive patch on axis component HIM-3 and negative C terminus protein SYP-5. Crucially, canonical ultrastructure complex is altered upon weakening this using charge-reversal mutations. We developed thermodynamic model recapitulates our experimental observations, indicating liquid-like can assemble by wetting axes without active energy consumption. More broadly, data show condensation drives tightly regulated nuclear reorganization during sexual reproduction.