Interference-mediated synaptonemal complex formation with embedded crossover designation

TLDR

Spatial patterns, such as the even spacing of crossover recombination events during meiosis, arise from interference that reduces the probability of nearby crossovers. The study proposes that crossover interference also governs the even distribution of synaptonemal complex nucleation sites. The authors present a model explaining how these patterns arise. The model accounts for the formation of complex, multilayered patterns across biological and nonbiological systems.

Abstract

Significance Spatial patterns occur in biological and nonbiological systems. A paradigmatic example occurs during meiosis. As shown a century ago, crossover recombination events occur at different positions in different meiotic nuclei; nonetheless, occurrence of a cross-over at one position decreases the probability that another will occur nearby. As a result, crossovers tend to be evenly spaced. This study suggests that this classical cross-over interference is part of a broader program that concomitantly specifies even spacing of nucleation sites for formation of synaptonemal complex, a prominent meiotic chromosome structure. A model emerges for how the observed patterns could occur. This model provides an explanation for the formation of complex, multilayered patterns that is generally applicable to biological and nonbiological systems.