Chromosome segregation in germ cells halves the chromosome number to produce haploid gametes during meiosis, a specialized cell division cycle. It has been suggested that meiotic recombination between homologous chromosomes plays a pivotal role in faithful chromosome segregation especially at meiosis I. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms remain largely elusive. Kinetochores, formed at centromeres locating around the center of chromosome, are attached by spindle microtubules that execute the segregation of chromosomes. Aurora B kinase, located at centromeres, destabilizes the improper attachment of kinetochore and microtubules to promote establishment of correct attachment. Physical linkages between homologous chromosomes produced by meiotic recombination (chiasmata formation) can generate tension depending on the attachment manner of kinetochore and microtubules. Here, we revealed that this tension promotes repositioning of Aurora B kinase, resulting the stabilization of kinetochore and microtubule attachment. Our findings provide insight to a long-standing question of how meiotic recombination regulates chromosome segregation.

Program member
Yoshinori Watanabe (Institute of Molecular Cellular Biosciences)