The process of meiosis requires a reorganisation of chromosomal architecture from a mitotic configuration into a recombination-proficient meiotic configuration. In Schizosaccharomyces pombe, this process involves the formation of proteinacous structures termed linear elements(LinEs), the exact function(s) of which remain unknown.
In this study we identify the meiotic protein Rec l O as a major component of LinEs.
Structural and sequence similarities between S. pombe Rec IO and the Saccharomyces cerevisiae axial element component Redl suggests possible evolutionary similarities between these structures, raising the possibility that they may serve similar functions during meiosis.
In this study we analyse LinE formation via immunofluorescence in various meiotic mutants in order to further elucidate the role(s) of these structures.
We demonstrate that significant levels of meiotic recombination can occur in the absence of LinEs.
In addition, we demonstrate that Rec l 0, previously proposed to be required for meiotic recombination only in highly specific regions around the centromeric regions of the chromosomes, is in fact required for wild-type levels of meiotic recombination throughout the genome. Moreover, reel O mutants that are deficient for LinE formation show a region-specific discrepancy in the regulation of gene conversions and crossovers.