Recombination initiation maps of individual human genomes

Abstract

DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) are introduced in meiosis to initiate recombination and generate crossovers, the reciprocal exchanges of genetic material between parental chromosomes. Here, we present high-resolution maps of meiotic DSBs in individual human genomes. Comparing DSB maps between individuals shows that along with DNA binding by PRDM9, additional factors may dictate the efficiency of DSB formation. We find evidence for both GC-biased gene conversion and mutagenesis around meiotic DSB hotspots, while frequent colocalization of DSB hotspots with chromosome rearrangement breakpoints implicates the aberrant repair of meiotic DSBs in genomic disorders. Furthermore, our data indicate that DSB frequency is a major determinant of crossover rate. These maps provide new insights into the regulation of meiotic recombination and the impact of meiotic recombination on genome function.

Document Details

Document Type
Pub Defense Publication
Publication Date
Nov 14, 2014
Source ID
10.1126/science.1256442

Entities

People

  • Fatima Smagulova
  • Florencia Pratto
  • Galina V. Petukhova
  • Kevin Brick
  • Pavel Khil
  • R. Daniel Camerini-otero

Organizations

  • National Institutes of Health
  • Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences

Tags

Fields of Study

  • Biology

Readers

  • Molecular Biology and Genetics
  • Molecular and genetic basis of cancer.

Technology Areas

  • Biotechnology