PubMed · 12555078
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Mair E A Churchill. 2003. Watching flipping junctions.. https://doi.org/10.1038/nsb0203-73
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Control of DNA cross-overs is necessary for meiotic recombination and genome integrity. The frequency of cross-overs is dependent on homology length and the conversion tract, but the mechanisms underlying the regulation of cross-overs remain unknown. We propose that 5'-end resection, a key intermediate in double-strand break repair, could determine the formation of cross-overs. Extensive DNA resection might favor gene conversion without cross-over by channeling recombination events through synthesis-dependent strand-annealing. In reactions with short regions of homology, resection beyond the homologous sequence would impede Holliday junction formation and, consequently, cross-over. Extensive DNA resection could be an effective mechanism to prevent reciprocal exchanges between dispersed DNA sequences, and thus contribute to the genome stability.
Homologous recombination is a fundamental cellular process that rearranges genes both within and between chromosomes, promotes repair of damaged DNA and underpins replication. Much of our understanding of recombination stems from pioneering studies of bacterial and eukaryotic systems such as Escherichia coli and Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Since most archaeal species are extremophilic and difficult to cultivate, current knowledge of recombination in the Archaea is confined largely to comparative genomics and biochemistry. A clear view of what we can learn will not emerge until genetic and molecular systems have been established. We are developing such systems using Haloferax volcanii as a model organism, as it can be cultivated in the laboratory with ease and offers great potential for establishing tractable and informative genetic systems.