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Review
. 2021 Nov-Dec;23(6):572-579.
doi: 10.4103/aja202191.

The formation and repair of DNA double-strand breaks in mammalian meiosis

Wei Qu  1 , Cong Liu  1 , Ya-Ting Xu  1 , Yu-Min Xu  1 , Meng-Cheng Luo  1
Affiliations
Review

The formation and repair of DNA double-strand breaks in mammalian meiosis

Wei Qu et al. Asian J Androl. 2021 Nov-Dec.

Abstract

Programmed DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) are necessary for meiosis in mammals. A sufficient number of DSBs ensure the normal pairing/synapsis of homologous chromosomes. Abnormal DSB repair undermines meiosis, leading to sterility in mammals. The DSBs that initiate recombination are repaired as crossovers and noncrossovers, and crossovers are required for correct chromosome separation. Thus, the placement, timing, and frequency of crossover formation must be tightly controlled. Importantly, mutations in many genes related to the formation and repair of DSB result in infertility in humans. These mutations cause nonobstructive azoospermia in men, premature ovarian insufficiency and ovarian dysgenesis in women. Here, we have illustrated the formation and repair of DSB in mammals, summarized major factors influencing the formation of DSB and the theories of crossover regulation.

Keywords: azoospermia; DSB; crossover; meiosis; recombination.

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Conflict of interest statement

None

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
The formation and repair process of DSB in mammals. DSB: double-strand break.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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