Meiosis is an integral step in the eukaryotic life cycle. During meiosis the genetic complement of a diploid cell is reduced by half to form haploid gametes through two rounds of division. A unique aspect of meiosis is the pairing and segregation of recombined homologous chromosomes at the first meiotic division. Defects in this process can lead to gamete aneuploidy, the major cause of birth defects in humans. Understanding mechanisms underlying the dynamic chromosomal events of meiosis can help us to understand how environmental agents an aging impact the integrity of genomes from one generation to the next.
In our laboratory, we use budding yeast, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, as a model organism to address three central questions about chromosome dynamics during meiosis. We use a combination of molecular, genetic , biochemical and cytological approaches.
i) What are the molecular processes responsible for achieving stable juxtaposition of homologous chromosomes during meiosis I prophase?
ii) How do dynamic reorganization and movement of chromosomes contribute to meiosis-induced recombination?
iii) How are the events of homolog pairing and recombination monitored and coordinated with the meiosis I division?
Associate Professor
Section of Molecular and Cellular Biology
University of California, Davis
Briggs Hall 139
One Shields Avenue
Davis, CA 95616
Office (530) 754-5177
Lab (530) 754-5182
FAX (530) 752-3085
email: smburgess@ucdavis.edu
