Elucidating mechanisms controlling DNA double-strand breaks in meiotic prophase

• Project/Area Number: 24K01955
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (B)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Section: 一般
• Review Section: Basic Section 43010:Molecular biology-related
• Research Institution: Kyoto University
• Principal Investigator: Carlton Peter 京都大学, 生命科学研究科, 准教授 (20571813)
• Project Period (FY): 2024-04-01 – 2027-03-31
• Project Status: Granted (Fiscal Year 2024)
• Budget Amount: ¥18,590,000 (Direct Cost: ¥14,300,000、Indirect Cost: ¥4,290,000); Fiscal Year 2026: ¥5,200,000 (Direct Cost: ¥4,000,000、Indirect Cost: ¥1,200,000); Fiscal Year 2025: ¥5,460,000 (Direct Cost: ¥4,200,000、Indirect Cost: ¥1,260,000); Fiscal Year 2024: ¥7,930,000 (Direct Cost: ¥6,100,000、Indirect Cost: ¥1,830,000)
• Keywords: 減数分裂 / 線虫 / 二重鎖切断 / リン酸化

Outline of Research at the Start

We plan to explain the currently unknown dependence of SPO-11, the enzyme that cuts DNA to initiate recombination in meiosis, on DSB-1, a conserved cofactor whose regulation by phosphorylation controls the number of double-strand breaks. We will use biochemistry to determine points of contact between DSB-1 and SPO-11, and high-resolution live microscopy imaging to see where DSB-1 localizes under conditions when it cannot be phosphorylated to turn down its activity. These complementary approaches will present new information about a key protein enabling genetic inheritance through meiosis.