Bloome syndrome protein is critical for meiotic recombination

Researchers from Cornell University (NY) provide the first analysis of the function of Bloome syndrome protein (BLM) in mammalian meiosis. Bloome syndrome (BS) is a rare genetic disorder characterized by stunted growth, cancer predisposition, and sterility that is caused by a mutation in the Blm gene and a deficiency of BLM.

The study appears in the March 22 issue of the .

Although BLM has been shown to play an important role in DNA recombination in somatic cells, there has been no information on the impact of BLM in mammalian meiosis. Now, a team led by Paula Cohen provides new data that indicate mouse BLM is involved in the proper pairing, synapsis, and segregation of homologous during meiosis, but does not affect entry into the prophase I stage.

More information: Holloway, J.K., et al. 2010. J. Cell Biol. doi:10.1083/jcb.200909048.

Citation: Bloome syndrome protein is critical for meiotic recombination (2010, March 22) retrieved 28 March 2024 from https://phys.org/news/2010-03-bloome-syndrome-protein-critical-meiotic.html
This document is subject to copyright. Apart from any fair dealing for the purpose of private study or research, no part may be reproduced without the written permission. The content is provided for information purposes only.

Explore further

Researchers identify first sex chromosome gene involved in meiosis and male infertility

0 shares

Feedback to editors