On the Role of Transcription in Meiosis

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Abstract

Transcriptional activity in cells has traditionally been viewed solely in the context of protein biogenesis, serving as a step in the expression of genetic information. However, the discovery of diverse non-coding and regulatory RNAs — many of which function in the nucleus — calls for a reevaluation of transcription’sbroader role in cellular processes. In gametogenesis, transcription has primarily been studied in relation to mRNA stockpiling, particularly in species exhibiting hypertranscriptional oogenesis, where lampbrush chromosomes persist in the oocyte nucleus over an extended period. This review reassesses the significance of transcription in meiosis, integrating data on its dynamic regulation during oogenesis and spermatogenesis across different organisms. Special focus is given to evolutionary conserved mechanisms underlying meiotic recombination of chromosomes. Using heteromorphic and unpaired sex chromosomes as a model, weexplore the peculiarities of inheritance of epigenetic information in the absence of meiotic pairing influence. Additionally, wehighlight features of the of the RNA polymerase II complex, which create the necessary conditions for proper alignment and synapsing of homologous chromosomes during meiotic recombination. These insights advance our understanding of transcription as a critical player in ensuring accurate chromosomal segregation and correct reparation of double breaks during meiotic recombination.

About the authors

A. F. Saifitdinova

Herzen State Pedagogical University of Russia; Saint Petersburg State University; Institute of Cytology Russian Academy of Science

Email: saifitdinova@mail.ru
48 Moyka Embankment, 191186 St. Petersburg, Russian Federation; 7/9 Universitetskaya Embankment, 199034 St. Petersburg, Russia; 4 Tikhoretsky prospect, 194064 St. Petersburg, Russian Federation

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