Molecular insights into mechanisms regulating faithful chromosome separation in female meiosis

Abstract

The faithful segregation of chromosomes into daughter cells in meiosis is crucial to produce healthy progeny. In gametogenesis, two consecutive rounds of chromosome separation occur with only one round of DNA replication, and the chromosome number is reduced to half to produce haploid gametes. Here, we discuss the molecular mechanisms underlying faithful chromosome separation in meiosis from three aspects: spindle checkpoint, two-step releases of cohesion, and the specific space-time protection of cohesin. ©2008 Landes Bioscience.