Editorial: Molecular architecture and dynamics of meiotic chromosomes

Abstract

Meiosis is a special type of cell division that allows the generation of haploid gametes and is a key process for sexual reproduction of animals, plants and fungi. Haploidization requires that meiotic cells undergo a series of unique processes; namely, pairing, synapsis, recombination and segregation of homologous chromosomes. This involves profound meiosis-specific changes in the protein composition and architecture of homologous chromosomes as well as of the condensation and folding of chromatin that require a critical timing and regulation. The details of these changes may vary among different species. Nevertheless, the essential nature of meiosis has remained highly conserved throughout evolution.

A major goal of the present Research Topic of Frontiers in Cell and Developmental Biology is to provide an overview of how meiotic chromosomes and their components are critically involved in the mechanisms of haploidization and how dynamic protein complexes yield important structural intermediates and temporal regulation to this process. To this end, this special Topic contains selected original research and review articles dealing with the composition, architecture, function and regulation of meiotic chromosomes of animals, plants and fungi using microscopic, biochemical, molecular and/or genetic techniques.

This Research Topic comprises 15 articles covering different aspects of Meiosis. For clarity, we have divided them into four main themes: Architecture and recombination, Pairing and chromosome dynamics, Regulation of meiotic progression, and Nuclear envelope functions.