Fig. 1: Mechanics of homologous recombination.
From: MEILB2-BRME1 forms a V-shaped DNA clamp upon BRCA2-binding in meiotic recombination
Schematic of the key molecular players in mitotic (left) and meiotic (right) recombination. The main specialisations of meiotic recombination are DSB induction by SPO11–TOPOVIBL, coating of resected ends with MEIOB–SPATA22 (alongside RPA), the requirement for recombinase DMC1 (in addition to RAD51), and the role of MEILB2–BRME1 in BRCA2 function. These facilitate the use of the synapsed homologous chromosome, rather than the cohesin-bound sister chromatid, as the primary repair template. In meiotic recombination, double Holliday junctions are resolved into crossovers and non-crossovers in a highly regulated manner. In mitotic recombination, crossovers are less frequent, and additional pathways operate that bypass the double Holliday junction intermediate.
