Genetic exchange has been experimentally demonstrated for Leishmania during sand fly development, indicating a meiotic mechanism. Here the authors show that meiosis-related genes HOP1 and HAP2-2 are essential for Leishmania hybridization in vitro and in sand flies and that their deletion in one or both parents hinders mating competence.
- Carolina Moura Costa Catta-Preta
- Tiago Rodrigues Ferreira
- David Sacks
