# Recombination pathway and partner choices during meiosis

> **NIH NIH R35** · UNIVERSITY OF OREGON · 2022 · $14,167

## Abstract

Research Summary
Recombination between chromosomes is required to generate genetic variation, maintain genome integrity
through the repair of double strand DNA breaks (DSBs), and ensure proper chromosome segregation during
meiosis, the specialized cell division program by which diploid organisms generate haploid gametes such as
sperm and eggs. Perturbations in recombination can compromise these basic cellular functions, ultimately
leading to cancer, infertility, or birth defects. Meiotic recombination is initiated by DSBs, which are repaired
using meiosis-specific mechanisms that favor utilization of the homologous chromosome (instead of the sister
chromatid) as the recombination partner and that promote a crossover outcome of the DSB repair process,
which is required for promoting proper chromosome segregation during meiosis. Although repair of DSBs with
the appropriate template (homologous chromosome) is necessary for proper chromosome segregation and
genome integrity, our knowledge about how germ cells achieve this template preference in the presence of
nearly identical sequences (sister chromatids) is limited. Using Caenorhabditis elegans as a model system, we
have developed a fluorescent assay to monitor repair of an induced DSB with the sister chromatid during
meiotic prophase progression in vivo. One of the primary goals of the funded grant is to use this assay to
determine how these different repair partner choices are regulated. To visualize the localization of proteins
and markers associated with DSB repair and chromosome structures in both live and fixed germ cells and
whole intact C. elegans, we utilize a widefield deconvolution microscope. Recently, the LED light source for
this critical microscope suddenly became nonfunctional and requires replacement. All of our experiments
associated with this grant are at standstill until the LED light source is replaced. This supplement will support
the purchase of replacement LED light source that is required for function of the microscope. Overall, the
requested light source replacement is essential for our research program and will enable us to achieve our
goals to identify the molecular signatures, chromosomal features, and proteins associated with these different
repair outcomes that are central to maintaining genomic integrity during sperm and egg development.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10688681
- **Project number:** 3R35GM128890-05S1
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF OREGON
- **Principal Investigator:** Diana Elizabeth Libuda
- **Activity code:** R35 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2022
- **Award amount:** $14,167
- **Award type:** 3
- **Project period:** 2022-09-01 → 2024-01-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10688681

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10688681, Recombination pathway and partner choices during meiosis (3R35GM128890-05S1). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-26 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10688681. Licensed CC0.

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