#  Kleckner Lab Research Interests - II 

 



##  **Meoisis: Pairing and Patterning**

 **Pairing.** How do homologous chromosomes recognize one another and become juxtaposed in space? We have previously identified both recombination-mediated and recombination-independent mechanisms. We now probe these processes in budding yeast using 3D timelapse fluorescence spot detection over long timescales to define detailed dynamics and functional requirements.

 **Crossover Patterning.**  Crossover sites are evenly-spaced along the chromosomes, a manifestation of the classical phenomenon of "crossover interference". We investigate the logic and mechanism of this one-dimensional spatial patterning. We propose that the pattern arises by a mechanical process ([Kleckner et al., 2004](/file_url/232); [Boerner et al., 2004](/file_url/242); [Zhang et al. 2014, Nature](/file_url/241); [White et al., 2017](/file_url/240)). Recent findings ([Dubois et al., 2019](/file_url/238)) suggest that the mechanism may be directly related to the process that gives evenly-spaced bridges along mitotic chromosomes (above). We investigate the molecular nature of crossover interference by 3D imaging of individual chromosomes and recombination complexes in *C. elegans* using a microfluidic system that immobilizes worms. We hope that this system will ultimately allow us to visualize the interference signal as it progresses along the chromosomes.

 **Sordaria Meiosis.** We also collaborate extensively with the laboratory of Denise Zickler to analyze the roles meiotic bridges and the roles of of long non-coding RNAs and other molecules in the processes of pairing and patterning in the filamentous fungus Sordaria (e.g. [Zhang et al.,2014 PNAS](/file_url/239); [Dubois et al., 2019](/file_url/238)).

 **Human Aneuploidy, Plant Polyploidy, and Evolution.**  We are also interested in the roles of meiotic crossing-over and crossover interference for human female aneuploidy ([Wang et al., 2017](/file_url/237)); for evolution of stable allotetraploidy in Arabidopsis ([Bomblies et al., 2016](/kleckner_lab/)); and for the role of crossing-over in evolutionary fitness ([Wang et al., 2019](/file_url/236), [Veller et al., 2019](/file_url/235)).

##  **Other Research Interests**

##  [Mitotic Chromosomes as Mechanical Objects](/mitotic-chromosomes-mechanical-objects)

##  [*E. coli* Chromosomes](/kleckner-lab-research-interests-iii)