Seminar "Epigenetics for recombination during meiosis: The role of PRDM9"

Title: Epigenetics for recombination during meiosis: The role of PRDM9

Speaker:  Dr. Bernard de Massy, Institute of Human Genetics Montpellier

Abstract:
During meiosis, homologous recombination promotes exchanges between parental chromosomes. These exchanges take place to ensure proper chromosome segregation and genetic diversity.

PRDM9 determines where these exchanges take place along chromosomes. I will present how PRDM9 acts, as a sequence-specific epigenetic modifier. PRDM9 acts as a pioneer factor, generating a unique epigenetic combination at specific sites: H3K4Me3 and H3K36me3. Readers of these modifications have been identified. I will present the current model(s) proposed to rationalize this regulation based on an intriguing combination of DNA and epigenetic specificities with unexpected evolutionary outcomes.