ABSTRACT

Meiosis is unique to germ cells in sexually reproducing organisms. Major advances have been made in understanding of meiosis. While sharing common factors with mitosis, meiosis is regulated by the evolution of a large number of meiosis-specific proteins. Genetic studies in model organisms including mouse have elucidated the function and mechanism of meiosis-specific proteins. Although conventional cell biological imaging is an informative tool in illuminating the dynamic chromosome changes during meiosis, the application of superresolution imaging technology provides new structural insights into meiosis. The next-generation sequencing technology such as exome sequencing has begun to identify causative mutations in meiosis-specific genes for human infertility. In vitro meiosis has witnessed significant progress. Here we intend to provide an overview of mammalian meiosis with a focus on recent advances.