GO:0000800 lateral element: Components, Assembly and Research Methods
Research-grade guide for scientists and biopharma professionals
Key Takeaways
• GO:0000800 lateral element (synonym: axial element) is a proteinaceous core found between sister chromatids during meiotic prophase.
• The lateral element is a structural component of the synaptonemal complex, essential for chromosome pairing, synapsis, and recombination.
• Key proteins of the lateral element include SYCP2, SYCP3, and cohesin subunits such as REC8 and STAG3.
• Defects in lateral element components are linked to meiotic arrest, infertility, and aneuploidy.
• Research on the lateral element employs knockout, knock-in, and overexpression models, along with advanced imaging and proteomics.
• Understanding lateral element biology provides insights into reproductive disorders and cancer.
Description
The lateral element (GO:0000800), also known as the axial element, is a proteinaceous core that forms between sister chromatids during meiotic prophase. It serves as the structural backbone of the synaptonemal complex, a tripartite structure that mediates chromosome pairing and recombination. This component is critical for the proper segregation of homologous chromosomes during meiosis. Researchers study the lateral element to understand the molecular mechanisms of meiosis and their implications in human health and disease. The lateral element is composed of several proteins, including SYCP2 and SYCP3, which assemble into a highly ordered structure. Its assembly is tightly regulated and coordinated with other meiotic processes such as DNA double-strand break formation and repair.
lateral element At A Glance
| GO ID | GO:0000800 |
|---|---|
| GO term | lateral element |
| Ontology | cellular_component |
| Synonym | axial element |
| Major function | Structural core of the synaptonemal complex; mediates chromosome pairing and recombination during meiosis |
| Composition | SYCP2, SYCP3, cohesin subunits (REC8, STAG3), and other meiotic proteins |
| Assembly timing | Forms during meiotic prophase I, from leptotene to diplotene |
| Associated processes | Meiotic recombination, synapsis, chromosome segregation |
What Is GO:0000800?
The lateral element is defined as a proteinaceous core found between sister chromatids during meiotic prophase. It is a cellular component that forms the axial element of the synaptonemal complex, providing a structural framework for chromosome pairing and recombination.
Why Is lateral element Important in Cell Biology?
The lateral element is essential for meiosis, as it provides the structural basis for homologous chromosome pairing and recombination. Disruption of lateral element components leads to meiotic arrest, infertility, and aneuploidy, highlighting its importance in reproductive biology and disease.
• Essential for chromosome pairing and synapsis during meiosis.
• Required for meiotic recombination and crossover formation.
• Defects cause meiotic arrest and infertility.
• Implicated in aneuploidy and miscarriage.
• Mutations in SYCP3 are associated with azoospermia and recurrent pregnancy loss.
• Studied in cancer due to meiotic gene misexpression.
• Target for reproductive medicine and contraception research.
• Model system for studying protein-DNA interactions.
What Happens During lateral element?
Assembly of the lateral element
In simple terms: The lateral element is built like a scaffold between sister chromatids.
During early meiotic prophase, proteins such as SYCP3 and SYCP2 assemble into the lateral element, forming a continuous axial structure along each chromosome. This assembly is coupled with cohesin complexes that hold sister chromatids together.
Synapsis and formation of the synaptonemal complex
In simple terms: The lateral elements from homologous chromosomes connect via a central element.
The lateral elements of homologous chromosomes become closely aligned and are connected by transverse filaments and a central element, forming the synaptonemal complex. This synapsis is essential for recombination and proper chromosome segregation.
Role in meiotic recombination
In simple terms: The lateral element helps chromosomes exchange genetic material.
The lateral element provides a platform for the assembly of recombination machinery, including SPO11 and RAD51, facilitating DNA double-strand break repair and crossover formation.
Disassembly and desynapsis
In simple terms: The lateral element comes apart after recombination is complete.
At the end of prophase I, the synaptonemal complex disassembles, and the lateral element is removed, allowing homologous chromosomes to separate.
Key Genes Involved in GO:0000800 lateral element
The following genes encode key protein components of the lateral element and associated functions.
| Gene | Major Role | Research Relevance |
|---|---|---|
| SYCP3 | Core structural protein of the lateral element | Mutations linked to azoospermia and recurrent pregnancy loss |
| SYCP2 | Structural protein, interacts with SYCP3 | Implicated in male infertility |
| REC8 | Meiosis-specific cohesin subunit | Essential for sister chromatid cohesion and lateral element assembly |
| STAG3 | Cohesin subunit | Mutations cause premature ovarian failure |
| SMC1B | Cohesin subunit | Required for meiotic chromosome structure |
| SMC3 | Cohesin subunit | Involved in cohesion and lateral element formation |
| RAD21L | Meiosis-specific cohesin subunit | Important for synaptonemal complex assembly |
| SPO11 | Initiates meiotic double-strand breaks | Required for recombination and lateral element function |
| RAD51 | Recombinase | Facilitates strand invasion during recombination |
| DMC1 | Meiosis-specific recombinase | Essential for interhomolog recombination |
| MLH1 | Mismatch repair protein | Marks crossover sites |
| MLH3 | Mismatch repair protein | Forms crossovers with MLH1 |
| HORMAD1 | Meiotic protein associated with axial elements | Regulates synapsis and recombination |
| HORMAD2 | Meiotic protein associated with axial elements | Involved in checkpoint control |
| SYCE1 | Central element protein | Mutations cause infertility |
| SYCE2 | Central element protein | Required for synapsis |
| TEX12 | Central element protein | Essential for synaptonemal complex formation |
| SYCP1 | Transverse filament protein | Connects lateral elements |
How Is lateral element Regulated?
The assembly and function of the lateral element are regulated by phosphorylation and ubiquitination of its component proteins, as well as by meiotic checkpoints that monitor synapsis and recombination. For example, the kinase ATM/ATR pathway responds to DNA double-strand breaks and regulates synaptonemal complex formation.
lateral element and Human Disease
| Gene | Disease / Biology | Potential Experimental Model |
|---|---|---|
| SYCP3 | Azoospermia, recurrent pregnancy loss | Knockout mouse, patient-derived iPSCs |
| SYCP2 | Male infertility | Knockout mouse, CRISPR knock-in |
| STAG3 | Premature ovarian failure | Knockout mouse, overexpression |
| REC8 | Meiotic arrest, aneuploidy | Knockout mouse, point mutation |
| HORMAD1 | Infertility, cancer | Knockout mouse, overexpression |
Meiotic arrest and infertility
Mutations in lateral element genes such as SYCP3 and SYCP2 cause meiotic arrest, leading to azoospermia in males and premature ovarian failure in females.
Aneuploidy and pregnancy loss
Defective lateral element assembly results in chromosome mis-segregation, causing aneuploidy and recurrent pregnancy loss.
Cancer
Ectopic expression of meiotic genes, including lateral element components, has been observed in various cancers, suggesting a role in tumorigenesis.
From lateral element-Related Genes to Experimental Models
| Research Question | Suitable Model |
|---|---|
| Does loss of SYCP3 cause meiotic arrest? | SYCP3 knockout mouse |
| Does a specific point mutation in SYCP2 affect fertility? | SYCP2 point-mutation knock-in mouse |
| Can overexpression of REC8 rescue cohesion defects? | REC8 overexpression cell line |
| How does STAG3 mutation affect ovarian function? | STAG3 knockout mouse |
| What is the localization of HORMAD1 during meiosis? | HORMAD1 tagged knock-in mouse |
| Does SYCP1 mutation disrupt synapsis? | SYCP1 knockout mouse |
How to Study the lateral element Process
| Method | What It Measures | Typical Application |
|---|---|---|
| Immunofluorescence | Protein localization | Visualizing lateral element formation |
| Electron microscopy | Ultrastructure | Examining synaptonemal complex architecture |
| Mass spectrometry | Protein composition | Identifying lateral element components |
| CRISPR knockout | Gene function | Studying loss-of-function phenotypes |
| CRISPR knock-in | Mutant protein expression | Modeling patient mutations |
| Overexpression | Gain-of-function | Assessing protein dosage effects |
| RNA-seq | Transcriptome | Analyzing gene expression changes |
| ChIP-seq | Protein-DNA interactions | Mapping binding sites |
Imaging of meiotic chromosomes
Immunofluorescence and electron microscopy are used to visualize the lateral element and synaptonemal complex in meiotic cells.
Proteomic analysis
Mass spectrometry-based proteomics identifies protein components and post-translational modifications of the lateral element.
Genetic knockout models
Knockout mice for lateral element genes reveal their essential roles in meiosis and fertility.
CRISPR-based editing
CRISPR/Cas9 is used to create point mutations and knock-ins in lateral element genes to study their function.
How CRISPR Can Be Used to Study GO:0000800 lateral element
Knockout
CRISPR knockout of lateral element genes such as SYCP3 in mice or cell lines abolishes lateral element formation, leading to meiotic arrest and infertility.
Point Mutation
Introducing patient-specific point mutations in SYCP3 or SYCP2 via CRISPR allows modeling of infertility and studying protein function.
Knock-in
Knock-in of tagged versions of lateral element proteins (e.g., GFP-SYCP3) enables live-cell imaging and proteomic analysis.
Overexpression
Overexpression of lateral element components can disrupt meiotic progression and is used to study dosage effects.
How EDITGENE Supports lateral element Research
Researchers studying lateral element-related genes often need to determine whether a candidate gene is causally involved in meiotic processes and disease. EDITGENE provides comprehensive CRISPR-based services to accelerate this research.
Contact EDITGENE today to design your custom CRISPR model for lateral element research.
Frequently Asked Questions About lateral element
What is the lateral element (GO:0000800)?
The lateral element is a proteinaceous core found between sister chromatids during meiotic prophase, also known as the axial element.
What genes are involved in the lateral element?
Key genes include SYCP2, SYCP3, REC8, STAG3, and HORMAD1.
What is the function of the lateral element?
It provides structural support for chromosome pairing and recombination during meiosis.
How is the lateral element studied?
Researchers use immunofluorescence, electron microscopy, proteomics, and CRISPR-based genetic models.
What diseases are associated with lateral element defects?
Defects can cause infertility, azoospermia, premature ovarian failure, and aneuploidy.
What is the synonym for lateral element?
The synonym is axial element.
Which proteins are major components of the lateral element?
SYCP2 and SYCP3 are core components, along with cohesin subunits.
When does the lateral element form?
It forms during meiotic prophase I, from leptotene to diplotene.
Can CRISPR be used to study the lateral element?
Yes, CRISPR knockout, knock-in, and point mutation models are widely used.
What model organisms are used to study the lateral element?
Mouse models are commonly used, along with yeast and cell lines.
Conclusion
The lateral element (GO:0000800) is a critical structural component of the synaptonemal complex, essential for meiosis and fertility. Understanding its assembly and function provides insights into reproductive disorders and cancer. Advanced CRISPR technologies and EDITGENE services enable precise genetic studies to unravel its molecular mechanisms.
References
- 1. Romaiguère P et al.. 2014. Lateral occipitotemporal cortex and action representation.. Neuropsychologia 56:167-77 PMID: 24467888
