Meiotic Recombination in Mammals

Meiotic recombination is a highly complex process resulting in the formation of reciprocal genetic exchanges (crossovers) between homologous chromosomes during meiotic prophase I. Crossovers generate genetic diversity and are required for the accurate segregation of homologous chromosomes in most organisms. Therefore, alterations in meiotic recombination contribute to gamete aneuploidy. The molecular mechanisms that play during meiotic recombination have been extensively studied in fungi, and especially in the budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. However, recent studies focusing on mammalian meiosis have given new informations on how meiotic crossovers form and how their distribution and number are regulated. In this chapter, we give an overview of the current knowledge of meiotic recombination in mammals.