B09 Willy Baarends/ Adriaan Houtsmuller

During meiotic prophase, homologous chromosome pairing requires coordinated induction of DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs), and repair through homologous recombination. We aim to unravel the molecular interplay between these processes. We will use state-of-the-art super-resolution microscopy, functional imaging assays, and an in vitro differentiation protocol to generate oocytes from embryonic stem cells. Using this approach, we will be able to determine the dynamic architecture of meiotic DSB foci, and relate this to specific functions of their components in homology search and recognition, DSB repair and pairing of homologous chromosomes.