How chromosomes find their partners
ETH Zurich researchers demonstrated that satellite DNA sequences act as barcode-like markers that enable homologous chromosomes to recognize each other during meiosis in fruit flies. Removing these barcodes from two chromosomes caused mispairing, while a protein called D1 binds matching barcodes to facilitate proper pairing. The study suggests that satellite DNA variation may contribute to reproductive isolation and speciation.
ETH Zurich researchers demonstrated that satellite DNA sequences act as barcode-like markers that enable homologous chromosomes to recognize each other during meiosis in fruit flies. Removing these barcodes from two chromosomes caused mispairing, while a protein called D1 binds matching barcodes to facilitate proper pairing. The study suggests that satellite DNA variation may contribute to reproductive isolation and speciation.
The discovery provides a new biological target for AI-driven genomic analysis and modeling in Swiss research institutions.
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