Grant: Operating Grant

Yeasts are organisms that are closely related to mammals at the cellular level. Both fungal and mammalian cells are eukaryotic, which means that they carry genes on chromosomes in a nucleus and divide their cells up into different functional compartments. This similarity implies that one-celled fungi are important models for studying processes that occur in our own (mammalian) cells. Meiosis is a specialized cell division process, common to sexually reproducing eukaryotes. During meiosis the chromosome number is reduced by half to generate haploid gametes. In humans, meiotic defects are the leading causes of infertility, pregnancy loss, congenital birth disorders and mental retardation. Despite essential roles for copper-dependent proteins during meiosis, the function and mechanisms of action of these proteins in this biological process remain poorly understood. Our research model is based on the unique biology of the fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe. In this organism, meiosis can be induced in a highly synchronous manner, thereby allowing meiotic steps to be monitored and dissected directly. This unique property makes S. pombe particularly powerful in the elucidation of basic principles that govern meiosis. Moreover, S. pombe is one of the best-understood models for chromosome behaviour, and has a complete collection of tools and technology. The goal of this research is to provide a better understanding of key mechanistic aspects of copper-requiring proteins that are required for faithful and healthy reproduction (fertility) and to understand how aberrations can lead to diseases such as aneuploidy, infertility and developmental defects.