Hajime Murakami

Cohesin-axis interaction via a conserved Red1 motif promotes domain-specific DSB formation and Mek1 activation

This study identifies a conserved Red1 motif that interacts with Rec8 cohesin, promoting DSB formation and Mek1 activation during meiosis.

Meiotic DNA break resection and recombination rely on chromatin remodeler Fun30

This study identifies Fun30 as essential for meiotic DNA break resection, showing it works with MRX and Exo1 to generate resection tracts necessary for recombination.

Chromosome-autonomous feedback downregulates meiotic DSB competence upon synaptonemal complex formation

The paper shows that chromosome-autonomous feedback reduces meiotic DSBs when homologs engage, using yeast mutants with chromosomal abnormalities.

Multilayered mechanisms ensure that short chromosomes recombine in meiosis

This study shows that Saccharomyces cerevisiae uses multiple mechanisms to control DSB formation on short chromosomes to prevent meiotic missegregation.

Histone H3 threonine 11 phosphorylation is catalyzed directly by the meiosis-specific kinase Mek1 and provides a molecular readout of Mek1 activity in vivo

The paper identifies Mek1 as the kinase responsible for H3 T11 phosphorylation in meiosis and shows H3 T11ph serves as a marker of Mek1 activity.