Meiosis

Meiosis is at the heart of eukaryotic genetics and evolution. It is a developmental program which re-assorts the genetic material and reduces the chromosome number by half through two consecutive chromosome segregation steps, as prerequisite for the fusion of two haploid gametes during fertilization. Understanding this fundamental process is highly relevant for human, animal and plant health and development, fertility, aging, breeding, adaptation and evolution. The study of meiotic programs across divergent model organisms can provide essential insights for the entire field. The nine sub-projects of this consortium use state-of-the-art methodologies to address pending, inter-connected questions. Without exception, all projects require expertise that goes beyond that covered by each group. The joint know -how will enable the participating groups to establish innovative approaches to study the basic mechanisms that support meiotic recombination and genome haploidization in eukaryotes, and to delineate the mechanisms by which meiosis is repurposed for asexual reproduction in parthenogenetic organisms. The consortium will address complementing questions, using multidisciplinary approaches, ranging from genetics, biochemistry and cytology to informatics, modeling and biophysics, each adapted to the specific research question and organism in focus. A strong meiosis research cluster emerged from the Department of Chromosome Biology at the Vienna BioCenter campus and seminal discoveries were contributed by participating and affiliated colleagues. This SFB now aims to reach out and include outstanding scientists working on meiosis across Austria to foster new connections and collaborations and to strengthen the critical mass. Common seminars, joint supervision and mentoring of PhD students and postdocs, regular retreats and sharing of unpublished data and tools provide the ideal setting to tackle complex, multidisciplinary projects and inspire ground-breaking discoveries.