MUS81-EME1 is a structure specific endonuclease that is required to facilitate MLH1-independent crossing over in mouse meiosis. Loss of Mus81 results in a compensatory increase in MLH1-marked nascent crossovers as a result of upregulation of the class I crossover, indicating that MLH1-MLH3 can compensate for the loss of MUS81-EME1 acivity. However, the reverse is not true: MUS81-EME1 cannot compensate for the loss of MLH1-MLH3 (Holloway et al, 2008). Studies in the lab are currently focused on understanding the molecular underpinnings of this crosstalk between crossover pathways. We are particularly interested in the role of SLX4 and BLM helicase in mediating these interactions.      

Summary prepared by Dr. Tegan Horan