SUMO conjugation during meiosis

Germ cells undergo a specialised type of division called meiosis, generating the gametes. During meiosis, the DNA content in the gametes is reduced to half that of the parent cell. This is achieved by two successive rounds of chromosome segregation, meiosis I and meiosis II. During fertilisation, the normal DNA content is re-established. Very little is known about the mechanisms germ cells utilise to guarantee faithful meiotic chromosome segregation. We aim to characterise the mechanisms by which oocytes guarantee proper chromosome dynamics. A better understanding of how chromosomes segregate will enrich our understanding of meiosis therefore contributing to reproductive health.