Cohesin SMC1β is required for meiotic chromosome dynamics, sister chromatid cohesion and DNA recombination

Sister chromatid cohesion ensures the faithful segregation of chromosomes in mitosis and in both meiotic divisions1,2,3,4. Meiosis-specific components of the cohesin complex, including the recently described SMC1 isoform SMC1β5, were suggested to be required for meiotic sister chromatid cohesion and DNA recombination. Here we show that SMC1β-deficient mice of both sexes are sterile. Male meiosis is blocked in pachytene; female meiosis is highly error-prone but continues until metaphase II. Prophase axial elements (AEs) are markedly shortened, chromatin extends further from the AEs, chromosome synapsis is incomplete, and sister chromatid cohesion in chromosome arms and at centromeres is lost prematurely. In addition, crossover-associated recombination foci are absent or reduced, and meiosis-specific perinuclear telomere arrangements are impaired. Thus, SMC1β has a key role in meiotic cohesion, the assembly of AEs, synapsis, recombination, and chromosome movements.