The Role of Condensin Dysfunction in Mouse Reproductive Isolation
A study on mice has found that dysfunction in a protein complex called condensin can act as a reproductive isolating barrier, contributing to speciation. Condensin plays a crucial role in chromosome organization and segregation during cell division. The researchers discovered that mice with impaired condensin function exhibited abnormalities in meiosis, resulting in reduced fertility and hybrid sterility. This dysfunction disrupted the proper assembly of chromosomes, leading to errors in chromosome segregation and the formation of abnormal gametes. The findings shed light on the molecular mechanisms underlying reproductive isolation and speciation.