Meiosis is a specialized division in which a single round of DNA replication is followed by two consecutive segregation steps, resulting in daughter cells carrying only one set of chromosomes. Homologous chromosomes segregate in Meiosis I while sister chromatids segregate in Meiosis II, giving rise to haploid gametes. Defects in meiosis are extremely common, but due to their severe consequences, they are not widely observed in populations. Most chromosomal abnormalities in human embryos arise after losing or gaining one or more chromosomes during meiosis. Aneuploid embryos account for at least 10% of human pregnancies and, for women nearing the end of their reproductive lifespan, the incidence may exceed 50%.

Several proteins are involved in the accurate partitioning of chromosomes/chromatids during meiosis. Furthermore, the interactions between these proteins have to be tightly regulated in time and space. Our lab focuses on how protein interactions are dynamically regulated in leading to proper chromosome dynamics during meiosis, with a special focus on the role of the small ubiquitin-related modifier (SUMO). We use a combination of in vivo and in vitro approaches such as proteomics, high- and super-resolution microscopy, biochemistry, and CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing.