InterPro domain: IPR044969

This entry represent a group of plant proteins, including AtDFO from Arabidopsis. AtDFO is a plant-specific protein involved in DNA double-strand break formation during meiosis [ 1 ].In flowering plants, gametophyte formation relies on meiosis. In meiosis I, the homologous chromosomes are separated into two daughter cells. In meiosis II, the sister chromosomes are then separated into newly formed daughter cells. During prophase I, several events occurs: sister chromatid cohesion, homologous chromosome synapsis, recombination, crossover formation and chromosome segregation. Homologous recombination is initiated from the formation of DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs). The formation of DSBs is catalyzed by Spo11 and its homologues. So far, six Arabidopsis proteins, AtSPO11-1, AtSPO11-2, AtPRD1, AtPRD2, AtPRD3 and AtDFO, have been shown to be involved in DSB formation [ 2 ].

1. The Arabidopsis thaliana DSB formation (AtDFO) gene is required for meiotic double-strand break formation. Plant J 72, 271-81
2. MTOPVIB interacts with AtPRD1 and plays important roles in formation of meiotic DNA double-strand breaks in Arabidopsis. Sci Rep 7, 10007