Protein SPO16 homolog (SPO16)

Protein SPO16 homolog (SPO16) is an evolutionarily conserved protein with an XPF-like domain, functioning as a key regulator of meiotic crossover formation and synaptonemal complex stability[1][2][4]. SPO16 forms a heterodimeric complex with SHOC1, analogous to the ERCC4:XPF family, that binds to specific DNA structures during recombination[1][2]. SPO16 localizes to the chromosome axes during meiotic prophase I and is essential for proper crossover formation and chromosome synapsis. Deletion of SPO16 leads to defective homologous pairing, incomplete synapsis, and infertility, though other aspects of organismal health are not affected[2]. Disease relevance is primarily in the context of germ cell development, with no formal role as a drug target or biomarker described in humans. Frequently studied in conjunction with other meiotic proteins (e.g., TEX11, SHOC1, MSH4, MSH5), SPO16 helps reinforce the integrity of the synaptonemal complex, ensuring successful progression of meiosis[1][2][3][4].

Other names

Chromosome 1 open reading frame 146 (C1orf146)Synaptonemal complex reinforcing element (SCRE)Uncharacterized protein C1orf146SPO16