This entry represent a group of plant proteins, including AtPRD1 from Arabidopsis. AtPRD1 is required for meiotic double strand break formation []. AtPRD1 is homologous to MEI1 of humans and mice and contains a conserved N-terminal region that can interact with AtSPO11-1 and itself [].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 [].
