Detection of homolog-independent meiotic DNA repair events in C. elegans with the intersister/ intrachromatid repair assay

Accurate repair of DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) in developing germ cells is critical to promote proper chromosome segregation and to maintain genome integrity. To directly detect homolog-independent (intersister/intrachromatid) meiotic DSB repair, we exploited the genetics and germline physiology of C. elegans to (1) induce a single DSB in nuclei across discrete stages of meiotic prophase I; (2) detect repair of that DSB as a homolog-independent crossover or noncrossover; and (3) sequence the resultant product to assess mechanisms of recombination.For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Toraason et al. (2021).

Automated summary

Accurate repair of DNA double-strand breaks in developing germ cells is crucial for proper chromosome segregation and genome integrity maintenance. Through utilizing the genetics and germline physiology of C. elegans, we successfully detected homolog-independent meiotic DSB repair and assessed recombination mechanisms.