Molecular Cell & Developmental Biology
225 Sinsheimer Laboratories
Phone: 831.459.4986
Fax: 831.459.3139
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Meiotic Chromosome Dynamics
During meiosis, homologous chromosomes must pair, synapse and recombine with their unique partner; all of these events are required for accurate chromosome segregation. The Bhalla lab uses C. elegans as a model system to dissect how these events are regulated, coordinated and monitored to produce gametes, such as sperm and eggs, with the correct chromosome complement. Defects in meiotic chromosome segregation usually lead to embryonic inviability but can result in developmental disorders, infertility or cancer predisposition.

Selected Publications

Zhang, D., A.F. Dernburg and N. Bhalla. 2008. An RNA interference screen identifies components of the synapsis checkpoint.  in preparation.

Bhalla, N., D.J. Wynne, V. Jantsch and A.F. Dernburg. 2008. ZHP-3 localizes to sites of crossover formation to coordinate meiotic recombination with synaptonemal complex disassembly and bivalent formation in C. elegans. submitted.

Bhalla, N. and A.F. Dernburg. 2008. Prelude to a Chromosome Division.  Annu Rev Cell Dev Biol.  in press.

MacQueen, A.J., C.M. Phillips, N. Bhalla, P. Weiser, A.M. Villeneuve and A.F. Dernburg. 2005. Chromosome sites play dual roles to establish homologous synapsis during meiosis in C. elegans.  Cell.  123(6) 1037-1050.
 
Phillips, C.M., C. Wong, N. Bhalla, P.M. Carlton, P. Weiser, P.M. Meneely and A.F. Dernburg. 2005. HIM-8 binds to the X chromosome Pairing Center and mediates chromosome-specific meiotic synapsis.  Cell.  123(6) 1051-1063.

Bhalla, N. and A.F. Dernburg. 2005. A conserved checkpoint monitors meiotic chromosome synapsis in Caenorhabditis elegans.  Science.  310(5754): 1683-1686.