SPO11
Function
Component of a topoisomerase 6 complex specifically required for meiotic recombination. Together with TOP6BL, mediates DNA cleavage that forms the double-strand breaks (DSB) that initiate meiotic recombination. The complex promotes relaxation of negative and positive supercoiled DNA and DNA decatenation through cleavage and ligation cycles. Essential for the phosphorylation of SMC3, HORMAD1 and HORMAD2.
Sequence Similarities
Belongs to the TOP6A family.
Tissue Specificity
Highly expressed in testis.
Cellular localization
- Nucleus
Alternative names
Meiotic recombination protein SPO11, Cancer/testis antigen 35, CT35