Genetic dissection of crossover mutants defines discrete intermediates in mouse meiosis

Crossovers, the exchange of homolog arms, are required for accurate segregation during meiosis. Studies in yeast have established that the single end invasion intermediate is highly regulated to ensure crossover distribution. Single end invasions are thought to differentiate into double Holliday junctions that are resolved by MutLgamma (MLH1/3) into crossovers. Currently, we lack knowledge of early steps of mammalian crossover recombination or how intermediates are differentiated in any organism. Using comprehensive analysis of recombination and cytology, we infer that polymerized single-end invasion intermediates and nicked double Holliday junctions are crossover precursors in mouse spermatocytes. In marked contrast to yeast, MLH3 plays a structural role to differentiate single end invasions into double Holliday junctions with differentially polymerized 3’ ends. Therefore, we show independent genetic requirements for precursor formation and asymmetry with regard to 3’ end processing, providing mechanistic insight into crossover formation and patterning.