Functions of the ATM signaling pathway during mouse meiotic prophase.

<p>We propose that DSBs induced by SPO11 at the beginning of meiotic prophase are sensed by the MRE11 complex, which activates ATM. ATM inhibits further DSB formation via a feedback loop and promotes DSB repair. ATM activates CHK2, which controls cell cycle progression but is not involved in regulating DSB formation. Recombination progression leads to homologous chromosome synapsis and sex body formation. Besides participating in recombination, TRIP13 is also needed for effective sex body formation. Proper recombination and sex body formation are required to permit meiotic progression.