In the quest to understand the basis of infertility in humans, researchers have identified a mutation in a gene associated with chiasmata. This protein normally acts to promote homologous recombination. Why might a defect in homologous recombination have consequences for fertility?

Homologous recombination is needed for the production of new combinations of DNA sequences during meiosis and it is important in the production sperm and egg cells in humans.

Defect in homologous recombination can give rise to gamete aneuploidy (presence of extra or missing chromosomes), which is the leading cause of pregnancy loss and infertility in humans.