Where to cross? New insights into the location of meiotic crossovers

• Crossovers (COs) are essential to the proper segregation of chromosomes at meiosis.
• CO distribution along the chromosomes is tightly controlled.
• CO distribution along the chromosomes is a characteristic of each species.
• CO localization mirrors only partially meiotic double-strand breaks activity.
• CO landscape of a given species is the result of several levels of regulation.

During meiosis, the repair of induced DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) produces crossovers (COs). COs are essential for the proper segregation of homologous chromosomes at the first meiotic division. In addition, COs generate new combinations of genetic markers in the progeny. CO localization is tightly controlled, giving rise to patterns that are specific to each species. The underlying mechanisms governing CO location, however, are poorly understood. Recent studies highlight the complexity of the multiple interconnected factors involved in shaping the CO landscape and demonstrate that the mechanisms that control CO distribution can vary from species to species. Here, we provide an overview of the recent findings related to CO distribution and discuss their impact on our understanding of the control of meiotic recombination.