Chromatin remodeler Snf2 (SWI/SNF ATPase) is important for transcriptional reprogramming and DNA double-strand break formation during meiosis in S. cerevisiae

Meiosis is a specialized cell division program that generates haploid gametes through coordinated changes in chromosome morphology and gene expression. Entry into meiosis is accompanied by extensive chromatin reorganization, enabling reprograming of cellular processes such as meiotic transcription and recombination. While ATP-dependent chromatin remodelers (CRs) are well known for regulating DNA–protein interactions during mitosis, their specific contributions to meiotic chromatin architecture remain poorly understood. Here, we systematically investigated the roles of major CR families (INO80, ISWI, SWI/SNF, and CHD) by depleting their catalytic ATPase subunits in budding yeast. Our analysis reveals that, among these, only Snf2 (SWI/SNF) and Sth1 (RSC) are essential for efficient meiotic progression, whereas other remodelers appear functionally redundant, as assessed by sporulation efficiency and spore viability. Gene expression analysis demonstrates that Snf2 is required for the proper expression of genes involved in DNA replication and meiotic progression, including both early and middle meiotic genes. We observed altered levels of NDC80 transcript isoforms in the absence of Snf2, highlighting its role in fine-tuning meiotic transcriptional programs. Functionally, loss of Snf2 increases the bound fraction of Spo11 on chromatin and reduces its turnover, which leads to increased DNA double-strand break formation. Further analysis revealed that the absence of Snf2 does not alter the crossover formation, synaptonemal complex assembly, and sister chromatid segregation. Together, our findings establish Snf2 as a key regulator that regulates transcriptional reprogramming and DSB formation during meiosis, thereby uncovering a central role for SWI/SNF remodeling activity in regulating meiosis.