Cdc14 phosphatase ensures resolution of aberrant meiotic recombination outcomes partly through activating Yen1/GEN1

Meiotic defects derived from incorrect DNA repair during gametogenesis can lead to mutations, aneuploidies and infertility. Effective and coordinated resolution of meiotic recombination intermediates is necessary to accomplish both rounds of successful chromosome segregation. Cdc14 is an evolutionarily conserved dual-specificity phosphatase required for mitotic exit and meiotic progression. Mutations that inactivate the phosphatase lead to meiotic failure. Here, we have identified previously unseen roles of Cdc14 in ensuring correct meiotic recombination. We found that aberrant recombination intermediates accumulate during prophase I when Cdc14 protein levels are drastically reduced. Furthermore, Cdc14 plays a role in suppressing the formation of non-allelic (ectopic) recombination products. We also demonstrate that Cdc14 is required for correct sister chromatid disjunction during the second meiotic divisions. Finally, Cdc14 is required in meiosis for the timely activation of the conserved Holliday Junction resolvase, Yen1/GEN1 in anaphase II. Based on these new findings we propose an early function for Cdc14 in meiotic recombination independent of its later roles during anaphase I/II.