Transcription factor NFYA directs male meiotic entry by regulating accessible chromatin at meiotic promoters in mice

Meiotic prophase I, characterized by homologous recombination and synapsis, is a critical step in spermatogenesis. This process entails extensive changes to chromatin and transcription. Prior to prophase I, accessible chromatin bound by paused Pol II at meiotic gene promoters is essential for their timely activation later during meiosis. However, the factors responsible for establishing accessible chromatin at meiotic gene promoters before entry into prophase I are unknown. Here, we discovered t