across genes, with recombination rates 3′ of transcribed regions being elevated (as are motif density and G+C content) compared to regions 5′ of genes. Studies in yeast have previously suggested an association between promoter regions and recombination hotspots39. Our results suggest a significant, although weak, relationship between promoters and recombination in humans. Nevertheless, the vast majority of hotspots in the human genome are not in gene promoters. The association may reflect a general association between regions of accessible chromatin and crossover activity.
