Initiation of DNA replication in eukaryotes is an intriguing cascade of protein interactions

Biochemistry (Mosc). 2002 Nov;67(11):1217-23. doi: 10.1023/a:1021389018998.

Abstract

Initiation of eukaryotic DNA replication is a complex process including the recognition of initiation sites on DNA, multi-step DNA preparation for duplication, and assembly of multi-protein complexes capable of beginning DNA synthesis at initiation sites. The process starts at the late M phase and lasts till the appropriate time of the S phase for each initiation site. A chain of interesting interactions between Orc1p-6p, Cdc6p, Mcm2p-7p, Mcm10p, Cdt1, Cdc45p, Dbf4/Cdc7p, RPA, and DNA polymerase alpha takes place during this period. The sequence of these interactions is controlled by cyclin-dependent kinases, as well as by ubiquitin-dependent proteolysis in the proteasome. This review summarizes the data on proteins initiating DNA replication and factors controlling their activities.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Binding Sites
  • Cell Cycle Proteins / metabolism*
  • Cyclin-Dependent Kinases / metabolism
  • DNA Replication / physiology*
  • DNA-Binding Proteins / chemistry
  • DNA-Binding Proteins / metabolism*
  • Eukaryotic Cells / physiology*
  • Mitosis
  • Replication Origin / physiology
  • S Phase
  • Ubiquitin / metabolism

Substances

  • Cell Cycle Proteins
  • DNA-Binding Proteins
  • Ubiquitin
  • Cyclin-Dependent Kinases