C-terminal domains deliver the DNA replication factor Ciz1 to the nuclear matrix

J Cell Sci. 2007 Jan 1;120(Pt 1):115-24. doi: 10.1242/jcs.03327.

Abstract

Cip1-interacting zinc finger protein 1 (Ciz1) stimulates DNA replication in vitro and is required for mammalian cells to enter S phase. Here, we show that a significant proportion of Ciz1 is retained in nuclear foci following extraction with nuclease and high salt. This suggests that Ciz1 is normally immobilized by interaction with non-chromatin nuclear structures, consistent with the nuclear matrix. Furthermore, matrix-associated Ciz1 foci strikingly colocalize with sites of newly synthesized DNA in S phase nuclei, suggesting that Ciz1 is present in DNA replication factories. Analysis of green fluorescent protein-tagged fragments indicates that nuclear immobilization of Ciz1 is mediated by sequences in its C-terminal third, encoded within amino acids 708-830. Immobilization occurs in a cell-cycle-dependent manner, most probably during late G1 or early S phase, to coincide with its reported point of action. Although C-terminal domains are sufficient for immobilization, N-terminal domains are also required to specify focal organization. Combined with previous work, which showed that the DNA replication activity of Ciz1 is encoded by N-terminal sequences, we suggest that Ciz1 is composed of two functionally distinct domains: an N-terminal replication domain and a C-terminal nuclear matrix anchor. This could contribute to the formation or function of DNA replication factories in mammalian cells.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • DNA Replication / physiology*
  • Deoxyribonucleases
  • Green Fluorescent Proteins / genetics
  • Mice
  • NIH 3T3 Cells
  • Nuclear Matrix / genetics
  • Nuclear Matrix / metabolism*
  • Nuclear Proteins / chemistry*
  • Nuclear Proteins / metabolism*
  • Protein Structure, Tertiary
  • S Phase / physiology
  • Salts
  • Zinc Fingers / physiology*

Substances

  • Nuclear Proteins
  • Salts
  • Green Fluorescent Proteins
  • Deoxyribonucleases