Replicon hypothesis revisited

Biochem Biophys Res Commun. 2022 Dec 10:633:77-80. doi: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2022.09.060.

Abstract

Nearly 70 years after the proposal of semiconservative replication of generic material by Watson and Crick, we now understand many of the proteins involved in the replication of host chromosomes and how they operate. The initiator and replicator, proposed in the replicon hypothesis, are now well defined in both prokaryotes and eukaryotes. On the other hand, studies in prokaryotes and Archaea indicate alternative modes of initiation, which may not depend on an initiator. Here I summarize recent progress in the field of DNA replication and discuss the evolution of replication systems.

Keywords: DNA replication; DnaA-oriC; E. coli; G-quadruplex; RNA-DNA hybrid; Replication timing; Replicon hypothesis; Rif1.

Publication types

  • Review
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Bacterial Proteins / metabolism
  • Chromosomes, Bacterial
  • DNA Replication*
  • DNA, Bacterial / genetics
  • DNA-Binding Proteins / metabolism
  • Escherichia coli / metabolism
  • Replication Origin*
  • Replicon

Substances

  • DNA-Binding Proteins
  • Bacterial Proteins
  • DNA, Bacterial