The origin recognition complex: from simple origins to complex functions

Eukaryotic DNA replication is an intricate process that requires the coordinate and tightly regulated action of numerous molecular machines. Eukaryotic cells must choose hundreds if not thousands of origins of replication and assemble multiple proteins or protein complexes at these sites. During S p...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Genes & development 2002-03, Vol.16 (6), p.659-672
Main Author: Bell, Stephen P
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adenosine Triphosphatases - metabolism
Adenosine Triphosphate - metabolism
Animals
Binding Sites
Cell Cycle
Chromatin - metabolism
DNA - metabolism
DNA-Binding Proteins
Escherichia coli - genetics
initiator protein
Models, Biological
Mutation
Origin Recognition Complex
Phosphorylation
Saccharomyces cerevisiae - genetics
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Summary:Eukaryotic DNA replication is an intricate process that requires the coordinate and tightly regulated action of numerous molecular machines. Eukaryotic cells must choose hundreds if not thousands of origins of replication and assemble multiple proteins or protein complexes at these sites. During S phase, these complexes are activated in a reproducible, temporal program to generate twice this number of replication fork machines dedicated to DNA synthesis. Moreover, these machines must overcome the highly packaged nature of the eukaryotic genome to access all DNA sites, without exception. The key factor in the selection of initiation sites and the assembly of the replication machinery is the initiator protein. Originally proposed by Brenner, Cuzin, and Jacob based on genetic findings, the replicon model hypothesized the existence of two essential components required for replication initiation: the initiator and the replicator. The initiator is a positively acting factor that recognizes a specific DNA sequence within the genetic element required for initiation, called the replicator. The replicator usually overlaps the site of replication initiation, the origin of replication.
ISSN:0890-9369
1549-5477
DOI:10.1101/gad.969602