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MCM proteins in DNA replication
1Section of Biochemistry, Molecular and Cell Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14853-2703, USA.
Abstract:
The MCM proteins are essential replication initiation factors originally identified as proteins required for minichromosome maintenance in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The best known among them are a family of six structurally related proteins, MCM2-7, which are evolutionally conserved in all eukaryotes. The MCM2-7 proteins form a hexameric complex. This complex is a key component of the prereplication complex that assembles at replication origins during early G1 phase. New evidence suggests that the MCM2-7 proteins may be involved not only in the initiation but also in the elongation of DNA replication. Orchestration of the functional interactions between the MCM2-7 proteins and other components of the prereplication complex by cell cycle-dependent protein kinases results in initiation of DNA synthesis once every cell cycle.
Insights
Minichromosome maintenance (MCM) proteins MCM2-7 are crucial for DNA replication initiation and potentially elongation. These evolutionarily conserved proteins form a hexameric complex essential for cell cycle progression.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Cell Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Minichromosome maintenance (MCM) proteins are vital for DNA replication.
- The MCM2-7 protein family is conserved across eukaryotes and forms a hexameric complex.
- This complex is a key part of the prereplication complex (pre-RC).
Purpose of the Study:
- To summarize the known functions of MCM proteins in DNA replication.
- To highlight the role of the MCM2-7 complex in replication initiation.
- To explore emerging evidence for MCM proteins in replication elongation.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on MCM proteins.
- Analysis of the structural and functional conservation of MCM2-7.
- Examination of cell cycle regulation of DNA replication initiation.
Main Results:
- MCM2-7 proteins form a conserved hexameric complex essential for DNA replication initiation.
- The MCM2-7 complex is a core component of the prereplication complex.
- Emerging data suggest MCM2-7 proteins also play a role in DNA replication elongation.
Conclusions:
- MCM2-7 proteins are fundamental for orchestrating DNA replication initiation.
- Cell cycle-dependent kinases regulate MCM complex interactions for timely replication.
- The MCM2-7 complex's role extends beyond initiation to potentially include elongation.