MCM proteins in DNA replication

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B K Tye1

  • 1Section of Biochemistry, Molecular and Cell Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14853-2703, USA.

Annual Review of Biochemistry
|June 29, 2000
PubMed

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.

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