The Cdc7/Dbf4 protein kinase: target of the S phase checkpoint?

P Jares1, A Donaldson, J J Blow

  • 1Department of Biochemistry, University of Dundee, UK. j.j.blow@dundee.ac.uk

EMBO Reports
|March 28, 2001
PubMed

Insights

The Cdc7/Dbf4 protein kinase is crucial for initiating DNA replication and maintaining genomic integrity. This review explores its dual roles in these essential cellular processes.

Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Cell Biology
  • Genetics

Background:

  • Cdc7/Dbf4 is a vital protein kinase.
  • It plays a key role in the initiation of DNA replication in eukaryotic cells.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review new findings on the function of Cdc7/Dbf4.
  • To elucidate the distinct roles of Cdc7/Dbf4 in DNA replication and genomic maintenance.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of recent research.
  • Analysis of experimental data on Cdc7/Dbf4 function.

Main Results:

  • Cdc7/Dbf4 is essential for DNA replication initiation.
  • Evidence suggests Cdc7/Dbf4 also functions in checkpoint control and genomic integrity.

Conclusions:

  • Cdc7/Dbf4 performs at least two distinct functions.
  • Further research is needed to fully understand its mechanisms in both replication and checkpoint control.

Related Concept Videos

DNA Damage can Stall the Cell Cycle02:36

DNA Damage can Stall the Cell Cycle

In response to DNA damage, cells can pause the cell cycle to assess and repair the breaks. However, the cell must check the DNA at certain critical stages during the cell cycle. If the cell cycle pauses before DNA replication, the cells will contain twice the amount of DNA. On the other hand, if cells arrest after DNA replication but before mitosis, they will contain four times the normal amount of DNA. With a host of specialized proteins at their disposal,cells must use the right protein at...
Inhibition of Cdk Activity02:34

Inhibition of Cdk Activity

The orderly progression of the cell cycle depends on the activation of Cdk protein by binding to its cyclin partner. However, the cell cycle must be restricted when undergoing abnormal changes. Most cancers correlate to the deregulated cell cycle, and since Cdks are a central component of the cell cycle, Cdk inhibitors are extensively studied to develop anticancer agents. For instance, cyclin D associates with several Cdks, such as Cdk 4/6, to form an active complex. The cyclin D-Cdk4/6 complex...
The Spindle Assembly Checkpoint02:19

The Spindle Assembly Checkpoint

The spindle assembly checkpoint is a molecular surveillance mechanism ensuring the fidelity of chromosome segregation during anaphase. The checkpoint monitors the completion of all the prerequisite steps before chromosome segregation to determine whether the segregation process should proceed or be delayed.
Many proteins function together to control the spindle assembly checkpoint. Mutations affecting these proteins may allow cells to proceed into anaphase prematurely, resulting in the...
DNA Damage Can Stall the Cell Cycle02:36

DNA Damage Can Stall the Cell Cycle

In response to DNA damage, cells can pause the cell cycle to assess and repair the breaks. However, the cell must check the DNA at certain critical stages during the cell cycle. If the cell cycle pauses before DNA replication, the cells will contain twice the amount of DNA. On the other hand, if cells arrest after DNA replication but before mitosis, they will contain four times the normal amount of DNA. With a host of specialized proteins at their disposal,cells must use the right protein at...
Inhibition of CDK Activity02:34

Inhibition of CDK Activity

The orderly progression of the cell cycle depends on the activation of Cdk protein by binding to its cyclin partner. However, the cell cycle must be restricted when undergoing abnormal changes. Most cancers correlate to the deregulated cell cycle, and since Cdks are a central component of the cell cycle, Cdk inhibitors are extensively studied to develop anticancer agents. For instance, cyclin D associates with several Cdks, such as Cdk 4/6, to form an active complex. The cyclin D-Cdk4/6 complex...
The Spindle Assembly Checkpoint02:19

The Spindle Assembly Checkpoint

The spindle assembly checkpoint is a molecular surveillance mechanism ensuring the fidelity of chromosome segregation during anaphase. The checkpoint monitors the completion of all the prerequisite steps before chromosome segregation to determine whether the segregation process should proceed or be delayed.
Many proteins function together to control the spindle assembly checkpoint. Mutations affecting these proteins may allow cells to proceed into anaphase prematurely, resulting in the...