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The origin recognition complex in human diseases

Zhen Shen1

  • 1Laboratory of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY 10065, USA. zshen@mail.rockefeller.edu

Bioscience Reports
|May 14, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Origin recognition complex (ORC) initiates DNA replication and regulates cellular processes. This review details ORC

Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Human Genetics
  • Disease Mechanisms

Background:

  • Origin recognition complex (ORC) is essential for DNA replication initiation and pre-replication complex (pre-RC) assembly.
  • ORC also performs critical non-replication functions, regulating diverse cellular processes.
  • Dysregulation and mutations in ORC are implicated in various human diseases.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review and summarize the current understanding of ORC's involvement in human diseases.
  • To elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying ORC dysregulation in disease pathogenesis.
  • To explore the potential of ORC-related discoveries as model systems for therapeutic development.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies on ORC and human diseases.
  • Analysis of genetic mutations affecting ORC function.
  • Examination of pathogen exploitation of host ORC.

Main Results:

  • ORC mutations lead to altered function and dysregulated phenotypes in genetic diseases like Meier-Gorlin syndrome (MGS).
  • Pathogens such as Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), and parasites causing American and African trypanosomiasis, exploit host ORC for genome maintenance.
  • The molecular mechanisms linking ORC to these diseases are often unclear but involve altered function or pathogen interaction.

Conclusions:

  • ORC is a critical regulator implicated in a spectrum of human diseases, including genetic disorders and infectious diseases.
  • Understanding ORC's role in disease pathogenesis provides insights into disease mechanisms.
  • ORC-related disease models offer potential for developing novel therapeutic strategies.

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