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Minichromosome Maintenance Proteins: From DNA Replication to the DNA Damage Response

Agnes Malysa1, Xiaohong Mary Zhang1, Gerold Bepler1

  • 1Karmanos Cancer Institute, Department of Oncology, School of Medicine, Wayne State University, 4100 John R Street, Detroit, MI 48201, USA.

Cells
|January 10, 2025
PubMed

Insights

Minichromosome maintenance (MCM) proteins are crucial for DNA replication and the DNA damage response (DDR). Their acetylation and role as cancer biomarkers are key areas of ongoing research.

Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Genetics
  • Cell Biology

Background:

  • DNA replication is essential for genetic stability and cell survival.
  • DNA damage triggers the DNA damage response (DDR) to maintain genomic integrity.
  • Minichromosome maintenance (MCM) proteins are vital for both DNA replication and DDR.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the role of MCM proteins in DNA replication and DDR.
  • To discuss MCM protein acetylation and deacetylation.
  • To explore the potential of MCMs as cancer biomarkers.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of MCM protein functions.
  • Analysis of MCM protein involvement in DNA replication and DDR pathways.
  • Examination of MCM protein post-translational modifications, specifically acetylation.
  • Assessment of MCM proteins as diagnostic and prognostic markers in cancer.

Main Results:

  • MCM proteins are integral to the replication machinery and DDR pathways.
  • Acetylation/deacetylation regulates MCM protein activity and function.
  • MCM proteins show promise as biomarkers for various cancers.

Conclusions:

  • MCM proteins are critical regulators of genomic stability.
  • Understanding MCM protein dynamics, including acetylation, is vital for cancer research.
  • MCMs represent a valuable class of biomarkers for cancer detection and treatment.
Keywords:
DNA damage response (DDR)DNA replicationcell cycle checkpointminichromosome maintenance (MCM)origin recognition complex (ORC)pre-replication complex (pre-RC)replication stress

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