Cdc7 kinase complex: a key regulator in the initiation of DNA replication.
DNA replication results from the action of a staged set of highly regulated processes. Among the stages of DNA replication, initiation is the key point at which all the G1 regulatory signals culminate. Cdc7 kinase is the critical regulator for the ultimate firing of the origins of initiation. Cdc7, originally identified in budding yeast and later in higher eukaryotes, forms a complex with a Dbf4-related regulatory subunit to generate an active kinase. Genetic evidence in mammals demonstrates essential roles for Cdc7 in mammalian DNA replication. Mini-chromosome maintenance protein (MCM) is the major physiological target of Cdc7. Genetic studies in yeasts indicate additional roles of Cdc7 in meiosis, checkpoint responses, maintenance of chromosome structures, and repair. The interplay between Cdc7 and Cdk, another kinase essential for the S phase, is also discussed.
Masai
Hisao
H
Department of Molecular and Developmental Biology, Institute of Medical Science, University of Tokyo, Minato-ku, Tokyo, Japan. hmasai@rinshoken.or.jp
Arai
Ken-Ichi
K
D000818:Animals; D002453:Cell Cycle / Q000502:physiology; D018797:Cell Cycle Proteins / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology*; D004261:DNA Replication / Q000502:physiology*; D005656:Fungal Proteins / Q000235:genetics; D006801:Humans; D008540:Meiosis / Q000502:physiology; D005810:Multigene Family; D017346:Protein Serine-Threonine Kinases / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology*; D029701:Saccharomyces cerevisiae Proteins
D018797:Cell Cycle Proteins; C088096:Dbf4 protein, S cerevisiae; D005656:Fungal Proteins; D029701:Saccharomyces cerevisiae Proteins; C489404:CDC7 protein, S cerevisiae; C068619:CDC7 protein, human; D017346:Protein Serine-Threonine Kinases