GEMC1 is a novel TopBP1-interacting protein involved in chromosomal DNA replication.
Chromosomal DNA must be precisely replicated in each cell cycle in order to ensure maintenance of genome stability. Most of the factors controlling this process have been identified in lower eukaryotes. Several factors involved in DNA replication are also important for the cellular response to stress conditions. However, the regulation of DNA replication in multi-cellular organisms is still poorly understood. Using the Xenopus laevis egg cell-free system, we have recently identified a novel vertebrate protein named GEMC1 required for DNA replication. xGEMC1 is a Cyclin dependent kinase (CDK) target required forCdc45 loading onto chromatin and it interacts with the checkpoint and replication factor TopBP1, which promotes its binding to chromatin during prereplication complex formation. Here we discuss our recent findings and propose possible roles for GEMC1. Interestingly, recent studies have identified other proteins with analogous functions, showing a higher level of complexity in metazoan replication control compared to lower eukaryotes.
Piergiovanni
Gabriele
G
Genome Stability Unit, London Research Institute, Clare Hall Laboratories, South Mimms, Herts, UK.
Costanzo
Vincenzo
V
D064007:Ataxia Telangiectasia Mutated Proteins; D002352:Carrier Proteins / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000502:physiology*; D018797:Cell Cycle Proteins / Q000378:metabolism; D002843:Chromatin / Q000378:metabolism; D051357:Cyclin-Dependent Kinase 2 / Q000378:metabolism; D004249:DNA Damage; D004261:DNA Replication; D004268:DNA-Binding Proteins; D042822:Genomic Instability; D006801:Humans; D064111:Minichromosome Maintenance Complex Component 2; D017346:Protein Serine-Threonine Kinases / Q000378:metabolism; D029867:Xenopus Proteins / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology*
D002352:Carrier Proteins; C502211:Cdc45 protein, Xenopus; D018797:Cell Cycle Proteins; D002843:Chromatin; D004268:DNA-Binding Proteins; C551026:GMNC protein, Xenopus; C509993:TopBP1 protein, Xenopus; D029867:Xenopus Proteins; C576898:Atr protein, Xenopus; D064007:Ataxia Telangiectasia Mutated Proteins; D017346:Protein Serine-Threonine Kinases; D051357:Cyclin-Dependent Kinase 2; C102186:Mcm2 protein, Xenopus; D064111:Minichromosome Maintenance Complex Component 2