Perpetuating the double helix: molecular machines at eukaryotic DNA replication origins

Mendez, J., Stillman, B. (December 2003) Perpetuating the double helix: molecular machines at eukaryotic DNA replication origins. Bioessays, 25 (12). pp. 1158-1167. ISSN 0265-9247

URL: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/14635251
DOI: 10.1002/bies.10370

Abstract

The hardest part of replicating a genome is the beginning. The first step of DNA replication (called "initiation") mobilizes a large number of specialized proteins ("initiators") that recognize specific sequences or structural motifs in the DNA, unwind the double helix, protect the exposed ssDNA, and recruit the enzymatic activities required for DNA synthesis, such as helicases, primases and polymerases. All of these components are orderly assembled before the first nucleotide can be incorporated. On the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the discovery of the DNA structure, we review our current knowledge of the molecular mechanisms that control initiation of DNA replication in eukaryotic cells, with particular emphasis on the recent identification of novel initiator proteins. We speculate how these initiators assemble molecular machines capable of performing specific biochemical tasks, such as loading a ring-shaped helicase onto the DNA double helix. (C) 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Item Type: Paper
Uncontrolled Keywords: Animals DNA chemistry DNA Helicases metabolism DNA Single-Stranded chemistry Evolution, Molecular Fungal Proteins metabolism Genetic Techniques Humans Models Biological Models Genetic Replication Origin Xenopus laevis
Subjects: bioinformatics > genomics and proteomics > genetics & nucleic acid processing > DNA, RNA structure, function, modification > DNA replication
CSHL Authors:
Communities: CSHL labs > Stillman lab
Highlight: Stillman, Bruce W.
Depositing User: CSHL Librarian
Date: December 2003
Date Deposited: 02 Mar 2012 19:47
Last Modified: 20 Jun 2017 18:17
Related URLs:
URI: https://repository.cshl.edu/id/eprint/25022

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