Mcm2 is a target of regulation by Cdc7-Dbf4 during the initiation of DNA synthesis

Netrin 1 directs vascular patterning and maturity in the developing kidney

The intricate vascular system of the kidneys supports body fluid and organ homeostasis. However, little is known about how vascular architecture is established during kidney development. More specifically, how signals from the kidney influence vessel maturity and patterning remains poorly understood. Netrin 1 (Ntn1) is a secreted ligand that is crucial for vessel and neuronal guidance. Here, we demonstrate that Ntn1 is expressed by Foxd1+ stromal progenitors in the developing mouse kidney and conditional deletion (Foxd1GC/+;Ntn1fl/fl) results in hypoplastic kidneys with extended nephrogenesis. Wholemount 3D analyses additionally revealed the loss of a predictable vascular pattern in Foxd1GC/+;Ntn1fl/fl kidneys. As vascular patterning has been linked to vessel maturity, we investigated arterialization. Quantification of the CD31+ endothelium at E15.5 revealed no differences in metrics such as the number of branches or branch points, whereas the arterial vascular smooth muscle metrics were significantly reduced at both E15.5 and P0. In support of our observed phenotypes, whole kidney RNA-seq revealed disruptions to genes and programs associated with stromal cells, vasculature and differentiating nephrons. Together, our findings highlight the significance of Ntn1 to proper vascularization and kidney development.

Cdc7 kinase is required for postnatal brain development

The evolutionally conserved Cdc7 kinase plays crucial roles in initiation of DNA replication as well as in other chromosomal events. To examine the roles of Cdc7 in brain development, we have generated mice carrying Cdc7 knockout in neural stem cells by using Nestin-Cre. The Cdc7Fl/Fl NestinCre mice were born, but exhibited severe growth retardation and impaired postnatal brain development. These mice exhibited motor dysfunction within 9 days after birth and did not survive for more than 19 days. The cerebral cortical layer formation was impaired, although the cortical cell numbers were not altered in the mutant. In the cerebellum undergoing hypoplasia, granule cells (CGC) decreased in number in Cdc7Fl/F l NestinCre mice compared to the control at E15-18, suggesting that Cdc7 is required for DNA replication and cell proliferation of CGC at mid embryonic stage (before embryonic day 15). On the other hand, the Purkinje cell numbers were not altered but its layer formation was impaired in the mutant. These results indicate differential roles of Cdc7 in DNA replication/cell proliferation in brain. Furthermore, the defects of layer formation suggest a possibility that Cdc7 may play an additional role in cell migration during neural development.

Snapshot imprinting as a tool for surface mapping and identification of novel biomarkers of senescent cells

Cellular senescence has proved to be a strong contributor to ageing and age-related diseases, such as cancer and atherosclerosis. Therefore, the protein content of senescent cells is highly relevant to drug discovery, diagnostics and therapeutic applications. However, current technologies for the analysis of proteins are based on a combination of separation techniques and mass spectrometry, which require handling large sample sizes and a large volume of data and are time-consuming. This limits their application in personalised medicine. An easy, quick and inexpensive procedure is needed for qualitative and quantitative analysis of proteins expressed by a cell or tissue. Here, we describe the use of the "snapshot imprinting" approach for the identification of proteins differentially expressed by senescent cells. Molecularly imprinted polymer nanoparticles (MIPs) were formed in the presence of whole cells. Following trypsinolysis, protein epitopes protected by complex with MIPs were eluted from the nanoparticles and analysed by LC-MS/MS. In this work, "snapshot imprinting" was performed parallel to a standard proteomic "shaving approach", showing similar results. The analysis by "snapshot imprinting" identified three senescent-specific proteins: cell division cycle 7-related protein kinase, partitioning defective three homolog B and putative ATP-dependent RNA helicase DHX57, the abundance of which could potentially make them specific markers of senescence. Identifying biomarkers for the future elimination of senescent cells grants the potential for developing therapeutics for age-related diseases.

LncRNA RP11-59J16.2 aggravates apoptosis and increases tau phosphorylation by targeting MCM2 in AD

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a degenerative disease of central nervous system with unclear pathogenesis, accounting for 60%–70% of dementia cases. Long noncoding RNAs (LncRNAs) play an important function in the development of AD. This study aims to explore the role of differentially expressed lncRNAs in AD patients’ serum in the pathogenesis of AD. Microarray analysis was performed in the serum of AD patients and healthy controls to establish lncRNAs and mRNAs expression profiles. GO analysis and KEGG pathway analysis revealed that G₁/S transition of mitotic cell cycle might be involved in the development of AD. The result showed that RP11-59J16.2 was up-regulated and MCM2 was down-regulated in serum of AD patients. SH-SY5Y cells were treated with Aβ 1–42 to establish AD cell model. Dual luciferase reporter gene analysis verified that RP11-59J16.2 could directly interact with 3′UTR of MCM2 and further regulate the expression of MCM2. Inhibition of RP11-59J16.2 or overexpression of MCM2, CCK-8 assay and Annexin V FITC/PI apoptosis assay kit results showed that RP11-59J16.2 could reduce cell viability, aggravate apoptosis and increase Tau phosphorylation in AD cell model by inhibiting MCM2. In short, our study revealed a novel lncRNA RP11-59J16.2 that could promote neuronal apoptosis and increase Tau phosphorylation by regulating MCM2 in AD model, and indicated that lncRNA RP11-59J16.2 might be a potential target molecule for AD development.

Transcriptome Analysis of the Anti-Proliferative Effects of Ginsenoside Rh3 on HCT116 Colorectal Cancer Cells

The mechanism of ginsenoside Rh3 activity against cancer remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the underlying mechanism. The effects of Rh3 on the cell proliferation, migration and invasion, and cycle and apoptosis were analyzed using CCK-8 assay, transwell migration assay and flow cytometry, respectively. The RNA transcriptome was sequenced and data were analyzed by R software. Protein expression and protein-protein interactions were determined by Western blotting and co-immunoprecipitation, respectively. The results showed Rh3 inhibited HCT116 cell proliferation, invasion, and migration, arrested cells at G1 phase; and increased apoptosis. Rh3 downregulated 314 genes and upregulated 371 genes. Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) using The Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes Genomics ranked DNA replication first, while GSEA using Gene Ontology ranked the initiation of DNA replication first. Compared with tumor data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), most of genes related to DNA replication were oppositely regulated by Rh3. Furthermore, Rh3 down-regulated key protein expression related to DNA replication (Orc6, Cdt1, and Mcm2), but did not affect the loading of Mcm complexes onto ORC complexes nor the phosphorylation at ser139 of Mcm2. Therefore, Rh3 may inhibit colorectal cancer HCT116 cells by downregulation of genes related to DNA replication.

Yeast ORC sumoylation status fine-tunes origin licensing

Sumoylation is emerging as a posttranslation modification important for regulating chromosome duplication and stability. The origin recognition complex (ORC) that directs DNA replication initiation by loading the MCM replicative helicase onto origins is sumoylated in both yeast and human cells. However, the biological consequences of ORC sumoylation are unclear. Here we report the effects of hypersumoylation and hyposumoylation of yeast ORC on ORC activity and origin function using multiple approaches. ORC hypersumoylation preferentially reduced the function of a subset of early origins, while Orc2 hyposumoylation had an opposing effect. Mechanistically, ORC hypersumoylation reduced MCM loading in vitro and diminished MCM chromatin association in vivo. Either hypersumoylation or hyposumoylation of ORC resulted in genome instability and the dependence of yeast on other genome maintenance factors, providing evidence that appropriate ORC sumoylation levels are important for cell fitness. Thus, yeast ORC sumoylation status must be properly controlled to achieve optimal origin function across the genome and genome stability.

CDC7-independent G1/S transition revealed by targeted protein degradation

The entry of mammalian cells into the DNA synthesis phase (S phase) represents a key event in cell division1. According to current models of the cell cycle, the kinase CDC7 constitutes an essential and rate-limiting trigger of DNA replication, acting together with the cyclin-dependent kinase CDK2. Here we show that CDC7 is dispensable for cell division of many different cell types, as determined using chemical genetic systems that enable acute shutdown of CDC7 in cultured cells and in live mice. We demonstrate that another cell cycle kinase, CDK1, is also active during G1/S transition both in cycling cells and in cells exiting quiescence. We show that CDC7 and CDK1 perform functionally redundant roles during G1/S transition, and at least one of these kinases must be present to allow S-phase entry. These observations revise our understanding of cell cycle progression by demonstrating that CDK1 physiologically regulates two distinct transitions during cell division cycle, whereas CDC7 has a redundant function in DNA replication.

Structural Insight into the MCM double hexamer activation by Dbf4-Cdc7 kinase

The Dbf4-dependent kinase Cdc7 (DDK) regulates DNA replication initiation by phosphorylation of the MCM double hexamer (MCM-DH) to promote helicase activation. Here, we determine a series of cryo electron microscopy (cryo-EM) structures of yeast DDK bound to the MCM-DH. These structures, occupied by one or two DDKs, differ primarily in the conformations of the kinase core. The interactions of DDK with the MCM-DH are mediated exclusively by subunit Dbf4 straddling across the hexamer interface on the three N-terminal domains (NTDs) of subunits Mcm2, Mcm6, and Mcm4. This arrangement brings Cdc7 close to its only essential substrate, the N-terminal serine/threonine-rich domain (NSD) of Mcm4. Dbf4 further displaces the NSD from its binding site on Mcm4-NTD, facilitating an immediate targeting of this motif by Cdc7. Moreover, the active center of Cdc7 is occupied by a unique Dbf4 inhibitory loop, which is disengaged when the kinase core assumes wobbling conformations. This study elucidates the versatility of Dbf4 in regulating the ordered multisite phosphorylation of the MCM-DH by Cdc7 kinase during helicase activation.

Cdc7-mediated phosphorylation of Cse4 regulates high-fidelity chromosome segregation in budding yeast

Faithful chromosome segregation maintains chromosomal stability as errors in this process contribute to chromosomal instability (CIN), which has been observed in many diseases including cancer. Epigenetic regulation of kinetochore proteins such as Cse4 (CENP-A in humans) plays a critical role in high-fidelity chromosome segregation. Here we show that Cse4 is a substrate of evolutionarily conserved Cdc7 kinase, and that Cdc7-mediated phosphorylation of Cse4 prevents CIN. We determined that Cdc7 phosphorylates Cse4 in vitro and interacts with Cse4 in vivo in a cell cycle-dependent manner. Cdc7 is required for kinetochore integrity as reduced levels of CEN-associated Cse4, a faster exchange of Cse4 at the metaphase kinetochores, and defects in chromosome segregation, are observed in a cdc7-7 strain. Phosphorylation of Cse4 by Cdc7 is important for cell survival as constitutive association of a kinase-dead variant of Cdc7 (cdc7-kd) with Cse4 at the kinetochore leads to growth defects. Moreover, phospho-deficient mutations of Cse4 for consensus Cdc7 target sites contribute to CIN phenotype. In summary, our results have defined a role for Cdc7-mediated phosphorylation of Cse4 in faithful chromosome segregation.

The CRL4DTL E3 ligase induces degradation of the DNA replication initiation factor TICRR/TRESLIN specifically during S phase

A DNA replication program, which ensures that the genome is accurately and wholly replicated, is established during G1, before the onset of S phase. In G1, replication origins are licensed, and upon S phase entry, a subset of these will form active replisomes. Tight regulation of the number of active replisomes is crucial to prevent replication stress-induced DNA damage. TICRR/TRESLIN is essential for DNA replication initiation, and the level of TICRR and its phosphorylation determine the number of origins that initiate during S phase. However, the mechanisms regulating TICRR protein levels are unknown. Therefore, we set out to define the TICRR/TRESLIN protein dynamics throughout the cell cycle. Here, we show that TICRR levels are high during G1 and dramatically decrease as cells enter S phase and begin DNA replication. We show that degradation of TICRR occurs specifically during S phase and depends on ubiquitin ligases and proteasomal degradation. Using two targeted siRNA screens, we identify CRL4DTL as a cullin complex necessary for TICRR degradation. We propose that this mechanism moderates the level of TICRR protein available for replication initiation, ensuring the proper number of active origins as cells progress through S phase.

MicroRNA-186-3p attenuates tumorigenesis of cervical cancer by targeting MCM2

The present study examined the effect of microRNA (miRNA/miR)-186-3p and its target gene, minichromosome maintenance complex component 2 (MCM2), on cervical cancer. Cervical cancer tissues and corresponding normal tissues were collected from 48 patients and bioinformatics analysis was performed to identify the differentially expressed genes in cervical cancer. TargetScan and TarBase were used to identify miRNAs, and reverse transcription-quantitative PCR was conducted to detect and evaluate mRNA expression levels. Additionally, MTT and 5-bromo-2-deoxyuridine assays were performed to examine cell proliferation. Cell adhesion, cell cycle distribution and apoptosis were assessed using cell adhesion, flow cytometry and caspase-3/7 activity assays, respectively. The results revealed that miR-186-3p expression was downregulated in cervical cancer tissues and cells, and it negatively regulated MCM2 expression by directly targeting its 3' untranslated region in cervical cancer. Furthermore, MCM2 facilitated cell proliferation and inhibited cell apoptosis, which were reversed by upregulation of miR-186-3p expression. Collectively, the present study suggested that MCM2 and its negative regulator, miR-186-3p, regulate cervical cancer progression.

Role of Hypoxia in the Control of the Cell Cycle

The cell cycle is an important cellular process whereby the cell attempts to replicate its genome in an error-free manner. As such, mechanisms must exist for the cell cycle to respond to stress signals such as those elicited by hypoxia or reduced oxygen availability. This review focuses on the role of transcriptional and post-transcriptional mechanisms initiated in hypoxia that interface with cell cycle control. In addition, we discuss how the cell cycle can alter the hypoxia response. Overall, the cellular response to hypoxia and the cell cycle are linked through a variety of mechanisms, allowing cells to respond to hypoxia in a manner that ensures survival and minimal errors throughout cell division.

The CRK2-CYC13 complex functions as an S-phase cyclin-dependent kinase to promote DNA replication in Trypanosoma brucei

BACKGROUND

Faithful DNA replication is essential to maintain genomic stability in all living organisms, and the regulatory pathway for DNA replication initiation is conserved from yeast to humans. The evolutionarily ancient human parasite Trypanosoma brucei, however, lacks many of the conserved DNA replication factors and may employ unusual mechanisms for DNA replication. Neither the S-phase cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) nor the regulatory pathway governing DNA replication has been previously identified in T. brucei.

RESULTS

Here we report that CRK2 (Cdc2-related kinase 2) complexes with CYC13 (Cyclin13) and functions as an S-phase CDK to promote DNA replication in T. brucei. We further show that CRK2 phosphorylates Mcm3, a subunit of the Mcm2-7 sub-complex of the Cdc45-Mcm2-7-GINS complex, and demonstrate that Mcm3 phosphorylation by CRK2 facilitates interaction with Sld5, a subunit of the GINS sub-complex of the Cdc45-Mcm2-7-GINS complex.

CONCLUSIONS

These results identify the CRK2-CYC13 complex as an S-phase regulator in T. brucei and reveal its role in regulating DNA replication through promoting the assembly of the Cdc45-Mcm2-7-GINS complex.

Dbf4-Dependent Kinase (DDK)-Mediated Proteolysis of CENP-A Prevents Mislocalization of CENP-A in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

The evolutionarily conserved centromeric histone H3 variant (Cse4 in budding yeast, CENP-A in humans) is essential for faithful chromosome segregation. Mislocalization of CENP-A to non-centromeric chromatin contributes to chromosomal instability (CIN) in yeast, fly, and human cells and CENP-A is highly expressed and mislocalized in cancers. Defining mechanisms that prevent mislocalization of CENP-A is an area of active investigation. Ubiquitin-mediated proteolysis of overexpressed Cse4 (GALCSE4) by E3 ubiquitin ligases such as Psh1 prevents mislocalization of Cse4, and psh1 Δ strains display synthetic dosage lethality (SDL) with GALCSE4 We previously performed a genome-wide screen and identified five alleles of CDC7 and DBF4 that encode the Dbf4-dependent kinase (DDK) complex, which regulates DNA replication initiation, among the top twelve hits that displayed SDL with GALCSE4 We determined that cdc7 -7 strains exhibit defects in ubiquitin-mediated proteolysis of Cse4 and show mislocalization of Cse4 Mutation of MCM5 (mcm5 -bob1) bypasses the requirement of Cdc7 for replication initiation and rescues replication defects in a cdc7 -7 strain. We determined that mcm5 -bob1 does not rescue the SDL and defects in proteolysis of GALCSE4 in a cdc7 -7 strain, suggesting a DNA replication-independent role for Cdc7 in Cse4 proteolysis. The SDL phenotype, defects in ubiquitin-mediated proteolysis, and the mislocalization pattern of Cse4 in a cdc7 -7 psh1 Δ strain were similar to that of cdc7 -7 and psh1 Δ strains, suggesting that Cdc7 regulates Cse4 in a pathway that overlaps with Psh1 Our results define a DNA replication initiation-independent role of DDK as a regulator of Psh1-mediated proteolysis of Cse4 to prevent mislocalization of Cse4.

Timed inhibition of CDC7 increases CRISPR-Cas9 mediated templated repair

Repair of double strand DNA breaks (DSBs) can result in gene disruption or gene modification via homology directed repair (HDR) from donor DNA. Altering cellular responses to DSBs may rebalance editing outcomes towards HDR and away from other repair outcomes. Here, we utilize a pooled CRISPR screen to define host cell involvement in HDR between a Cas9 DSB and a plasmid double stranded donor DNA (dsDonor). We find that the Fanconi Anemia (FA) pathway is required for dsDonor HDR and that other genes act to repress HDR. Small molecule inhibition of one of these repressors, CDC7, by XL413 and other inhibitors increases the efficiency of HDR by up to 3.5 fold in many contexts, including primary T cells. XL413 stimulates HDR during a reversible slowing of S-phase that is unexplored for Cas9-induced HDR. We anticipate that XL413 and other such rationally developed inhibitors will be useful tools for gene modification.

Myc and the Replicative CMG Helicase: The Creation and Destruction of Cancer: Myc Over-Activation of CMG Helicases Drives Tumorigenesis and Creates a Vulnerability in CMGs for Therapeutic Intervention

Myc-driven tumorigenesis involves a non-transcriptional role for Myc in over-activating replicative Cdc45-MCM-GINS (CMG) helicases. Excessive stimulation of CMG helicases by Myc mismanages CMG function by diminishing the number of reserve CMGs necessary for fidelity of DNA replication and recovery from replicative stresses. One potential outcome of these events is the creation of DNA damage that alters genomic structure/function, thereby acting as a driver for tumorigenesis and tumor heterogeneity. Intriguingly, another potential outcome of this Myc-induced CMG helicase over-activation is the creation of a vulnerability in cancer whereby tumor cells specifically lack enough unused reserve CMG helicases to recover from fork-stalling drugs commonly used in chemotherapy. This review provides molecular and clinical support for this provocative hypothesis that excessive activation of CMG helicases by Myc may not only drive tumorigenesis, but also confer an exploitable "reserve CMG helicase vulnerability" that supports developing innovative CMG-focused therapeutic approaches for cancer management.

Cdc7 kinase stimulates Aurora B kinase in M-phase

The conserved serine-threonine kinase, Cdc7, plays a crucial role in initiation of DNA replication by facilitating the assembly of an initiation complex. Cdc7 is expressed at a high level and exhibits significant kinase activity not only during S-phase but also during G2/M-phases. A conserved mitotic kinase, Aurora B, is activated during M-phase by association with INCENP, forming the chromosome passenger complex with Borealin and Survivin. We show that Cdc7 phosphorylates and stimulates Aurora B kinase activity in vitro. We identified threonine-236 as a critical phosphorylation site on Aurora B that could be a target of Cdc7 or could be an autophosphorylation site stimulated by Cdc7-mediated phosphorylation elsewhere. We found that threonines at both 232 (that has been identified as an autophosphorylation site) and 236 are essential for the kinase activity of Aurora B. Cdc7 down regulation or inhibition reduced Aurora B activity in vivo and led to retarded M-phase progression. SAC imposed by paclitaxel was dramatically reversed by Cdc7 inhibition, similar to the effect of Aurora B inhibition under the similar situation. Our data show that Cdc7 contributes to M-phase progression and to spindle assembly checkpoint most likely through Aurora B activation.

A Dual Inhibitor of Cdc7/Cdk9 Potently Suppresses T Cell Activation

T cell activation is mediated by signaling pathways originating from the T cell receptor (TCR). Propagation of signals downstream of the TCR involves a cascade of numerous kinases, some of which have yet to be identified. Through a screening strategy that we have previously introduced, PHA-767491, an inhibitor of the kinases Cdc7 and Cdk9, was identified to impede TCR signaling. PHA-767491 suppressed several T cell activation phenomena, including the expression of activation markers, proliferation, and effector functions. We also observed a defect in TCR signaling pathways upon PHA-767491 treatment. Inhibition of Cdc7/Cdk9 impairs T cell responses, which could potentially be detrimental for the immune response to tumors, and also compromises the ability to resist infections. The Cdc7/Cdk9 inhibitor is a strong candidate as a cancer therapeutic, but its effect on the immune system poses a problem for clinical applications.

DNA Replication Through Strand Displacement During Lagging Strand DNA Synthesis in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

This review discusses a set of experimental results that support the existence of extended strand displacement events during budding yeast lagging strand DNA synthesis. Starting from introducing the mechanisms and factors involved in leading and lagging strand DNA synthesis and some aspects of the architecture of the eukaryotic replisome, we discuss studies on bacterial, bacteriophage and viral DNA polymerases with potent strand displacement activities. We describe proposed pathways of Okazaki fragment processing via short and long flaps, with a focus on experimental results obtained in Saccharomyces cerevisiae that suggest the existence of frequent and extended strand displacement events during eukaryotic lagging strand DNA synthesis, and comment on their implications for genome integrity.

Modulation of Gene Silencing by Cdc7p via H4 K16 Acetylation and Phosphorylation of Chromatin Assembly Factor CAF-1 in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

CAF-1 is an evolutionarily conserved H3/H4 histone chaperone that plays a key role in replication-coupled chromatin assembly and is targeted to the replication fork via interactions with PCNA, which, if disrupted, leads to epigenetic defects. In Saccharomyces cerevisiae, when the silent mating-type locus HMR contains point mutations within the E silencer, Sir protein association and silencing is lost. However, mutation of CDC7, encoding an S-phase-specific kinase, or subunits of the H4 K16-specific acetyltransferase complex SAS-I, restore silencing to this crippled HMR, HMR a e** Here, we observed that loss of Cac1p, the largest subunit of CAF-1, also restores silencing at HMR a e**, and silencing in both cac1Δ and cdc7 mutants is suppressed by overexpression of SAS2 We demonstrate Cdc7p and Cac1p interact in vivo in S phase, but not in G1, consistent with observed cell cycle-dependent phosphorylation of Cac1p, and hypoacetylation of chromatin at H4 K16 in both cdc7 and cac1Δ mutants. Moreover, silencing at HMR a e** is restored in cells expressing cac1p mutants lacking Cdc7p phosphorylation sites. We also discovered that cac1Δ and cdc7-90 synthetically interact negatively in the presence of DNA damage, but that Cdc7p phosphorylation sites on Cac1p are not required for responses to DNA damage. Combined, our results support a model in which Cdc7p regulates replication-coupled histone modification via a CAC1-dependent mechanism involving H4 K16ac deposition, and thereby silencing, while CAF-1-dependent replication- and repair-coupled chromatin assembly per se are functional in the absence of phosphorylation of Cdc7p consensus sites on CAF-1.

On the Interplay of the DNA Replication Program and the Intra-S Phase Checkpoint Pathway

DNA replication in eukaryotes is achieved by the activation of multiple replication origins which needs to be precisely coordinated in space and time. This spatio-temporal replication program is regulated by many factors to maintain genome stability, which is frequently threatened through stresses of exogenous or endogenous origin. Intra-S phase checkpoints monitor the integrity of DNA synthesis and are activated when replication forks are stalled. Their activation leads to the stabilization of forks, to the delay of the replication program by the inhibition of late firing origins, and the delay of G2/M phase entry. In some cell cycles during early development these mechanisms are less efficient in order to allow rapid cell divisions. In this article, we will review our current knowledge of how the intra-S phase checkpoint regulates the replication program in budding yeast and metazoan models, including early embryos with rapid S phases. We sum up current models on how the checkpoint can inhibit origin firing in some genomic regions, but allow dormant origin activation in other regions. Finally, we discuss how numerical and theoretical models can be used to connect the multiple different actors into a global process and to extract general rules.

The Drosophila Dbf4 ortholog Chiffon forms a complex with Gcn5 that is necessary for histone acetylation and viability

Metazoans contain two homologs of the Gcn5-binding protein Ada2, Ada2a and Ada2b, which nucleate formation of the ATAC and SAGA complexes, respectively. In Drosophila melanogaster, there are two splice isoforms of Ada2b: Ada2b-PA and Ada2b-PB. Here, we show that only the Ada2b-PB isoform is in SAGA; in contrast, Ada2b-PA associates with Gcn5, Ada3, Sgf29 and Chiffon, forming the Chiffon histone acetyltransferase (CHAT) complex. Chiffon is the Drosophila ortholog of Dbf4, which binds and activates the cell cycle kinase Cdc7 to initiate DNA replication. In flies, Chiffon and Cdc7 are required in ovary follicle cells for gene amplification, a specialized form of DNA re-replication. Although chiffon was previously reported to be dispensable for viability, here, we find that Chiffon is required for both histone acetylation and viability in flies. Surprisingly, we show that chiffon is a dicistronic gene that encodes distinct Cdc7- and CHAT-binding polypeptides. Although the Cdc7-binding domain of Chiffon is not required for viability in flies, the CHAT-binding domain is essential for viability, but is not required for gene amplification, arguing against a role in DNA replication.

Structure of the MCM2-7 Double Hexamer and Its Implications for the Mechanistic Functions of the Mcm2-7 Complex

The eukaryotic minichromosome maintenance 2-7 complex is the core of the inactive MCM replication licensing complex and the catalytic core of the Cdc45-MCM-GINS replicative helicase. The years of effort to determine the structure of parts or the whole of the heterohexameric complex by X-ray crystallography and conventional cryo-EM produced limited success. Modern cryo-EM technology ushered in a new era of structural biology that allowed the determination of the structure of the inactive double hexamer at an unprecedented resolution of 3.8 Å. This review will focus on the fine details observed in the Mcm2-7 double hexameric complex and their implications for the function of the Mcm2-7 hexamer in its different roles during DNA replication.

CDC7-dependent transcriptional regulation of RAD54L is essential for tumorigenicity and radio-resistance of glioblastoma

Accumulating evidence indicates that cell division cycle 7-related protein kinase(CDC7) plays an essential role in tumor cells and it could induces cell proliferation and could be related to prognosis in multiple types of cancer. However, the biological role and molecular mechanism of CDC7 in GBM still remains unclear. In this study, we identified that CDC7 expression was enriched in glioblastoma (GBM) tumors and was functionally required for tumor proliferation and its expression was associated to poor prognosis in GBM patients. Mechanically, CDC7 induced radio resistance in GBM cells and CDC7 knock down increased cell apoptosis when combined with radiotherapy. Moreover, CDC7 regulated The DNA repair/recombination protein 54L (RAD54L) expression via regulation of RAD54L promoter activity. Therapeutically, we found that CDC7 inhibitor attenuated tumor growth both in vitro and in vivo. Collectively, CDC7 promotes proliferation, induces radio resistance in GBM, and could become a potential therapeutic target for GBM.

Suppression of targeting of Dbf4-dependent kinase to pre-replicative complex in G0 nuclei

Intact G0 nuclei isolated from quiescent cells are not capable of DNA replication in interphase Xenopus egg extracts, which allow efficient replication of permeabilized G0 nuclei. Previous studies have shown multiple control mechanisms for maintaining the quiescent state, but DNA replication inhibition of intact G0 nuclei in the extracts remains poorly understood. Here, we showed that pre-RC is assembled on chromatin, but its activation is inhibited after incubating G0 nuclei isolated from quiescent NIH3T3 cells in the extracts. Concomitant with the inhibition of replication, Mcm4 phosphorylation mediated by Dbf4-dependent kinase (DDK) as well as chromatin binding of DDK is suppressed in G0 nuclei without affecting the nuclear transport of DDK. We further found that the nuclear extracts of G0 but not proliferating cells inhibit the binding of recombinant DDK to pre-RC assembled plasmids. In addition, we observed rapid activation of checkpoint kinases after incubating G0 nuclei in the egg extracts. However, specific inhibitors of ATR/ATM are unable to promote DNA replication in G0 nuclei in the egg extracts. We suggest that a novel inhibitory mechanism is functional to prevent the targeting of DDK to pre-RC in G0 nuclei, thereby suppressing DNA replication in Xenopus egg extracts.

Cdc7-Dbf4-mediated phosphorylation of HSP90-S164 stabilizes HSP90-HCLK2-MRN complex to enhance ATR/ATM signaling that overcomes replication stress in cancer

Cdc7-Dbf4 kinase plays a key role in the initiation of DNA replication and contributes to the replication stress in cancer. The activity of human Cdc7-Dbf4 kinase remains active and acts as an effector of checkpoint under replication stress. However, the downstream targets of Cdc7-Dbf4 contributed to checkpoint regulation and replication stress-support function in cancer are not fully identified. In this work, we showed that aberrant Cdc7-Dbf4 induces DNA lesions that activate ATM/ATR-mediated checkpoint and homologous recombination (HR) DNA repair. Using a phosphoproteome approach, we identified HSP90-S164 as a target of Cdc7-Dbf4 in vitro and in vivo. The phosphorylation of HSP90-S164 by Cdc7-Dbf4 is required for the stability of HSP90-HCLK2-MRN complex and the function of ATM/ATR signaling cascade and HR DNA repair. In clinically, the phosphorylation of HSP90-S164 indeed is increased in oral cancer patients. Our results indicate that aberrant Cdc7-Dbf4 enhances replication stress tolerance by rewiring ATR/ATM mediated HR repair through HSP90-S164 phosphorylation and by promoting recovery from replication stress. We provide a new solution to a subtyping of cancer patients with dominant ATR/HSP90 expression by combining inhibitors of ATR-Chk1, HSP90, or Cdc7 in cancer combination therapy.

Cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 3 (CDKN3) plays a critical role in prostate cancer via regulating cell cycle and DNA replication signaling

Cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 3 (CDKN3) is proved to be associated with the progressing of many cancers. Whereas, its biological effects on prostate cancer (PC) are less understood. To investigate the functional mechanism of CDKN3 in PC, we examined the expression of CDKN3 in PC tissues and analyzed the disease free survival time of patients. We then transfected LNCaP and PC3 cells with siRNA-CDKN3 to silence CDKN3, and transfected 22RV1 and VCaP cells with full length CDKN3 cDNA for CDKN3 over-expression. Cell growth of these transfected cells were analyzed using CCK-8 assay. And transfected LNCaP and PC3 cells were further submitted to cell cycle, apoptosis, invasion and endogenous protein expression assays. We found that CDKN3 was highly expressed in PC and negatively correlated with disease relapse. And CDKN3 positively control the cell proliferation in prostate carcinoma cell lines. Knockdown of CDKN3 significantly promoted G1 phase arrest, elevated apoptosis rates, and suppressed cell invasion in both LNCaP and PC3 cells. Moreover, in vivo data showed that knockdown of CDKN3 expression dramatically inhibited the PC3 tumor growth in nude mouse model. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) showed that cell cycle and DNA replication signaling were related with elevated CDKN3 expression. And results of western blot showed that the depletion of CDKN3 down-regulated the expression levels of cell cycle- and DNA replication-related proteins. In conclusion, our results highlight the importance of CDKN3 in PC and provide new insights into diagnostics and therapeutics of the PC.

Identification of genes involved in the four stages of colorectal cancer: Gene expression profiling

BACKGROUND

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a common cancer with high morbidity and mortality. However, its molecular mechanism is not clear, nor the genes related to CRC stages.

METHODS

Gene expression data in CRC and healthy colorectal tissues were obtained from gene expression omnibus. Limma package was used to identify the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between control and CRC (stage I, II, III, and IV), obtaining 4 DEG sets. VennPlex was utilized to find all DEGs and intersection DEGs. Functional interactions between all DEGs and protein-protein interactions (PPIs) between intersection DEGs were analyzed using ReactomeFIViz and STRING, respectively, and networks were visualized. Known CRC-related genes were down-loaded from Comparative Toxicogenomics Database and mapped to PPI network.

RESULTS

Totally, 851, 760, 729, and 878 DEGs were found between control and CRC stage I, II, III, and IV, respectively. Taken together, 1235 DEGs were found, as well as 128 up-regulated intersection DEGs, 365 down-regulated intersection DEGs, and 0 contra-regulated DEG. A functional interaction network of all DEGs and a PPI network of intersection DEGs were constructed, in which CDC20, PTTG1, and MAD2L1 interacted with BUB1B; UGT2B17 interacted with ADH1B; MCM7 interacted with MCM2. BUB1B, ADH1B, and MCM2 were known CRC-related genes. Gradually upregulated expressions of CDC20, PTTG1, MAD2L1, UGT2B17, and MCM7 in stage I, II, III, and IV CRC were confirmed by using quantitative PCR. Besides, up-regulated intersection DEGs enriched in pathways about Cell cycle, DNA replication, and p53 signaling.

CONCLUSION

CDC20, PTTG1, MAD2L1, UGT2B17, and MCM7 might be CRC stage-related genes.

Localization of Cdc7 Protein Kinase During DNA Replication in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

DDK, a conserved serine-threonine protein kinase composed of a regulatory subunit, Dbf4, and a catalytic subunit, Cdc7, is essential for DNA replication initiation during S phase of the cell cycle through MCM2-7 helicase phosphorylation. The biological significance of DDK is well characterized, but the full mechanism of how DDK associates with substrates remains unclear. Cdc7 is bound to chromatin in the Saccharomyces cerevisiae genome throughout the cell cycle, but there is little empirical evidence as to specific Cdc7 binding locations. Using biochemical and genetic techniques, this study investigated the specific localization of Cdc7 on chromatin. The Calling Cards method, using Ty5 retrotransposons as a marker for DNA–protein binding, suggests Cdc7 kinase is preferentially bound to genomic DNA known to replicate early in S phase, including centromeres and origins of replication. We also discovered Cdc7 binding throughout the genome, which may be necessary to initiate other cellular processes, including meiotic recombination and translesion synthesis. A kinase dead Cdc7 point mutation increases the Ty5 retrotransposon integration efficiency and a 55-amino acid C-terminal truncation of Cdc7, unable to bind Dbf4, reduces Cdc7 binding suggesting a requirement for Dbf4 to stabilize Cdc7 on chromatin during S phase. Chromatin immunoprecipitation demonstrates that Cdc7 binding near specific origins changes during S phase. Our results suggest a model where Cdc7 is loosely bound to chromatin during G₁. At the G₁/S transition, Cdc7 binding to chromatin is increased and stabilized, preferentially at sites that may become origins, in order to carry out a variety of cellular processes.

Cryo-EM structure of Mcm2-7 double hexamer on DNA suggests a lagging-strand DNA extrusion model

During replication initiation, the core component of the helicase-the Mcm2-7 hexamer-is loaded on origin DNA as a double hexamer (DH). The two ring-shaped hexamers are staggered, leading to a kinked axial channel. How the origin DNA interacts with the axial channel is not understood, but the interaction could provide key insights into Mcm2-7 function and regulation. Here, we report the cryo-EM structure of the Mcm2-7 DH on dsDNA and show that the DNA is zigzagged inside the central channel. Several of the Mcm subunit DNA-binding loops, such as the oligosaccharide-oligonucleotide loops, helix 2 insertion loops, and presensor 1 (PS1) loops, are well defined, and many of them interact extensively with the DNA. The PS1 loops of Mcm 3, 4, 6, and 7, but not 2 and 5, engage the lagging strand with an approximate step size of one base per subunit. Staggered coupling of the two opposing hexamers positions the DNA right in front of the two Mcm2-Mcm5 gates, with each strand being pressed against one gate. The architecture suggests that lagging-strand extrusion initiates in the middle of the DH that is composed of the zinc finger domains of both hexamers. To convert the Mcm2-7 DH structure into the Mcm2-7 hexamer structure found in the active helicase, the N-tier ring of the Mcm2-7 hexamer in the DH-dsDNA needs to tilt and shift laterally. We suggest that these N-tier ring movements cause the DNA strand separation and lagging-strand extrusion.

An intact Mcm10 coiled-coil interaction surface is important for origin melting, helicase assembly and the recruitment of Pol-α to Mcm2-7

Mcm10 is an essential eukaryotic factor required for DNA replication. The replication fork helicase is composed of Cdc45, Mcm2–7 and GINS (CMG). DDK is an S-phase-specific kinase required for replication initiation, and the DNA primase-polymerase in eukaryotes is pol α. Mcm10 forms oligomers in vitro, mediated by the coiled-coil domain at the N-terminal region of the protein. We characterized an Mcm10 mutant at the N-terminal Domain (NTD), Mcm10-4A, defective for self-interaction. We found that the Mcm10-4A mutant was defective for stimulating DDK phosphorylation of Mcm2, binding to eighty-nucleotide ssDNA, and recruiting pol α to Mcm2–7 in vitro. Expression of wild-type levels of mcm10-4A resulted in severe growth and DNA replication defects in budding yeast cells, with diminished DDK phosphorylation of Mcm2. We then expressed the mcm10-4A in mcm5-bob1 mutant cells to bypass the defects mediated by diminished stimulation of DDK phosphorylation of Mcm2. Expression of wild-type levels of mcm10-4A in mcm5-bob1 mutant cells resulted in severe growth and DNA replication defects, along with diminished RPA signal at replication origins. We also detected diminished GINS and pol-α recruitment to the Mcm2–7 complex. We conclude that an intact Mcm10 coiled-coil interaction surface is important for origin melting, helicase assembly, and the recruitment of pol α to Mcm2–7.

Non-essential MCM-related proteins mediate a response to DNA damage in the archaeon Methanococcus maripaludis

The single minichromosome maintenance (MCM) protein found in most archaea has been widely studied as a simplified model for the MCM complex that forms the catalytic core of the eukaryotic replicative helicase. Organisms of the order Methanococcales are unusual in possessing multiple MCM homologues. The Methanococcus maripaludis S2 genome encodes four MCM homologues, McmA-McmD. DNA helicase assays reveal that the unwinding activity of the three MCM-like proteins is highly variable despite sequence similarities and suggests additional motifs that influence MCM function are yet to be identified. While the gene encoding McmA could not be deleted, strains harbouring individual deletions of genes encoding each of the other MCMs display phenotypes consistent with these proteins modulating DNA damage responses. M. maripaludis S2 is the first archaeon in which MCM proteins have been shown to influence the DNA damage response.

Reversal of DDK-Mediated MCM Phosphorylation by Rif1-PP1 Regulates Replication Initiation and Replisome Stability Independently of ATR/Chk1

Dbf4-dependent kinases (DDKs) are required for the initiation of DNA replication, their essential targets being the MCM2-7 proteins. We show that, in Xenopus laevis egg extracts and human cells, hyper-phosphorylation of DNA-bound Mcm4, but not phosphorylation of Mcm2, correlates with DNA replication. These phosphorylations are differentially affected by the DDK inhibitors PHA-767491 and XL413. We show that DDK-dependent MCM phosphorylation is reversed by protein phosphatase 1 (PP1) targeted to chromatin by Rif1. Loss of Rif1 increased MCM phosphorylation and the rate of replication initiation and also compromised the ability of cells to block initiation when challenged with replication inhibitors. We also provide evidence that Rif1 can mediate MCM dephosphorylation at replication forks and that the stability of dephosphorylated replisomes strongly depends on Chk1 activity. We propose that both replication initiation and replisome stability depend on MCM phosphorylation, which is maintained by a balance of DDK-dependent phosphorylation and Rif1-mediated dephosphorylation.

Mechanisms for initiating cellular DNA replication

Cellular DNA replication factories depend on ring-shaped hexameric helicases to aid DNA synthesis by processively unzipping the parental DNA helix. Replicative helicases are loaded onto DNA by dedicated initiator, loader, and accessory proteins during the initiation of DNA replication in a tightly regulated, multistep process. We discuss here the molecular choreography of DNA replication initiation across the three domains of life, highlighting similarities and differences in the strategies used to deposit replicative helicases onto DNA and to melt the DNA helix in preparation for replisome assembly. Although initiators and loaders are phylogenetically related, the mechanisms they use for accomplishing similar tasks have diverged considerably and in an unpredictable manner.

Mechanisms and regulation of DNA replication initiation in eukaryotes

Cellular DNA replication is initiated through the action of multiprotein complexes that recognize replication start sites in the chromosome (termed origins) and facilitate duplex DNA melting within these regions. In a typical cell cycle, initiation occurs only once per origin and each round of replication is tightly coupled to cell division. To avoid aberrant origin firing and re-replication, eukaryotes tightly regulate two events in the initiation process: loading of the replicative helicase, MCM2-7, onto chromatin by the origin recognition complex (ORC), and subsequent activation of the helicase by its incorporation into a complex known as the CMG. Recent work has begun to reveal the details of an orchestrated and sequential exchange of initiation factors on DNA that give rise to a replication-competent complex, the replisome. Here, we review the molecular mechanisms that underpin eukaryotic DNA replication initiation - from selecting replication start sites to replicative helicase loading and activation - and describe how these events are often distinctly regulated across different eukaryotic model organisms.

Mechanisms Governing DDK Regulation of the Initiation of DNA Replication

The budding yeast Dbf4-dependent kinase (DDK) complex—comprised of cell division cycle (Cdc7) kinase and its regulatory subunit dumbbell former 4 (Dbf4)—is required to trigger the initiation of DNA replication through the phosphorylation of multiple minichromosome maintenance complex subunits 2-7 (Mcm2-7). DDK is also a target of the radiation sensitive 53 (Rad53) checkpoint kinase in response to replication stress. Numerous investigations have determined mechanistic details, including the regions of Mcm2, Mcm4, and Mcm6 phosphorylated by DDK, and a number of DDK docking sites. Similarly, the way in which the Rad53 forkhead-associated 1 (FHA1) domain binds to DDK—involving both canonical and non-canonical interactions—has been elucidated. Recent work has revealed mutual promotion of DDK and synthetic lethal with dpb11-1 3 (Sld3) roles. While DDK phosphorylation of Mcm2-7 subunits facilitates their interaction with Sld3 at origins, Sld3 in turn stimulates DDK phosphorylation of Mcm2. Details of a mutually antagonistic relationship between DDK and Rap1-interacting factor 1 (Rif1) have also recently come to light. While Rif1 is able to reverse DDK-mediated Mcm2-7 complex phosphorylation by targeting the protein phosphatase glycogen 7 (Glc7) to origins, there is evidence to suggest that DDK can counteract this activity by binding to and phosphorylating Rif1.

Cell division cycle 7-kinase inhibitor PHA-767491 hydrochloride suppresses glioblastoma growth and invasiveness

Background

Genomic instability is a hallmark of cancer cells, and this cellular phenomenon can emerge as a result of replicative stress. It is possible to take advantage of replicative stress, and enhance it in a targeted way to fight cancer cells. One of such strategies involves targeting the cell division cycle 7-related protein kinase (CDC7), a protein with key roles in regulation of initiation of DNA replication. CDC7 overexpression is present in different cancers, and small molecule inhibitors of the CDC7 have well-documented anti-tumor effects. Here, we aimed to test the potential of CDC7 inhibition as a new strategy for glioblastoma treatment.

Methods

PHA-767491 hydrochloride was used as the CDC7 inhibitor. Two glioblastoma cell lines (U87-MG and U251-MG) and a control cell line (3T3) were used to characterize the effects of CDC7 inhibition. The effect of CDC7 inhibition on cell viability, cell proliferation, apoptosis, migration, and invasion were analyzed. In addition, real-time PCR arrays were used to identify the differentially expressed genes in response to CDC7 inhibition.

Results

Our results showed that CDC7 inhibition reduces glioblastoma cell viability, suppresses cell proliferation, and triggers apoptosis in glioblastoma cell lines. In addition, we determined that CDC7 inhibition also suppresses glioblastoma cell migration and invasion. To identify molecular targets of CDC7 inhibition, we used real-time PCR arrays, which showed dysregulation of several mRNAs and miRNAs.

Conclusions

Taken together, our findings suggest that CDC7 inhibition is a promising strategy for treatment of glioblastoma.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12935-016-0364-8) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

A Transcriptome-based Perspective of Cell Cycle Regulation in Dinoflagellates

Dinoflagellates are a group of unicellular and generally marine protists, of interest to many because of their ability to form the large algal blooms commonly called "red tides". The large algal concentrations in these blooms require sustained cell replication, yet to date little is known about cell cycle regulation in these organisms. To address this issue, we have screened the transcriptomes of two dinoflagellates, Lingulodinium polyedrum and Symbiodinium sp., with budding yeast cell cycle pathway components. We find most yeast cell cycle regulators have homologs in these dinoflagellates, suggesting that the yeast model is appropriate for understanding regulation of the dinoflagellate cell cycle. The dinoflagellates are lacking several components essential in yeast, but a comparison with a broader phylogenetic range of protists reveals these components are usually also missing in other organisms. Lastly, phylogenetic analyses show that the dinoflagellates contain at least three cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) homologs (belonging to the CDK1, CDK5 and CDK8 families), and that the dinoflagellate cyclins belong exclusively to the A/B type. This suggests that dinoflagellate CDKs likely play a limited role outside regulation of the cell cycle.

An Mcm10 Mutant Defective in ssDNA Binding Shows Defects in DNA Replication Initiation

Mcm10 is an essential protein that functions to initiate DNA replication after the formation of the replication fork helicase. In this manuscript, we identified a budding yeast Mcm10 mutant (Mcm10-m2,3,4) that is defective in DNA binding in vitro. Moreover, this Mcm10-m2,3,4 mutant does not stimulate the phosphorylation of Mcm2 by Dbf4-dependent kinase (DDK) in vitro. When we expressed wild-type levels of mcm10-m2,3,4 in budding yeast cells, we observed a severe growth defect and a substantially decreased DNA replication. We also observed a substantially reduced replication protein A- chromatin immunoprecipitation signal at origins of replication, reduced levels of DDK-phosphorylated Mcm2, and diminished Go, Ichi, Ni, and San (GINS) association with Mcm2-7 in vivo. mcm5-bob1 bypasses the growth defect conferred by DDK-phosphodead Mcm2 in budding yeast. However, the growth defect observed by expressing mcm10-m2,3,4 is not bypassed by the mcm5-bob1 mutation. Furthermore, origin melting and GINS association with Mcm2-7 are substantially decreased for cells expressing mcm10-m2,3,4 in the mcm5-bob1 background. Thus, the origin melting and GINS-Mcm2-7 interaction defects we observed for mcm10-m2,3,4 are not explained by decreased Mcm2 phosphorylation by DDK, since the defects persist in an mcm5-bob1 background. These data suggest that DNA binding by Mcm10 is essential for the initiation of DNA replication.

Insights into the Initiation of Eukaryotic DNA Replication

The initiation of DNA replication is a highly regulated event in eukaryotic cells to ensure that the entire genome is copied once and only once during S phase. The primary target of cellular regulation of eukaryotic DNA replication initiation is the assembly and activation of the replication fork helicase, the 11-subunit assembly that unwinds DNA at a replication fork. The replication fork helicase, called CMG for Cdc45-Mcm2-7, and GINS, assembles in S phase from the constituent Cdc45, Mcm2-7, and GINS proteins. The assembly and activation of the CMG replication fork helicase during S phase is governed by 2 S-phase specific kinases, CDK and DDK. CDK stimulates the interaction between Sld2, Sld3, and Dpb11, 3 initiation factors that are each required for the initiation of DNA replication. DDK, on the other hand, phosphorylates the Mcm2, Mcm4, and Mcm6 subunits of the Mcm2-7 complex. Sld3 recruits Cdc45 to Mcm2-7 in a manner that depends on DDK, and recent work suggests that Sld3 binds directly to Mcm2-7 and also to single-stranded DNA. Furthermore, recent work demonstrates that Sld3 and its human homolog Treslin substantially stimulate DDK phosphorylation of Mcm2. These data suggest that the initiation factor Sld3/Treslin coordinates the assembly and activation of the eukaryotic replication fork helicase by recruiting Cdc45 to Mcm2-7, stimulating DDK phosphorylation of Mcm2, and binding directly to single-stranded DNA as the origin is melted.

Mcm10 coordinates the timely assembly and activation of the replication fork helicase

Mcm10 is an essential replication factor that is required for DNA replication in eukaryotes. Two key steps in the initiation of DNA replication are the assembly and activation of Cdc45–Mcm2–7-GINS (CMG) replicative helicase. However, it is not known what coordinates helicase assembly with helicase activation. We show in this manuscript, using purified proteins from budding yeast, that Mcm10 directly interacts with the Mcm2–7 complex and Cdc45. In fact, Mcm10 recruits Cdc45 to Mcm2–7 complex in vitro. To study the role of Mcm10 in more detail in vivo we used an auxin inducible degron in which Mcm10 is degraded upon addition of auxin. We show in this manuscript that Mcm10 is required for the timely recruitment of Cdc45 and GINS recruitment to the Mcm2–7 complex in vivo during early S phase. We also found that Mcm10 stimulates Mcm2 phosphorylation by DDK in vivo and in vitro. These findings indicate that Mcm10 plays a critical role in coupling replicative helicase assembly with helicase activation. Mcm10 is first involved in the recruitment of Cdc45 to the Mcm2–7 complex. After Cdc45–Mcm2–7 complex assembly, Mcm10 promotes origin melting by stimulating DDK phosphorylation of Mcm2, which thereby leads to GINS attachment to Mcm2–7.

Mutations in Replicative Stress Response Pathways Are Associated with S Phase-specific Defects in Nucleotide Excision Repair

Nucleotide excision repair (NER) is a highly conserved pathway that removes helix-distorting DNA lesions induced by a plethora of mutagens, including UV light. Our laboratory previously demonstrated that human cells deficient in either ATM and Rad3-related (ATR) kinase or translesion DNA polymerase η (i.e. key proteins that promote the completion of DNA replication in response to UV-induced replicative stress) are characterized by profound inhibition of NER exclusively during S phase. Toward elucidating the mechanistic basis of this phenomenon, we developed a novel assay to quantify NER kinetics as a function of cell cycle in the model organism Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Using this assay, we demonstrate that in yeast, deficiency of the ATR homologue Mec1 or of any among several other proteins involved in the cellular response to replicative stress significantly abrogates NER uniquely during S phase. Moreover, initiation of DNA replication is required for manifestation of this defect, and S phase NER proficiency is correlated with the capacity of individual mutants to respond to replicative stress. Importantly, we demonstrate that partial depletion of Rfa1 recapitulates defective S phase-specific NER in wild type yeast; moreover, ectopic RPA1-3 overexpression rescues such deficiency in either ATR- or polymerase η-deficient human cells. Our results strongly suggest that reduction of NER capacity during periods of enhanced replicative stress, ostensibly caused by inordinate sequestration of RPA at stalled DNA replication forks, represents a conserved feature of the multifaceted eukaryotic DNA damage response.

Regulation of cell proliferation by hypoxia-inducible factors

Hypoxia is a physiological cue that impacts diverse physiological processes, including energy metabolism, autophagy, cell motility, angiogenesis, and erythropoiesis. One of the key cell-autonomous effects of hypoxia is as a modulator of cell proliferation. For most cell types, hypoxia induces decreased cell proliferation, since an increased number of cells, with a consequent increase in O2 demand, would only exacerbate hypoxic stress. However, certain cell populations maintain cell proliferation in the face of hypoxia. This is a common pathological hallmark of cancers, but can also serve a physiological function, as in the maintenance of stem cell populations that reside in a hypoxic niche. This review will discuss major molecular mechanisms by which hypoxia regulates cell proliferation in different cell populations, with a particular focus on the role of hypoxia-inducible factors.

The Replication Initiation Protein Sld3/Treslin Orchestrates the Assembly of the Replication Fork Helicase during S Phase

The initiation of DNA replication is a highly regulated process in eukaryotic cells, and central to the process of initiation is the assembly and activation of the replication fork helicase. The replication fork helicase is comprised of CMG (Cdc45, Mcm2-7, and GINS) in eukaryotic cells, and the mechanism underlying assembly of the CMG during S phase was studied in this article. We identified a point mutation of Sld3 that is specifically defective for Mcm3 and Mcm5 interaction (sld3-m10), and also identified a point mutation of Sld3 that is specifically defective for single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) interaction (sld3-m9). Expression of wild-type levels of sld3-m9 resulted in a severe DNA replication defect with no recruitment of GINS to Mcm2-7, whereas expression of wild-type levels of sld3-m10 resulted in a severe replication defect with no Cdc45 recruitment to Mcm2-7. We propose a model for Sld3-mediated control of replication initiation, wherein Sld3 manages the proper assembly of the CMG during S phase. We also find that the biochemical functions identified for Sld3 are conserved in human Treslin, suggesting that Treslin orchestrates assembly of the CMG in human cells.

Conserved mechanism for coordinating replication fork helicase assembly with phosphorylation of the helicase

Dbf4-dependent kinase (DDK) phosphorylates minichromosome maintenance 2 (Mcm2) during S phase in yeast, and Sld3 recruits cell division cycle 45 (Cdc45) to minichromosome maintenance 2-7 (Mcm2-7). We show here DDK-phosphoryled Mcm2 preferentially interacts with Cdc45 in vivo, and that Sld3 stimulates DDK phosphorylation of Mcm2 by 11-fold. We identified a mutation of the replication initiation factor Sld3, Sld3-m16, that is specifically defective in stimulating DDK phosphorylation of Mcm2. Wild-type expression levels of sld3-m16 result in severe growth and DNA replication defects. Cells expressing sld3-m16 exhibit no detectable Mcm2 phosphorylation in vivo, reduced replication protein A-ChIP signal at an origin, and diminished Go, Ichi, Ni, and San association with Mcm2-7. Treslin, the human homolog of Sld3, stimulates human DDK phosphorylation of human Mcm2 by 15-fold. DDK phosphorylation of human Mcm2 decreases the affinity of Mcm5 for Mcm2, suggesting a potential mechanism for helicase ring opening. These data suggest a conserved mechanism for replication initiation: Sld3/Treslin coordinates Cdc45 recruitment to Mcm2-7 with DDK phosphorylation of Mcm2 during S phase.

ATR-mediated phosphorylation of FANCI regulates dormant origin firing in response to replication stress

Excess dormant origins bound by the minichromosome maintenance (MCM) replicative helicase complex play a critical role in preventing replication stress, chromosome instability, and tumorigenesis. In response to DNA damage, replicating cells must coordinate DNA repair and dormant origin firing to ensure complete and timely replication of the genome; how cells regulate this process remains elusive. Herein, we identify a member of the Fanconi anemia (FA) DNA repair pathway, FANCI, as a key effector of dormant origin firing in response to replication stress. Cells lacking FANCI have reduced number of origins, increased inter-origin distances, and slowed proliferation rates. Intriguingly, ATR-mediated FANCI phosphorylation inhibits dormant origin firing while promoting replication fork restart/DNA repair. Using super-resolution microscopy, we show that FANCI co-localizes with MCM-bound chromatin in response to replication stress. These data reveal a unique role for FANCI as a modulator of dormant origin firing and link timely genome replication to DNA repair.