FANCJ DNA helicase is recruited to the replisome by AND-1 to ensure genome stability

FANCJ, a DNA helicase linked to Fanconi anemia and frequently mutated in cancers, counteracts replication stress by dismantling unconventional DNA secondary structures (such as G-quadruplexes) that occur at the DNA replication fork in certain sequence contexts. However, how FANCJ is recruited to the replisome is unknown. Here, we report that FANCJ directly binds to AND-1 (the vertebrate ortholog of budding yeast Ctf4), a homo-trimeric protein adaptor that connects the CDC45/MCM2-7/GINS replicative DNA helicase with DNA polymerase α and several other factors at DNA replication forks. The interaction between FANCJ and AND-1 requires the integrity of an evolutionarily conserved Ctf4-interacting protein (CIP) box located between the FANCJ helicase motifs IV and V. Disruption of the CIP box significantly reduces FANCJ association with the replisome, causing enhanced DNA damage, decreased replication fork recovery and fork asymmetry in cells unchallenged or treated with Pyridostatin, a G-quadruplex-binder, or Mitomycin C, a DNA inter-strand cross-linking agent. Cancer-relevant FANCJ CIP box variants display reduced AND-1-binding and enhanced DNA damage, a finding that suggests their potential role in cancer predisposition.

A critical threshold of MCM10 is required to maintain genome stability during differentiation of induced pluripotent stem cells into natural killer cells

Natural killer (NK) cell deficiency (NKD) is a rare disease in which NK cell function is reduced, leaving affected individuals susceptible to repeated viral infections and cancer. Recently, a patient with NKD was identified carrying compound heterozygous variants of MCM10 (minichromosome maintenance protein 10), an essential gene required for DNA replication, that caused a significant decrease in the amount of functional MCM10. NKD in this patient presented as loss of functionally mature late-stage NK cells. To understand how MCM10 deficiency affects NK cell development, we generated MCM10 heterozygous (MCM10+/-) induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) lines. Analyses of these cell lines demonstrated that MCM10 was haploinsufficient, similar to results in other human cell lines. Reduced levels of MCM10 in mutant iPSCs was associated with impaired clonogenic survival and increased genomic instability, including micronuclei formation and telomere erosion. The severity of these phenotypes correlated with the extent of MCM10 depletion. Significantly, MCM10+/- iPSCs displayed defects in NK cell differentiation, exhibiting reduced yields of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs). Although MCM10+/- HSCs were able to give rise to lymphoid progenitors, these did not generate mature NK cells. The lack of mature NK cells coincided with telomere erosion, suggesting that NKD caused by these MCM10 variants arose from the accumulation of genomic instability including degradation of chromosome ends.

Activation of Glycolysis by MCM10 Increases Stemness and Paclitaxel Resistance in Gastric Cancer Cells

BACKGROUND/AIMS

Chemotherapy is an essential avenue for curing malignancies; however, tumor cells acquire resistance to chemotherapeutic agents, eventually leading to chemotherapy failure. At present, paclitaxel (PTX) resistance seriously hinders the therapeutic efficacy of gastric cancer (GC). Investigating the molecular mechanism of PTX resistance in GC is critical. This study attempted to delineate the impact of MCM10 on GC resistance to PTX and its mechanism in GC.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The expression of minichromosome maintenance complex component 10 (MCM10) in GC tissues, its enrichment pathways, and its correlation with glycolysis marker genes and stemness index (mRNAsi) were analyzed in a bioinformatics effort. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction was used to assay the expression of MCM10 in cells. Cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) was used to analyze cell viability and calculate the 50% inhibitor concentration (IC50) value. Western blot was used to measure the expression of MCM10, Hexokinase 2 (HK2) and stemness-related factors in cells. Sphere-forming assay was performed to study cell sphere-forming ability. Seahorse XF 96 was utilized to measure cell extracellular acidification and oxygen consumption rates. The content of glycolysisrelated products was tested with corresponding kits.

RESULTS

MCM10 was significantly upregulated in GC and enriched in the glycolysis pathway, and it was positively correlated with both glycolysis-related genes and stemness index. High expression of MCM10 increased sphere-forming ability of drug-resistant cells and GC resistance to PTX. The stimulation of PTX resistance and drug-resistant cell stemness in GC by high MCM10 expression was mediated by the glycolysis pathway.

CONCLUSION

MCM10 was upregulated in GC and drove stemness and PTX resistance in GC cells by activating glycolysis. These findings generated new insights into the development of PTX resistance in GC, implicating that targeting MCM10 may be a novel approach to improve GC sensitivity to PTX chemotherapy.

Function and mechanism of MCM8 in the development and progression of colorectal cancer

Colorectal cancer (CRC) has become a global health problem which has almost highest morbidity and mortality in all types of cancers. This study aimed to uncover the biological functions and underlying mechanism of MCM8 in the development and progression of CRC. The expression level of MCM8 was found to be upregulated in CRC tissues and significantly associated with tumor grade and patients' survival. Knocking down MCM8 expression in CRC cells could restrain cell growth and cell motility while promoting cell apoptosis in vitro, as well as inhibit tumor growth in xenograft mice model. Based on the RNA screening performing on CRC cells with or without MCM8 knockdown and the following IPA analysis, CHSY1 was identified as a potential target of MCM8 in CRC, whose expression was also found to be higher in tumor tissues than in normal tissues. Moreover, it was demonstrated that MCM8 may regulate the expression of CHSY1 through affecting its NEDD4-mediated ubiquitination, both of which synergistically execute tumor promotion effects on CRC. In conclusion, the outcomes of our study showed the first evidence that MCM8 act as a tumor promotor in CRC, and may be a promising therapeutic target of CRC treatment.

Mcm8 and Mcm9 form a dimeric complex in Xenopus laevis egg extract that is not essential for DNA replication initiation

Hexameric complexes of the six related Mcm2-7 proteins form the core of the replicative helicase. Two other proteins, Mcm8 and Mcm9, with significant homology to Mcm2-7 were first shown to play distinct roles during DNA replication in Xenopus laevis egg extract. Recent work has revealed that Mcm8 and 9 form a complex that plays a role during homologous recombination in human, chicken and mouse cells. We have therefore re-examined the behavior of the Xenopus homologs of these proteins. We show that Mcm8 and Mcm9 form a dimeric complex in Xenopus egg extract. They both associate with chromatin at later stages of DNA replication, and this association is stimulated by DNA damage, suggesting that their function is analogous to the one described in higher eukaryotes. In contrast to previous reports, we do not find Mcm9 essential for loading of Mcm2-7 complex onto chromatin during origin licensing nor detect its interaction with Cdt1 origin licensing factor. Altogether, we conclude that the role Mcm8 and Mcm9 play in Xenopus egg extract is not different from recent findings in higher eukaryotes, consistent with an evolutionary conservation of their function.

Decreased MCM2-6 in Drosophila S2 cells does not generate significant DNA damage or cause a marked increase in sensitivity to replication interference

A reduction in the level of some MCM proteins in human cancer cells (MCM5 in U20S cells or MCM3 in Hela cells) causes a rapid increase in the level of DNA damage under normal conditions of cell proliferation and a loss of viability when the cells are subjected to replication interference. Here we show that Drosophila S2 cells do not appear to show the same degree of sensitivity to MCM2-6 reduction. Under normal cell growth conditions a reduction of >95% in the levels of MCM3, 5, and 6 causes no significant short term alteration in the parameters of DNA replication or increase in DNA damage. MCM depleted cells challenged with HU do show a decrease in the density of replication forks compared to cells with normal levels of MCM proteins, but this produces no consistent change in the levels of DNA damage observed. In contrast a comparable reduction of MCM7 levels has marked effects on viability, replication parameters and DNA damage in the absence of HU treatment.

Cloning, expression, purification, crystallization and preliminary X-ray diffraction analysis of the central zinc-binding domain of the human Mcm10 DNA-replication factor

The initiation of eukaryotic DNA replication requires the tightly controlled assembly of a set of replication factors. Mcm10 is a highly conserved nuclear protein that plays a key role in the initiation and elongation processes of DNA replication by providing a physical link between the Mcm2-7 complex and DNA polymerases. The central domain, which contains the CCCH zinc-binding motif, is most conserved within Mcm10 and binds to DNA and several proteins, including proliferative cell nuclear antigen. In this study, the central domain of human Mcm10 was crystallized using the hanging-drop vapour-diffusion method in the presence of PEG 3350. An X-ray diffraction data set was collected to a resolution of 2.6 A on a synchrotron beamline. The crystals formed belonged to space group R3, with unit-cell parameters a = b = 99.5, c = 133.0 A. According to Matthews coefficient calculations, the crystals were predicted to contain six MCM10 central domain molecules in the asymmetric unit.

Hexameric ring structure of human MCM10 DNA replication factor

The DNA replication factor minichromosome maintenance 10 (MCM10) is a conserved, abundant nuclear protein crucial for origin firing. During the transition from pre-replicative complexes to pre-initiation complexes, MCM10 recruitment to replication origins is required to provide a physical link between the MCM2-7 complex DNA helicase and DNA polymerases. Here, we report the molecular structure of human MCM10 as determined by electron microscopy and single-particle analysis. The MCM10 molecule is a ring-shaped hexamer with large central and smaller lateral channels and a system of inner chambers. This structure, together with biochemical data, suggests that this important protein uses its architecture to provide a docking module for assembly of the molecular machinery required for eukaryotic DNA replication.

Mcm10 and And-1/CTF4 recruit DNA polymerase alpha to chromatin for initiation of DNA replication

The MCM2-7 helicase complex is loaded on DNA replication origins during the G1 phase of the cell cycle to license the origins for replication in S phase. How the initiator primase-polymerase complex, DNA polymerase alpha (pol alpha), is brought to the origins is still unclear. We show that And-1/Ctf4 (Chromosome transmission fidelity 4) interacts with Mcm10, which associates with MCM2-7, and with the p180 subunit of DNA pol alpha. And-1 is essential for DNA synthesis and the stability of p180 in mammalian cells. In Xenopus egg extracts And-1 is loaded on the chromatin after Mcm10, concurrently with DNA pol alpha, and is required for efficient DNA synthesis. Mcm10 is required for chromatin loading of And-1 and an antibody that disrupts the Mcm10-And-1 interaction interferes with the loading of And-1 and of pol alpha, inhibiting DNA synthesis. And-1/Ctf4 is therefore a new replication initiation factor that brings together the MCM2-7 helicase and the DNA pol alpha-primase complex, analogous to the linker between helicase and primase or helicase and polymerase that is seen in the bacterial replication machinery. The discovery also adds to the connection between replication initiation and sister chromatid cohesion.

Human Mcm10 regulates the catalytic subunit of DNA polymerase-alpha and prevents DNA damage during replication

In Saccharomyces cerevisiae, minichromosome maintenance protein (Mcm) 10 interacts with DNA polymerase (pol)-alpha and functions as a nuclear chaperone for the catalytic subunit, which is rapidly degraded in the absence of Mcm10. We report here that the interaction between Mcm10 and pol-alpha is conserved in human cells. We used a small interfering RNA-based approach to deplete Mcm10 in HeLa cells, and we observed that the catalytic subunit of pol-alpha, p180, was degraded with similar kinetics as Mcm10, whereas the regulatory pol-alpha subunit, p68, remained unaffected. Simultaneous loss of Mcm10 and p180 inhibited S phase entry and led to an accumulation of already replicating cells in late S/G2 as a result of DNA damage, which triggered apoptosis in a subpopulation of cells. These phenotypes differed considerably from analogous studies in Drosophila embryo cells that did not exhibit a similar arrest. To further dissect the roles of Mcm10 and p180 in human cells, we depleted p180 alone and observed a significant delay in S phase entry and fork progression but little effect on cell viability. These results argue that cells can tolerate low levels of p180 as long as Mcm10 is present to "recycle" it. Thus, human Mcm10 regulates both replication initiation and elongation and maintains genome integrity.

An essential role for Orc6 in DNA replication through maintenance of pre-replicative complexes

The heterohexameric origin recognition complex (ORC) acts as a scaffold for the G(1) phase assembly of pre-replicative complexes (pre-RC). Only the Orc1-5 subunits appear to be required for origin binding in budding yeast, yet Orc6 is an essential protein for cell proliferation. Imaging of Orc6-YFP in live cells revealed a punctate pattern consistent with the organization of replication origins into subnuclear foci. Orc6 was not detected at the site of division between mother and daughter cells, in contrast to observations for metazoans, and is not required for mitosis or cytokinesis. An essential role for Orc6 in DNA replication was identified by depleting it at specific cell cycle stages. Interestingly, Orc6 was required for entry into S phase after pre-RC formation, in contrast to previous models suggesting ORC is dispensable at this point in the cell cycle. When Orc6 was depleted in late G(1), Mcm2 and Mcm10 were displaced from chromatin, cells failed to progress through S phase, and DNA combing analysis following bromodeoxyuridine incorporation revealed that the efficiency of replication origin firing was severely compromised.

Dual roles for Mcm10 in DNA replication initiation and silencing at the mating-type loci

Recent studies linking DNA replication proteins to transcriptional silencing suggest that some of the same mechanisms that facilitate the initiation of replication at origins might be involved in establishing repressed chromatin at silencer elements. Our ongoing studies of several mutants of the replication initiation factor Mcm10 of budding yeast revealed an associated defect in the production of mating type pheromones. This observation prompted us to look more directly at the effect of MCM10 mutations on the expression of a reporter gene in the mating type locus and to assay for physical interactions between Mcm10 and known silencing factors. Our findings, that Mcm10 mutants disrupt mating loci silencing and that Mcm10 interacts with Sir2 and Sir3, suggest that Mcm10 also plays an essential, and separable role in transcriptional silencing.

The Chk1-mediated S-phase checkpoint targets initiation factor Cdc45 via a Cdc25A/Cdk2-independent mechanism

DNA damage induced by the carcinogen benzo[a]pyrene dihydrodiol epoxide (BPDE) induces a Chk1-dependent S-phase checkpoint. Here, we have investigated the molecular basis of BPDE-induced S-phase arrest. Chk1-dependent inhibition of DNA synthesis in BPDE-treated cells occurred without detectable changes in Cdc25A levels, Cdk2 activity, or Cdc7/Dbf4 interaction. Overexpression studies showed that Cdc25A, cyclin A/Cdk2, and Cdc7/Dbf4 were not rate-limiting for DNA synthesis when the BPDE-induced S-phase checkpoint was active. To investigate other potential targets of the S-phase checkpoint, we tested the effects of BPDE on the chromatin association of DNA replication factors. The levels of chromatin-associated Cdc45 (but not soluble Cdc45) were reduced concomitantly with BPDE-induced Chk1 activation and inhibition of DNA synthesis. The chromatin association of Mcm7, Mcm10, and proliferating cell nuclear antigen was unaffected by BPDE treatment. However, the association between Mcm7 and Cdc45 in the chromatin fraction was inhibited in BPDE-treated cells. Chromatin immunoprecipitation analyses demonstrated reduced association of Cdc45 with the beta-globin origin of replication in BPDE-treated cells. The inhibitory effects of BPDE on DNA synthesis, Cdc45/Mcm7 associations, and interactions between Cdc45 and the beta-globin locus were abrogated by the Chk1 inhibitor UCN-01. Taken together, our results show that the association between Cdc45 and Mcm7 at origins of replication is negatively regulated by Chk1 in a Cdk2-independent manner. Therefore, Cdc45 is likely to be an important target of the Chk1-mediated S-phase checkpoint.

Interaction between PCNA and diubiquitinated Mcm10 is essential for cell growth in budding yeast

The minichromosome maintenance protein 10 (Mcm10) is an evolutionarily conserved factor that is essential for replication initiation and elongation. Mcm10 is part of the eukaryotic replication fork and interacts with a variety of proteins, including the Mcm2-7 helicase and DNA polymerase alpha/primase complexes. A motif search revealed a match to the proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA)-interacting protein (PIP) box in Mcm10. Here, we demonstrate a direct interaction between Mcm10 and PCNA that is alleviated by mutations in conserved residues of the PIP box. Interestingly, only the diubiquitinated form of Mcm10 binds to PCNA. Diubiquitination of Mcm10 is cell cycle regulated; it first appears in late G(1) and persists throughout S phase. During this time, diubiquitinated Mcm10 is associated with chromatin, suggesting a direct role in DNA replication. Surprisingly, a Y245A substitution in the PIP box of Mcm10 that inhibits the interaction with PCNA abolishes cell proliferation. This severe-growth phenotype, which has not been observed for analogous mutations in other PCNA-interacting proteins, is rescued by a compensatory mutation in PCNA that restores interaction with Mcm10-Y245A. Taken together, our results suggest that diubiquitinated Mcm10 interacts with PCNA to facilitate an essential step in DNA elongation.

Fission yeast Mcm10p contains primase activity

Although Mcm10p is a conserved essential component in eukaryotes required for both the initiation and elongation of DNA chains, its biochemical properties are unknown. Here, we report that the Schizosaccharomyces pombe fission yeast Mcm10 protein contains primase activity. Primases are enzymes that synthesize RNA primers on single-stranded DNA templates that are extended by DNA polymerases. In keeping with this property, Mcm10p supported oligoribonucleotide synthesis of short RNA primers (preferentially initiating synthesis on a dT template) that were extended with dATP by Escherichia coli DNA polymerase I. The C terminus of Mcm10p synthesized RNA, but less efficiently than the full-length protein at low rNTP levels. Mcm10p homologs contain a C-terminal motif found in proteins that polymerize nucleotides. A point mutant within this motif of S. pombe Mcm10p was defective in primer synthesis in vitro, and this mutant failed to support growth in vivo, suggesting that the primase activity of Mcm10p may be essential for cell viability.

A conserved Hsp10-like domain in Mcm10 is required to stabilize the catalytic subunit of DNA polymerase-alpha in budding yeast

Mcm10 is a conserved eukaryotic DNA replication factor that is required for S phase progression. Recently, Mcm10 has been shown to interact physically with the DNA polymerase-alpha (pol-alpha).primase complex. We show now that Mcm10 is in a complex with pol-alpha throughout the cell cycle. In temperature-sensitive mcm10-1 mutants, depletion of Mcm10 results in degradation of the catalytic subunit of pol-alpha, Cdc17/Pol1, regardless of whether cells are in G(1), S, or G(2) phase. Importantly, Cdc17 protein levels can be restored upon overexpression of exogenous Mcm10 in mcm10-1 mutants that are grown at the nonpermissive temperature. Moreover, overexpressed Cdc17 that is normally subject to rapid degradation is stabilized by Mcm10 co-overexpression but not by co-overexpression of the B-subunit of pol-alpha, Pol12. These results are consistent with Mcm10 having a role as a nuclear chaperone for Cdc17. Mutational analysis indicates that a conserved heat-shock protein 10 (Hsp10)-like domain in Mcm10 is required to prevent the degradation of Cdc17. Substitution of a single residue in the Hsp10-like domain of endogenous Mcm10 results in a dramatic reduction of steady-state Cdc17 levels. The high degree of evolutionary conservation of this domain implies that stabilizing Cdc17 may be a conserved function of Mcm10.

Comparative genomics on MCM8 orthologous genes reveals the transcriptional regulation by transcription factor E2F

Minichromosome maintenance protein (MCM) is composed of six structurally related subunits (MCM2-7) and is essential for eukaryotic DNA replication initiation and early stage of elongation process. Recently human and Xenopus MCM8 was identified as a novel member of MCM protein. Here we characterized MCM8 orthologous genes by using bioinformatics. Human MCM8 showed approximately 90%, 90%, 93%, and 79% total-amino acid identity with mouse, rat, dog, and chicken MCM8, respectively. Human, mouse, rat, dog, and chicken MCM8 gene, consisting of 19, 18, 17, 18, and 18 exons, was mapped to 20p12.3-13, 2F3, 3q36, 24, and 3, respectively. We identified transcription factor E2F-binding motifs in the vicinity of the transcription start site among MCM8 orthologous genes. The mammalian but not chicken E2F-binding motif was accompanied by NF-Y binding motif. MCM8 mRNA was upregulated by E2E1 in human culture cells. Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) demonstrated the direct association of E2F1 and NF-Y with human MCM8 promoter. The promoter activities of human, rat, and chicken MCM8 were demonstrated to be E2F1-dependent. Analysis of human MCM8 promoter constructs showed that an E2F-binding motif in the vicinity of the transcription initiation site is necessary for the transcriptional activation. We also showed that the transcription of human MCM8 is activated by transcription factors E2F1-4, but not by factors E2F5-8.

Identification of full genes and proteins of MCM9, a novel, vertebrate-specific member of the MCM2-8 protein family

MCM2-7 proteins are conserved replication factors functioning as DNA helicases during DNA synthesis. MCM8 is another member of this family, which appears to be specific for higher eukaryotes, as it is absent in worms and yeast. Here we report the complete identification of a novel member of this family, the MCM9 protein. Like MCM8, MCM9 is only present in the genome of higher eukaryotes. This protein contains an MCM8-like ATP binding and hydrolysis motif implicated in helicase activity. Strikingly, MCM9 also contains a unique carboxy-terminal domain which has only weak homology to MCM2-7 and MCM8 but is conserved within MCM9 homologs. We also show that the very recently reported human MCM9 protein (HsMCM9), which resembles a truncated MCM-like protein missing a part of the MCM2-7 signature domain, is an incomplete form of the full length HsMCM9 described here. Searching the human genome with either the newly identified human MCM9 or other MCM protein sequences, we did not detect further additional members of this DNA helicase family and suggest that it is constituted of eight members, falling into two different groups, one constituted by the MCM2-7 complex and the other by MCM8 and MCM9, which are present only in higher eukaryotes.

Mcm10 is required for the maintenance of transcriptional silencing in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Mcm10 is an essential protein that participates in both the initiation and the elongation of DNA replication. In this study we demonstrate a role for Mcm10 in the maintenance of heterochromatic silencing at telomeres and HM loci of budding yeast. Two mcm10 mutants drastically reduce silencing of both URA3 and ADE2 reporter genes integrated into these silent loci. When exposed to alpha-factor, mcm10 mutant cells display a "shmoo-cluster" phenotype associated with a defect in the maintenance of silencing. In addition, when combined with a defect in the establishment of silent chromatin, mcm10 mutants demonstrate a synergistic defect in HML silencing. Consistent with a direct silencing function, Mcm10p shows a two-hybrid interaction with Sir2p and Sir3p that is destroyed by the mcm10-1 mutation and dependent on the C-terminal 108 amino acids. Tethering GBD-MCM10 to a defective HMR-E silencer is not sufficient to restore silencing. Furthermore, mutations in MCM10 inhibit the ability of GBD-SIR3 to restore silencing when tethered to a defective HMR-E. Suppressor mutations in MCM2, which suppress the temperature sensitivity of mcm10-1, fail to overcome the mcm10-1 silencing defect, suggesting that MCM10's role in transcriptional silencing may be separate from its essential functions in DNA replication.

Identification of a novel cell-cycle-induced MCM family protein MCM9

The minichromosome maintenance (MCM) proteins are essential for DNA replication initiation and elongation in eukaryotes. In mammalian cells, MCM2-MCM7 complexes are believed to unwind DNA during chromosomal DNA replication. Here we identified a novel MCM family gene, MCM9, by using bioinformatics. Human, mouse, and rat MCM9 showed approximately 90-91% total-amino acid identity. MCM9 showed 24-31% total-amino acid identity with MCM2-MCM8 protein. Phylogenetic analysis on MCM family members revealed that MCM9 was most closely related to MCM8. Human, mouse, and rat MCM9 gene, consisting of 7, 8, and 7 exons, was mapped to 6q22.1-22.33, 10B3, and 20q11, respectively. We identified transcription factor E2F-binding motifs in the vicinity of the transcription start site among human, mouse, and rat MCM9 gene. MCM9 mRNA was upregulated by transcription factor E2E1 and serum stimulation in NIH3T3 cells.

Involvement of human MCM8 in prereplication complex assembly by recruiting hcdc6 to chromatin

The MCM2-MCM7 complex is an essential component of the prereplication complex (pre-RC), which is recruited by the cdc6 and cdt1 proteins to origins of DNA replication during G(1) phase. Here, we report that the accumulation on chromatin of another member of the MCM protein family, human MCM8 (hMCM8), occurs during early G(1) phase, before the hMCM2-hMCM7 complex binds. hMCM8 interacts in vivo with two components of the pre-RC, namely, hcdc6 and hORC2. Depletion of endogenous hMCM8 protein by RNA interference leads to a delay of entry into S phase, suggesting a role for hMCM8 in G(1) progression. Furthermore, down-regulation of hMCM8 also leads to a reduced loading of hcdc6 and the hMCM2-hMCM7 complex on chromatin. These results suggest that hMCM8 is a crucial component of the pre-RC and that the interaction between hMCM8 and hcdc6 is required for pre-RC assembly.

MCM8 Is an MCM2-7-Related Protein that Functions as a DNA Helicase during Replication Elongation and Not Initiation

MCM2-7 proteins are replication factors required to initiate DNA synthesis and are currently the best candidates for replicative helicases. We show that the MCM2-7-related protein MCM8 is required to efficiently replicate chromosomal DNA in Xenopus egg extracts. MCM8 does not associate with the soluble MCM2-7 complex and binds chromatin upon initiation of DNA synthesis. MCM8 depletion does not affect replication licensing or MCM3 loading but slows down DNA synthesis and reduces chromatin recruitment of RPA34 and DNA polymerase-alpha. Recombinant MCM8 displays both DNA helicase and ATPase activities in vitro. Reconstitution experiments show that ATP binding in MCM8 is required to rescue DNA synthesis in MCM8-depleted extracts. MCM8 colocalizes with replication foci and RPA34 on chromatin. We suggest that MCM8 functions in the elongation step of DNA replication as a helicase that facilitates the recruitment of RPA34 and stimulates the processivity of DNA polymerases at replication foci.

Mcm10 regulates the stability and chromatin association of DNA polymerase-alpha

Mcm10 is a conserved eukaryotic DNA replication factor whose function has remained elusive. We report here that Mcm10 binding to replication origins in budding yeast is cell cycle regulated and dependent on the putative helicase, Mcm2-7. Mcm10 is also an essential component of the replication fork. A fraction of Mcm10 binds to DNA, as shown by histone association assays that allow for the study of chromatin binding in vivo. However, Mcm10 is also required to maintain steady-state levels of DNA polymerase-alpha (polalpha). In temperature-sensitive mcm10-td mutants, depletion of Mcm10 during S phase results in degradation of the catalytic subunit of polalpha, without affecting other fork components such as Cdc45. We propose that Mcm10 stabilizes polalpha and recruits the complex to replication origins. During elongation, Mcm10 is required for the presence of polalpha at replication forks and may coordinate DNA synthesis with DNA unwinding by the Mcm2-7 complex.

Expression of MCM10 and TopBP1 is regulated by cell proliferation and UV irradiation via the E2F transcription factor

MCM10 and TopBP1 function in the initiation of DNA replication, by regulating the chromatin binding of the DNA polymerase alpha loading factor, CDC45. TopBP1 is also known as a DNA damage response protein. In this study, we showed that the transcription of human MCM10 and TopBP1 is activated by transcription factors E2F1-3, but not by factors E2F4-7. Analysis of various MCM10 and TopBP1 promoter constructs showed that an E2F-responsive sequence in the vicinity of the transcription initiation site is necessary for the E2F1-induced activation of MCM10 and TopBP1 gene transcription, which is further suppressed by pRb. The promoter activities of human MCM10 and TopBP1 were demonstrated to be growth dependent via the E2F-responsive sequence. Although E2F1 was stabilized by ultraviolet (UV) irradiation, the mRNA expression level of TopBP1 was suppressed in HCT116 human diploid colon cancer cells. We showed, by performing chromatin immunoprecipitation that, in response to UV irradiation but not doxorubicin treatment, E2F4 accumulated on the MCM10 and TopBP1 promoters. Our data suggest a model in which UV irradiation-induced DNA damage depends, at least in part, on the accumulation of the E2F4 transcription factor on the MCM10 and TopBP1 promoters, which results in suppression of DNA replication.

Mcm10 and Cdc45 cooperate in origin activation in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Mcm10 has recently been found to play a crucial role in multiple steps of the DNA replication initiation process in eukaryotes. Here, we have examined the role of Mcm10 in assembling initiation factors at a well-characterized yeast replication origin, ARS1. We find that the pre-replication complex (pre-RC) components Cdc6 and Mcm7 associate with ARS1 in the mcm10-1 mutant, suggesting that establishment of the pre-RC is not compromised in this mutant. Association of Cdc45 with ARS1 is reduced in the mcm10-1 mutant, suggesting that Mcm10 is involved in recruiting Cdc45 to the pre-RC. We find that overexpression of either Mcm10-1 or Cdc45 suppresses the growth defect of mcm10-1, and that a physical interaction between Cdc45 and Mcm10 is disrupted in the mcm10-1 mutant. Our results show that interaction between the Mcm10 and Cdc45 proteins facilitates the recruitment of Cdc45 onto the ARS1 origin.

Localization of human Mcm10 is spatially and temporally regulated during the S phase

Mcm10 (Dna43) is an essential protein for the initiation of DNA replication in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Recently, we identified a human Mcm10 homolog and found that it is regulated by proteolysis and phosphorylation in a cell cycle-dependent manner and that it binds chromatin exclusively during the S phase of the cell cycle. However, the precise roles that Mcm10 plays are still unknown. To study the localization dynamics of human Mcm10, we established HeLa cell lines expressing green fluorescent protein (GFP)-tagged Mcm10. From early to mid-S phase, GFP-Mcm10 appeared in discrete nuclear foci. In early S phase, several hundred foci appeared throughout the nucleus. In mid-S phase, the foci appeared at the nuclear periphery and nucleolar regions. In the late S and G phases, GFP-Mcm10 was localized to nucleoli. Although (2)the distributions of GFP-Mcm10 during the S phase resembled those of replication foci, GFP-Mcm10 foci did not colocalize with sites of DNA synthesis in most cases. Furthermore, the transition of GFP-Mcm10 distribution patterns preceded changes in replication foci patterns or proliferating cell nuclear antigen foci patterns by 30-60 min. These results suggest that human Mcm10 is temporarily recruited to the replication sites 30-60 min before they replicate and that it dissociates from chromatin after the activation of the prereplication complex.

Primer utilization by DNA polymerase alpha-primase is influenced by its interaction with Mcm10p

Models of DNA replication in yeast and Xenopus suggest that Mcm10p is required to generate the pre-initiation complex as well as progression of the replication fork during the elongation of DNA chains. In this report, we show that the Schizosaccharomyces pombe Mcm10p/Cdc23p binds to the S. pombe DNA polymerase (pol) alpha-primase complex in vitro by interacting specifically with the catalytic p180 subunit and stimulates DNA synthesis catalyzed by the pol alpha-primase complex with various primed DNA templates. We investigated the mechanism by which Mcm10p activates the polymerase activity of the pol alpha-primase complex by generating truncated derivatives of the full-length 593-amino acid Mcm10p. Their ability to stimulate pol alpha polymerase activity and bind to single-stranded DNA and to pol alpha were compared. Concomitant with increased deletion of the N-terminal region (from amino acids 95 to 415), Mcm10p derivatives lost their ability to stimulate pol alpha polymerase activity and bind to single-stranded DNA. Truncated derivatives of Mcm10p containing amino acids 1-416 retained the pol alpha binding activity, whereas the C terminus, amino acids 496-593, did not. These results demonstrate that both the single-stranded DNA binding and the pol alpha binding properties of Mcm10p play important roles in the activation. In accord with these findings, Mcm10p facilitated the binding of pol alpha-primase complex to primed DNA and formed a stable complex with pol alpha-primase on primed templates. A mutant that failed to activate or bind to DNA and pol alpha, was not observed in this complex. We suggest that the interaction of Mcm10p with the pol alpha-primase complex, its binding to single-stranded DNA, and its activation of the polymerase complex together contribute to its role in the elongation phase of DNA replication.

Two bipartite NLSs mediate constitutive nuclear localization of Mcm10

Some components of the pre-replicative complex (pre-RC) are in the nucleus only during the G1 phase, while others are constitutively nuclear throughout the cell cycle. A nuclear localization signal (NLS) mediating the G1-specific nuclear localization has been characterized. We report here the identification of bipartite NLSs in constitutively nuclear pre-RC components, including the origin recognition complex, Mcm10 and Noc3. Interestingly, in a subgroup of these pre-RC components, two putative NLSs were found in each protein. To examine whether multiple NLSs are required for these proteins to be nuclear throughout the cell cycle, we characterized the two NLSs in Mcm10. We show that at least one of the two NLSs is required for directing Mcm10 into the nucleus and that either of them is sufficient to bring the green fluorescence protein into the nucleus. Thus, Mcm10 contains two functional NLSs and either is sufficient for the constitutive nuclear localization of Mcm10.

A novel zinc finger is required for Mcm10 homocomplex assembly

Mcm10 is a DNA replication factor that interacts with multiple subunits of the MCM2-7 hexameric complex. We report here that Mcm10 self-interacts and assembles into large homocomplexes (approximately 800 kDa). A conserved domain of 210 amino acid residues is sufficient for mediating self-interaction and complex assembly. A novel zinc finger within the conserved domain, CX10CX11CX2H, is essential for the homocomplex formation. Mutant alleles with amino acid substitutions at conserved cysteines and histidine in the zinc finger fail to assemble homocomplexes. A defect in homocomplex assembly correlates with defects in DNA replication and cell growth in the mutants. These observations suggest that homocomplex assembly is essential for Mcm10 function. Multisubunit Mcm10 homocomplexes may provide the structural basis for Mcm10 to interact with multiple subunits of the MCM2-7 hexamer.

A yeast model for the study of human DFNA5, a gene mutated in nonsyndromic hearing impairment

A mutation in human DFNA5 is associated with autosomal dominant nonsyndromic hearing impairment. The function of DFNA5 protein remains unknown and no experimental model has been described so far. Here we describe fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe as a model organism for studying the function of heterologously expressed DFNA5. We have expressed wild-type as well as mutant DFNA5 alleles under control of regulatable nmt1 promoter. Yeast cells tolerated expression of wild-type DFNA5, while expression of the mutant DFNA5 allele, which is responsible for nonsyndromic autosomal dominant hearing impairment, led to cell cycle arrest. We identified new rat and horse DFNA5 homologues and we describe a domain of homology shared between DFNA5 and the Mcm10 family of DNA replication proteins. Genetic interactions between heterologously expressed DFNA5 and a fission yeast cdc23 (mcm10) mutant support a possible link between DFNA5 and Mcm10 proteins.

A new member of the MCM protein family encoded by the human MCM8 gene, located contrapodal to GCD10 at chromosome band 20p12.3-13

The MCM8 protein from HeLa cells, a new member of the MCM family, co-isolates through several steps with MCM6 and MCM7, and MCM8 co-immunoprecipitates with MCM4, MCM6 and MCM7, proteins reportedly forming a helicase complex involved in initiation of DNA replication. MCM8 mRNA is expressed in placenta, lung and liver, but is also significantly expressed in adult heart, a tissue with a low percentage of proliferating cells. The MCM8 gene, consisting of 19 exons, is located contrapodal to a gene, consisting of 11 exons, encoding a homolog of the yeast GCD10 gene product. The region between these two transcription units, comprising as few as 62 bp, is TATA-less and highly GC-rich, containing multiple CpG units. MCM8 expression is altered in certain forms of neoplasia. In a case of choriocarcinoma MCM8 mRNA is aberrant, leading to expression of a protein lacking 16 amino acids. In several cases of colon adenocarcinoma MCM8 expression is greatly reduced relative to matched non-cancerous tissue. The potential helicase domain of MCM8 is different from those of other MCM proteins in that it is more homologous to canonical ATP-binding domains of other known helicases. Results suggest that MCM8 may interact with other MCM proteins to alter the function of the replicative MCM protein complex.

Drosophila MCM10 interacts with members of the prereplication complex and is required for proper chromosome condensation

Mcm10 is required for the initiation of DNA replication in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. We have cloned MCM10 from Drosophila melanogaster and show that it complements a ScMCM10 null mutant. Moreover, Mcm10 interacts with key members of the prereplication complex: Mcm2, Dup (Cdt1), and Orc2. Interactions were also detected between Mcm10 and itself, Cdc45, and Hp1. RNAi depletion of Orc2 and Mcm10 in KC cells results in loss of DNA content. Furthermore, depletion of Mcm10, Cdc45, Mcm2, Mcm5, and Orc2, respectively, results in aberrant chromosome condensation. The condensation defects observed resemble previously published reports for Orc2, Orc5, and Mcm4 mutants. Our results strengthen and extend the argument that the processes of chromatin condensation and DNA replication are linked.

Budding yeast mcm10/dna43 mutant requires a novel repair pathway for viability

BACKGROUND

MCM10 is essential for the initiation of chromosomal DNA replication in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Mcm10p functionally interacts with components of the pre-replicative complex (Mcm2-Mcm7 complex and origin recognition complex) as well as the pre-initiation complex component (Cdc45p) suggesting that it may be a component of the pre-RC as well as the pre-IC. Two-dimensional gel electrophoresis analysis showed that Mcm10p is required not only for the initiation of DNA synthesis at replication origins but also for the smooth passage of replication forks at origins. Genetic analysis showed that MCM10 interacts with components of the elongation machinery such as Pol delta and Pol epsilon, suggesting that it may play a role in elongation replication.

RESULTS

We show that the mcm10 mutation causes replication fork pausing not only at potentially active origins but also at silent origins. We screened for mutations that are lethal in combination with mcm10-1 and obtained seven mutants named slm1-slm6 for synthetically lethal with mcm10. These mutants comprised six complementation groups that can be divided into three classes. Class 1 includes genes that encode components of the pre-RC and pre-IC and are represented by SLM3, 4 and 5 which are allelic to MCM7, MCM2 and CDC45, respectively. Class 2 includes genes involved in the processing of Okazaki fragments in lagging strand synthesis and is represented by SLM1, which is allelic to DNA2. Class 3 includes novel DNA repair genes represented by SLM2 and SLM6.

CONCLUSIONS

The viability of the mcm10-1 mutant is dependent on a novel repair pathway that may participate either in resolving accumulated replication intermediates or the damage caused by blocked replication forks. These results are consistent with the hypothesis that Mcm10p is required for the passage of replication forks through obstacles such as those created by pre-RCs assembled at active or inactive replication origins.

Identification and functional characterization of a new member of the human Mcm protein family: hMcm8

The six minichromosome maintenance proteins (Mcm2-7) are required for both the initiation and elongation of chromosomal DNA, ensuring that DNA replication takes place once, and only once, during the S phase. Here we report on the cloning of a new human Mcm gene (hMcm8) and on characterisation of its protein product. The hMcm8 gene contains the central Mcm domain conserved in the Mcm2-7 gene family, and is expressed in a range of cell lines and human tissues. hMcm8 mRNA accumulates during G(1)/S phase, while hMcm8 protein is detectable throughout the cell cycle. Immunoprecipitation-based studies did not reveal any participation of hMcm8 in the Mcm3/5 and Mcm2/4/6/7 subcomplexes. hMcm8 localises to the nucleus, although it is devoid of a nuclear localisation signal, suggesting that it binds to a nuclear protein. In the nucleus, the hMcm8 structure-bound fraction is detectable in S, but not in G(2)/M, phase, as for hMcm3. However, unlike hMcm3, the hMcm8 structure-bound fraction is not detectable in G(1) phase. Overall, our data identify a new Mcm protein, which does not form part of the Mcm2-7 complex and which is only structure-bound during S phase, thus suggesting its specific role in DNA replication.

DNA replication in eukaryotic cells

The maintenance of the eukaryotic genome requires precisely coordinated replication of the entire genome each time a cell divides. To achieve this coordination, eukaryotic cells use an ordered series of steps to form several key protein assemblies at origins of replication. Recent studies have identified many of the protein components of these complexes and the time during the cell cycle they assemble at the origin. Interestingly, despite distinct differences in origin structure, the identity and order of assembly of eukaryotic replication factors is highly conserved across all species. This review describes our current understanding of these events and how they are coordinated with cell cycle progression. We focus on bringing together the results from different organisms to provide a coherent model of the events of initiation. We emphasize recent progress in determining the function of the different replication factors once they have been assembled at the origin.

Xenopus Mcm10 binds to origins of DNA replication after Mcm2-7 and stimulates origin binding of Cdc45

Current models suggest that the replication initiation factor Mcm10 is required for association of Mcm2-7 with origins of replication to generate the prereplicative complex (pre-RC). Here we report that Xenopus Mcm10 (XMcm10) is not required for origin binding of XMcm2-7. Instead, the chromatin binding of XMcm10 at the onset of DNA replication requires chromatin-bound XMcm2-7, and it is independent of Cdk2 and Cdc7. In the absence of XMcm10, XCdc45 binding, XRPA binding, and initiation-dependent plasmid supercoiling are blocked. Therefore, XMcm10 performs its function after pre-RC assembly and before origin unwinding. As one of the earliest known pre-RC activation steps, chromatin binding of XMcm10 is an attractive target for regulation by cell cycle checkpoints.

Cell cycle-dependent proteolysis and phosphorylation of human Mcm10

Mcm10 (Dna43) is an essential protein for chromosomal DNA replication in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Recently, we identified a human Mcm10 homolog that interacts with the mammalian Orc2 and Mcm2-7 complex. We additionally demonstrated that human Mcm10 binds nuclease-resistant nuclear structures during S phase and dissociates from them in G(2) phase. In this study, we have further characterized the subcellular localization, modification, and expression levels of human Mcm10 protein throughout the cell cycle. Human Mcm10 protein decreased in late M phase, remained low during G(1) phase, started to accumulate, and bound chromatin at the onset of S phase. Proteasome inhibitors stabilized Mcm10 levels, suggesting that proteolysis is involved in the down-regulation of the protein in late M/G(1) phase. Dissociation of Mcm10 from chromatin in G(2)/M phase was concomitant with alterations in the electrophoretic mobility of the protein. Treatment with lambda phosphatase revealed that mobility shifts were due to hyperphosphorylation. These results indicate that human Mcm10 is regulated by proteolysis and phosphorylation in a cell cycle-dependent manner. It is further suggested that mammalian Mcm10 is involved in S phase progression, and not the formation of a prereplicative complex, as previously proposed from data on the S. cerevisiae protein.

Overexpression of a novel gene, Cms1, can rescue the growth arrest of a Saccharomyces cerevisiae mcm10 suppressor

MCM10 protein is an essential replication factor involved in the initiation of DNA replication. A mcm10 mutant (mcm10-1) of budding yeast shows a growth arrest at 37 degrees C. In the present work, we have isolated a mcm10-1 suppressor strain, which grows at 37 degrees C. Interestingly, this mcm10-1 suppressor undergoes cell cycle arrest at 14 degrees C. A novel gene, YLR003c, is identified by high-copy complementation of this suppressor. We called it as Cms1 (Complementation of Mcm 10 Suppressor). Furthermore, the experiments of transformation show that cells of mcm10-1 suppressor with high-copy plasmid but not low-copy plasmid grow at 14 degrees C, indicating that overexpression of Cms1 can rescue the growth arrest of this mcm10 suppressor at non-permissive temperature. These results suggest that CMS1 protein may functionally interact with MCM10 protein and play a role in the regulation of DNA replication and cell cycle control.

Initiating DNA synthesis: from recruiting to activating the MCM complex

The exact duplication of a genome once per cell division is required of every proliferating cell. To achieve this goal, eukaryotes adopt a strategy that limits every replication origin to a single initiation event within a narrow window of the cell cycle by temporally separating the assembly of the pre-replication complex (pre-RC) from the initiation of DNA synthesis. A key component of the pre-RC is the hexameric MCM complex, which is also the presumed helicase of the growing forks. An elaborate mechanism recruits the MCM complex to replication origins, and a regulatory chain reaction converts the poised, but inactive, MCM complex into an enzymatically active helicase. A growing list of proteins, including Mcm10 and Cdt1, are involved in the recruitment process. Two protein kinases, the Cdc7-Dbf4 kinase (DDK) and the cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK), trigger a chain reaction that results in the phosphorylation of the MCM complex and finally in the initiation of DNA synthesis. A composite picture from recent studies suggests that DDK is recruited to the pre-RC during G(1) phase but must wait until S phase to phosphorylate the MCM complex. CDK is required for the recruitment of Cdc45 and other downstream components of the elongation machinery.

The human homolog of Saccharomyces cerevisiae Mcm10 interacts with replication factors and dissociates from nuclease-resistant nuclear structures in G(2) phase

Mcm10 (Dna43), first identified in Saccharomyces cerevisiae, is an essential protein which functions in the initiation of DNA synthesis. Mcm10 is a nuclear protein that is localized to replication origins and mediates the interaction of the Mcm2-7 complex with replication origins. We identified and cloned a human cDNA whose product was structurally homologous to the yeast Mcm10 protein. Human Mcm10 (HsMcm10) is a 98-kDa protein of 874 amino acids which shows 23 and 21% overall similarity to Schizosaccharomyces pombe Cdc23 and S. cerevisiae Mcm10, respectively. The messenger RNA level of HsMcm10 increased at the G(1)/S-boundary when quiescent human NB1-RGB cells were induced to proliferate as is the case of many replication factors. HsMcm10 associated with nuclease-resistant nuclear structures throughout S phase and dissociated from it in G(2) phase. HsMcm10 associated with human Orc2 protein when overexpressed in COS-1 cells. HsMcm10 also interacted with Orc2, Mcm2 and Mcm6 proteins in the yeast two-hybrid system. These results suggest that HsMcm10 may function in DNA replication through the interaction with Orc and Mcm2-7 complexes.

Interactions between Mcm10p and other replication factors are required for proper initiation and elongation of chromosomal DNA replication in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

BACKGROUND

MCM10 is essential for the initiation of chromosomal DNA replication in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Previous work showed that Mcm10p interacts with the Mcm2-7 protein complex that may be functioning as the replication-licensing factor. In addition, Mcm10p is required during origin activation and disassembly of the prereplicative complex, which allows smooth passage of replication forks.

RESULTS

We show that an mcm10 mutation causes a slow progression of DNA synthesis and a loss of chromosome integrity during the S phase and prevents entry into mitosis, despite apparent completion of chromosomal DNA replication at nonpermissive temperatures. Furthermore, Mcm10p interacts genetically with the origin recognition complex (ORC) and various replication elongation factors, including a subunit of DNA polymerases epsilon and delta. Mcm10p is an abundant protein (approximately 4 x 10(4) copies per haploid cell) that is almost exclusively localized in the chromatin and/or nuclear matrix fractions during all phases of the cell cycle. When it is visualized by the chromosome-spreading method followed by immunostaining, Mcm10p forms punctate foci on chromatin throughout the cell cycle and these foci mostly overlap with those of Orc1p, a component of ORC.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that Mcm10p, like the Mcm2-7 proteins, is a critical component of the prereplication chromatin and acts together with ORC during the initiation of chromosomal DNA replication; in addition, Mcm10p plays an important role during the elongation of DNA replication.

Mcm10 and the MCM2-7 complex interact to initiate DNA synthesis and to release replication factors from origins

MCM2-7, a complex of six subunits, is an essential component of the prereplication chromatin that is assembled at Saccharomyces cerevisiae replication origins during G(1) phase. It is also believed to be the processive helicase at growing forks. To elucidate the action of MCM2-7 during the transition from initiation to elongation replication, we have focused our studies on Mcm10, a replication initiation protein that physically interacts with members of the MCM2-7 complex. We show that Mcm10 is a chromatin-associated protein that mediates the association of the MCM2-7 complex with replication origins. Furthermore, diminished interaction between Mcm10 and Mcm7, a subunit of the MCM2-7 complex, by a mutation in either Mcm10 or Mcm7 inhibits replication initiation. Surprisingly, a double mutant containing both the mcm10-1 and mcm7-1 (cdc47-1) alleles restores interaction between Mcm10 and Mcm7 and corrects all of the defects exhibited by each of the single mutants, including the stalling of replication forks at replication origins typically seen in mcm10-1 cells. This mutual compensation of defects between two independently isolated mutations is allele specific. These results suggest that Mcm10, like Mcm7, is a critical component of the prereplication chromatin and that interaction between Mcm10 and Mcm7 is required for proper replication initiation and prompt release of origin-bound factors.

The essential schizosaccharomyces pombe cdc23 DNA replication gene shares structural and functional homology with the Saccharomyces cerevisiae DNA43 (MCM10) gene

The fission yeast cdc23 gene is required for correct DNA replication: cdc23 mutants show reduced rates of DNA synthesis and become elongated after cell-cycle arrest. We have cloned the Schizosaccharomyces pombe cdc23 gene by complementation of the temperature-sensitive phenotype of cdc23-M36 and confirmed the identity of the gene by integrative mapping. Analysis of the DNA sequence reveals that cdc23 can encode a protein of 593 amino acids (Mr=67 kDa) with 22% overall identity and many structural homologies with the product of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae DNA43 (MCM10) gene which is required for correct initiation of DNA synthesis at chromosomal origins of replication. Construction of a cdc23 null allele has established that the cdc23 gene is essential for viability, with cdc23 deletion mutant spores germinating but undergoing arrest with undivided nuclei in the first or second cell cycle. The S. pombe cdc23 gene on an expression plasmid is able to complement the S. cerevisiae dna43-1 mutant. These structural and functional homologies between two distantly related species suggest that cdc23 and DNA43 may represent genes for a conserved essential eukaryotic DNA replication function.

A lesion in the DNA replication initiation factor Mcm10 induces pausing of elongation forks through chromosomal replication origins in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

We describe a new minichromosome maintenance factor, Mcm10, and show that this essential protein is involved in the initiation of DNA replication in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The mcm10 mutant has an autonomously replicating sequence-specific minichromosome maintenance defect and arrests at the nonpermissive temperature with dumbbell morphology and 2C DNA content. Mcm10 is a nuclear protein that physically interacts with several members of the MCM2-7 family of DNA replication initiation factors. Cloning and sequencing of the MCM10 gene show that it is identical to DNA43, a gene identified independently for its putative role in replicating DNA. Two-dimensional DNA gel analysis reveals that the mcm10-1 lesion causes a dramatic reduction in DNA replication initiation at chromosomal origins, including ORI1 and ORI121. Interestingly, the mcm10-1 lesion also causes replication forks to pause during elongation through these same loci. This novel phenotype suggests a unique role for the Mcm10 protein in the initiation of DNA synthesis at replication origins.

Genetic and molecular analysis of DNA43 and DNA52: two new cell-cycle genes in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Two Saccharomyces cerevisiae genes previously unknown to be required for DNA synthesis have been identified by screening a collection of temperature-sensitive mutants. The effects of mutations in DNA43 and DNA52 on the rate of S phase DNA synthesis were detected by monitoring DNA synthesis in synchronous populations that were obtained by isopycnic density centrifugation. dna43-1 and dna52-1 cells undergo cell-cycle arrest at the restrictive temperature (37 degrees C), exhibiting a large-budded terminal phenotype; the nuclei of arrested cells are located at the neck of the bud and have failed to undergo DNA replication. These phenotypes suggest that DNA43 and DNA52 are required for entry into or completion of S phase. DNA43 and DNA52 were cloned by their abilities to suppress the temperature-sensitive lethal phenotypes of dna43-1 and dna52-1 cells, respectively. DNA sequence analysis suggested that DNA43 and DNA52 encode proteins of 59.6 and 80.6 kDa, respectively. Both DNA43 and DNA52 are essential for viability and genetic mapping experiments indicate that they represent previously unidentified genes: DNA43 is located on chromosome IX, 32 cM distal from his5 and DNA52 is located on chromosome IV, 0.9 cM from cdc34.