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Replication origins in vitro (red) and in vivo (green).

After mitosis, cells prepare for the next round of DNA replication by assembling complexes of proteins on chromatin that will carry out the task of copying the genome. Prereplication complexes (preRCs) assemble during telophase, but studies of the dihydrofolate reductase locus in mammalian cells have indicated that, during G1, only a subset of preRCs are designated for use as origins of replication. On page 257, Li et al. demonstrate that the same is true for origins throughout the genome.

Li et al. compared origins used by mammalian cells in vivo with those chosen in isolated mammalian nuclei undergoing premature replication in frog cytoplasmic extracts. Comparison of the two sets of origins revealed that, soon after mitosis, few of the sites used matched. About two hours after mitosis, the sites used in vitro were clustered into domains surrounding in vivo sites, but the actual sites fired still did not necessarily correspond. This domain selection was previously suggested by examinations of the timing of replication of whole chromosomal domains and is known as the timing decision point.

Five hours after mitosis, the sites chosen in vitro were more likely to be the same sites used in vivo. This site selection is known as the origin decision point. Thus, as for the DHFR locus, the general choice of origins used is not random, but why origin selection should be regulated is unclear. Perhaps origins are placed near genes that encode replication proteins so that they are activated early by passage of the replication fork. Alternatively, origins may be regulated to prevent collision of RNA and DNA polymerases. If the latter is true, origin choice may change during differentiation to accommodate transcriptional differences.

Nicole LeBrasseur

lebrasn{at}rockefeller.edu

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Spatial distribution and specification of mammalian replication origins during G1 phase

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J. Cell Biol. 2003 161: 257-266. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

This Article PDF (Full Text) PPT slides of all figures Alert me when this article is cited Services Email this article Similar articles in this journal Alert me to new content in the JCB Download to citation manager Citing Articles Citing Articles via CrossRef Citing Articles via Google Scholar Google Scholar Articles by LeBrasseur, N. Search for Related Content PubMed Articles by LeBrasseur, N. Related Collections Related Article Social Bookmarking                      What's this?