The Replication Fork: Understanding the Eukaryotic Replication Machinery and the Challenges to Genome Duplication

Genes

Adam R. Leman¹ 

关键词: DNA replication;    replisome;    replication fork;    genome stability;    checkpoint;    fork barriers;    difficult-to-replicate sites;   

DOI  :  10.3390/genes4010001

来源: mdpi

【 摘 要 】

Eukaryotic cells must accurately and efficiently duplicate their genomes during each round of the cell cycle. Multiple linear chromosomes, an abundance of regulatory elements, and chromosome packaging are all challenges that the eukaryotic DNA replication machinery must successfully overcome. The replication machinery, the “replisome” complex, is composed of many specialized proteins with functions in supporting replication by DNA polymerases. Efficient replisome progression relies on tight coordination between the various factors of the replisome. Further, replisome progression must occur on less than ideal templates at various genomic loci. Here, we describe the functions of the major replisome components, as well as some of the obstacles to efficient DNA replication that the replisome confronts. Together, this review summarizes current understanding of the vastly complicated task of replicating eukaryotic DNA.

【 授权许可】

CC BY   
© 2013 by the authors; licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland.