In search of the holy replicator

Nat Rev Mol Cell Biol. 2004 Oct;5(10):848-55. doi: 10.1038/nrm1495.

Abstract

After 40 years of searching for the eukaryotic replicator sequence, it is time to abandon the concept of 'the' replicator as a single genetic entity. Here I propose a 'relaxed replicon model' in which a positive initiator-replicator interaction is facilitated by a combination of several complex features of chromatin. An important question for the future is whether the positions of replication origins are simply a passive result of local chromatin structure or are actively localized to coordinate replication with other chromosomal activities.

Publication types

  • Historical Article
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Base Sequence
  • DNA / genetics
  • DNA / metabolism
  • DNA Replication*
  • DNA, Viral
  • Eukaryotic Cells / physiology
  • History, 20th Century
  • History, 21st Century
  • Humans
  • Models, Genetic*
  • Replicon*

Substances

  • DNA, Viral
  • DNA