MCM10

MCM10 is a protein that in humans is encoded by the MCM10 gene. This protein is essential for the initiation and regulation of DNA replication, playing a critical role in the activation of replication origins and the recruitment of other MCM proteins to replication sites. MCM10's involvement in DNA replication underscores its importance in cell cycle progression and cell division, making it a key subject of study in cell biology and molecular biology.

Function

MCM10 is integral to the process of DNA replication, which is fundamental for cellular proliferation. It interacts with the MCM2-7 complex, a group of proteins that unwind the DNA helix, allowing for the synthesis of new DNA strands. MCM10 stabilizes the loading of the MCM2-7 complex onto DNA and ensures its activation at the replication origins, marking the beginning of the DNA synthesis phase. Additionally, MCM10 has been implicated in the stabilization of DNA polymerase alpha, a crucial enzyme that synthesizes the RNA-DNA primer necessary for DNA replication to proceed.

Clinical Significance

Alterations in the expression or function of MCM10 have been associated with various forms of cancer. Overexpression of MCM10 has been observed in certain types of cancer, suggesting a potential role in tumorigenesis due to its involvement in DNA replication and cell proliferation. Consequently, MCM10 is being studied as a potential biomarker for cancer diagnosis and as a target for therapeutic intervention.

Genetic

The MCM10 gene is located on chromosome 10 in humans. Mutations in this gene can disrupt the normal process of DNA replication, leading to genomic instability, a hallmark of cancerous cells. Research into the genetic regulation of MCM10 and its interactions with other proteins involved in DNA replication is ongoing, with the aim of understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying its role in cell cycle regulation and its implications in disease.

See Also

• DNA replication
• Cell cycle
• Minichromosome Maintenance (MCM)
• DNA polymerase alpha

References

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