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DNA replication timing: random thoughts about origin firing

Nature Cell Biology volume 8, pages 1313–1316 (2006)Cite this article

Regions of metazoan genomes replicate at defined times within S phase. This observation suggests that replication origins fire with a defined timing pattern that remains the same from cycle to cycle. However, an alterative model based on the stochastic firing of origins may also explain replication timing. This model assumes varying origin efficiency instead of a strict origin-timing programme. Here, we discuss the evidence for both models.

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Figure 1: The random gap problem.
Figure 2: A progressive increase in origin efficiency solves the random gap problem.
Figure 3: Differences in the relative efficiency of stochastic origins can produce defined replication-timing patterns.

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Acknowledgements

I am grateful to J. Bechhoefer, D. Clarke, B. Kobertz and M. Munson for critical reading of the manuscript.

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  1. Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology Department, University of Massachusetts Medical School, 364 Plantation Street, LRB904, Worcester, 01605, MA, USA

    Nicholas Rhind

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Rhind, N. DNA replication timing: random thoughts about origin firing. Nat Cell Biol 8, 1313–1316 (2006). https://doi.org/10.1038/ncb1206-1313

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