Molecular cloning of cDNA encoding mouse Cdc21 and CDC46 homologs and characterization of the products: Physical interaction between P1 (MCM3) and CDC46 proteins

Abstract

Two new mouse genes encoding proteins that belong to the yeast mlnichromosome maintenance (MCM) protein family, which is involved in the initiation of ONA replication, were isolated and their nucleotlde sequence was determined. They were a putative CDC46/MCM5 homolog and a putative cdc21 homolog. About 30% amlno acid identity was obtained between members In the family, and >40% between the putative mouse and yeast homologs. The expression of these genes was cell-cycle specific at the late G1 to S phase. Immunochemical analyses showed the physical interaction between mouse P1MCM3 and CDC46 protein. These results suggest that MCM proteins function in co-ordination for DNA replication. © 1995 Oxford University Press.