OCT4 enhances the firing efficiency of late DNA replication origins in mouse embryonic stem cells.

ABSTRACT: DNA replication initiates at specific genomic regions known as initiation zones (IZs), which follow a defined spatiotemporal program that is partially dependent on cell type. Here, we examine the replication-initiation patterns of pluripotent mouse embryonic stem cells (mESCs), which are characterized by a very short G1 phase and rapid entry into S phase. Using EdU-seq combined with cell-cycle synchronization and Repli-seq, we identify IZs that activate during S phase in mESCs and classify them as early, mid, or late according to the replication-timing (RT) domain to which they map. Remarkably, we find that some IZs mapping to mid or late RT domains activate within 1-2 hours of entry into S phase. Chromatin and nascent-transcriptome profiling reveal that these IZs associate with regions of

SUBMITTER: Rodriguez-Carballo E 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12910074 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature