3D replicon distributions arise from stochastic initiation and domino-like DNA replication progression.

ABSTRACT: DNA replication dynamics in cells from higher eukaryotes follows very complex but highly efficient mechanisms. However, the principles behind initiation of potential replication origins and emergence of typical patterns of nuclear replication sites remain unclear. Here, we propose a comprehensive model of DNA replication in human cells that is based on stochastic, proximity-induced replication initiation. Critical model features are: spontaneous stochastic firing of individual origins in euchromatin and facultative heterochromatin, inhibition of firing at distances below the size of chromatin loops and a domino-like effect by which replication forks induce firing of nearby origins. The model reproduces the empirical temporal and chromatin-related properties of DNA replication in human cell

SUBMITTER: Lob D 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4829661 | biostudies-literature | 2016 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature