ORC function in late G1: maintaining the license for DNA replication.

The origin recognition complex (ORC) is essential as a scaffold for the assembly of prereplicative complexes (pre-RCs) in G(1) phase of the cell cycle. Some models have proposed that once origins have been licensed for DNA replication, ORC is dispensable for MCM protein association, and ensuing DNA replication. Although budding yeast Orc6 is not needed for origin recognition or binding in vitro, we have recently shown that this ORC subunit is required in late G(1) phase for maintenance of MCMs, and subsequent DNA replication. Further investigation shows that depletion of Orc6 results in displacement of MCM proteins from both early- and late-firing origins, and eventually results in the activation of the Rad53 checkpoint kinase, consistent with incomplete DNA replication. Loss of MCM association at origins may be mediated by the displacement of Mcm10 and/or Orc2 as a consequence of late G(1) Orc6 depletion.

An essential role for Orc6 in DNA replication through maintenance of pre-replicative complexes.

The heterohexameric origin recognition complex (ORC) acts as a scaffold for the G(1) phase assembly of pre-replicative complexes (pre-RC). Only the Orc1-5 subunits appear to be required for origin binding in budding yeast, yet Orc6 is an essential protein for cell proliferation. Imaging of Orc6-YFP in live cells revealed a punctate pattern consistent with the organization of replication origins into subnuclear foci. Orc6 was not detected at the site of division between mother and daughter cells, in contrast to observations for metazoans, and is not required for mitosis or cytokinesis. An essential role for Orc6 in DNA replication was identified by depleting it at specific cell cycle stages. Interestingly, Orc6 was required for entry into S phase after pre-RC formation, in contrast to previous models suggesting ORC is dispensable at this point in the cell cycle. When Orc6 was depleted in late G(1), Mcm2 and Mcm10 were displaced from chromatin, cells failed to progress through S phase, and DNA combing analysis following bromodeoxyuridine incorporation revealed that the efficiency of replication origin firing was severely compromised.

Disruption of Golgi morphology and trafficking in cells expressing mutant prenylated rab acceptor-1.

Prenylated Rab acceptor (PRA1) is a protein that binds Rab GTPases and the v-SNARE VAMP2. The protein is localized to the Golgi complex and post-Golgi vesicles. To determine its functional role, we generated a number of point mutations and divided them into three classes based on cellular localization. Class A mutants were retained in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and exerted an inhibitory effect on transport of vesicular stomatitis virus envelope glycoprotein (VSVG) from the ER to Golgi as well as to the plasma membrane. Class B mutants exhibited a highly condensed Golgi complex and inhibited exit of anterograde cargo from this organelle. Class C mutants exhibited an intermediate phenotype with Golgi and ER localization along with extensive tubular structures emanating from the Golgi complex. There was a direct correlation between the cellular phenotype and binding to Rab and VAMP2. Class A and C mutants showed a significant decrease in Rab and VAMP2 binding, whereas an increase in binding was observed in the class B mutants. Thus, PRA1 is required for vesicle formation from the Golgi complex and might be involved in recruitment of Rab effectors and SNARE proteins during cargo sequestration.