Origin DNA-binding proteins

Abstract

The first step in DNA replication involves the recognition of origin DNA sequences by origin-binding proteins. The three-dimensional structures of three different origin DNA-binding proteins have recently been solved. These proteins form a structural class distinct from other DNA-binding proteins. One of the origin-binding proteins, Epstein-Barr virus nuclear antigen 1, most likely has two modes of DNA binding; the sequential use of these modes may be important for the initiation of DNA replication.