Control of DNA replication by protein phosphorylation.

Protein phosphorylation is a versatile posttranslational modification and the most eminent molecular mechanism that can regulate enzymatic activities, emergence of cells from quiescence, DNA replication and onset of mitosis, gene expression, nuclear import, development, and memory. The cell cycle is mainly regulated by p34cdc2 in association with cyclins B at G2/M and by Cdk2 in association with cyclins A, D1, and E at G1/S checkpoints. MAP kinases might link the G0 to G1 transition with the regulation of the cell cycle whereas phosphorylation of replication protein factors, c-Myc, AP-1, Oct-1, T-antigen, retinoblastoma, and p53 might link the G1 to S transition with the control of DNA synthesis. These transcription regulators can up- or downregulate DNA replication and their DNA binding activities or transacting properties are controlled by phosphorylation.