CDC7/ASK Proteins

Protein Information

CDC7, or Cell Division Cycle 7, is a serine/threonine kinase that plays a crucial role in the initiation of DNA replication. It is essential for the activation of replication origins during the S phase of the cell cycle. ASK, also known as Activator of S Phase Kinase/DBF4, is a regulatory subunit that binds to CDC7 and activates its kinase activity. The binding of ASK to CDC7 is necessary for the proper functioning of CDC7, as it regulates the activation and specificity of the kinase. Together, the CDC7/ASK complex is critical for the regulation of DNA replication. This complex phosphorylates components of the pre-replication complex at replication origins, thereby promoting the initiation of DNA synthesis. By ensuring that replication origins fire at the appropriate time, the CDC7/ASK complex helps to maintain genomic stability and proper cell cycle progression.