Postreplication Checkpoint

Postreplication Checkpoint

When the genomic DNA of eukaryotic cells becomes damaged by spontaneous processes, chemical mutagens, or sunlight exposure, the replication of damaged DNA triggers a cellular response called a postreplication checkpoint. This response prevents cell cycle progression until postreplication repair processes are completed, and may control the activity of these DNA repair pathways. In cell types that execute S phase before mitosis, such as fission yeast and human cells, the postreplication checkpoint makes time for repair by delaying the onset of mitosis. In cell types where mitosis and S phase are concurrent, such as budding yeast, the postreplication checkpoint delays the progress of mitosis at metaphase.

The chk1 gene is required to mediate the postreplication checkpoint and is conserved in yeast and humans. Fission yeast cells in which the chk1 gene has been disrupted progress normally through the cell cycle after exposure to UV radiation until they have carried damaged DNA through S-phase and the subsequent mitosis, at which point cells begin to die and exhibit gross chromosomal damage. The BRCA1 tumor suppressor plays a role in the activation of human chk1, therefore the postreplication checkpoint may prevent the genetic changes that lead to cancer.