The ORC4 gene provides instructions for making a protein that is important in the copying of a cell’s DNA before the cell divides (a process known as DNA replication). The protein produced from this gene, ORC4, is one of a group of proteins known as the origin recognition complex (ORC). (The complex is made up of the proteins ORC1 to ORC6, which are produced from different genes.) ORC attaches (binds) to certain regions of DNA known as origins of replication (or origins), where the process of DNA copying begins. This complex attracts additional proteins to bind to it, forming a larger group of proteins called the pre-replication complex. When the pre-replication complex is attached to the origin, replication is able to begin at that location. This tightly controlled process, called replication licensing, helps ensure that DNA replication occurs only once per cell division and is required for cells to divide.
ORC also attaches to a form of DNA called heterochromatin. Heterochromatin is densely packed DNA that contains few functional genes, but it is important for controlling gene activity and maintaining the structure of chromosomes. It is unclear what effect ORC binding has on heterochromatin.
Other Names
HsORC4; ORC4_HUMAN; ORC4L; ORC4P; origin recognition complex, subunit 4; origin recognition complex, subunit 4 homolog
Related Genetics Topics
Identifiers
- NCBI Gene: 5000
- OMIM: 603056
Source: MedlinePlus Genetics, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
