Cdc7DBF4DBF4B

Cdc7DBF4DBF4B is a protein complex described in some datasets as a variant of the eukaryotic Cdc7-Dbf4 kinase, a serine/threonine kinase that forms a heterodimer essential for the initiation of DNA replication. The designation suggests involvement of the catalytic subunit Cdc7 together with one or more regulatory Dbf4 family subunits, potentially including a paralog such as DBF4B. This organization places the complex within the DDK (Dbf4-dependent kinase) family, which coordinates the early steps of DNA synthesis in the S phase of the cell cycle.

Structure and subunits are centered on the conserved Cdc7 kinase domain, which requires association with a regulatory partner to achieve full activity and correct substrate targeting. Dbf4 or its paralogs provide regulatory input, guide chromatin association, and influence substrate selection, enabling phosphorylation of key replication factors and helicase components.

Functionally, the complex promotes origin firing by phosphorylating components of the pre-replication and pre-initiation complexes, notably parts of the MCM2-7 helicase. Activation of Cdc7-Dbf4 activity is tightly controlled during the cell cycle and through checkpoint pathways, ensuring replication initiates at the appropriate time and coordinates with other cell cycle events.

In research and clinical contexts, the Cdc7-Dbf4 axis is a focal point for studies of replication stress and cancer biology. Inhibitors targeting this kinase complex are explored as potential anti-cancer therapies, given its central role in DNA replication.

Note: The exact nomenclature Cdc7DBF4DBF4B is not a standard, widely recognized gene/protein name in all databases; the article summarizes features associated with the canonical Cdc7-Dbf4 complex. See also: CDC7, DBF4, DDK, MCM2-7, origin firing.