OBFC1

OBFC1 is a protein encoded by the OBFC1 gene in humans. The gene is located on chromosome 7q22.1. The OBFC1 protein is a component of the origin recognition complex (ORC), a multi-subunit protein complex that binds to origins of replication and plays a crucial role in initiating DNA replication. Specifically, OBFC1 is involved in loading the MCM helicase onto the DNA, a critical step in unwinding the DNA double helix for replication. It interacts with other ORC subunits, including ORC1, ORC2, and CDT1, to form a functional pre-replication complex. Mutations in the OBFC1 gene have been associated with certain developmental disorders, though research in this area is ongoing. The precise mechanisms and broader biological functions of OBFC1 are still under investigation, with ongoing studies aiming to further elucidate its role in DNA replication and cell cycle control.