ORC1 : origin recognition complex subunit 1
Description
The ORC1 (origin recognition complex subunit 1) is a protein-coding gene located on chromosome 1.
The ORC1 gene provides instructions for making a protein that plays a key role in DNA replication, the process of copying a cell's DNA before it divides. This protein is part of the origin recognition complex (ORC), a group of proteins including ORC1 through ORC6. ORC binds to specific DNA regions called origins of replication, where DNA copying starts. It attracts other proteins to form a larger complex called the pre-replication complex. This complex is essential for initiating DNA replication at the origin and ensures that DNA replication occurs only once per cell division. ORC1 also interacts with heterochromatin, a densely packed form of DNA, but its role in this interaction is not fully understood. Beyond DNA replication, ORC1 is involved in the copying of centrosomes and centrioles, crucial structures for cell division. ORC1 prevents these structures from being copied multiple times, contributing to normal cell division. Some research suggests that ORC1 also participates in the function of cilia, tiny finger-like projections on cells involved in communication and development.
ORC1 is also known as HSORC1, ORC1L, PARC1.
