Protein DBF4 homolog B (DBF4B)

Protein DBF4 homolog B (DBF4B) is a regulatory subunit that binds to and activates the CDC7 serine/threonine kinase, thereby controlling a key step in the initiation of DNA replication through phosphorylation of the MCM complex[3][1]. DBF4B is localized to the nucleus and is expressed in a cell cycle-dependent manner, particularly accumulating in S phase and being rapidly degraded thereafter[1]. The CDC7-DBF4B complex is required for S phase and mitotic progression, functioning by phosphorylating MCM2 and potentially other substrates, thus facilitating genome duplication and cell proliferation[3]. The activity and regulation of DBF4B is central to the propagation of genetic information and may be influential in cancer biology due to associations with cell division and transformation[2][3].

Other names

DBF4BDRF1ASKL1ASK-like protein 1Chiffon homolog BDbf4-related factor 1Zinc finger, DBF-type containing 1BActivator of S phase kinase-like protein 1Protein DBF4 homolog BFLJ13087ZDBF1B

Drugs such as CDC7 kinase inhibitors block kinase activity, thereby inhibiting initiation of DNA replication and cell proliferation in contexts where DBF4B is the activating subunit.