Replication factor C subunit 5 (RFC5)

Replication factor C subunit 5 (RFC5) is the 36 kDa subunit of the heteropentameric replication factor C (RFC) complex, which acts as a DNA-dependent ATPase required during the elongation phase of DNA replication and repair[1][3][5][7]. RFC5 and other RFC subunits are responsible for loading the proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA, the "sliding clamp") onto DNA, enabling high-fidelity DNA synthesis by DNA polymerases delta and epsilon[1][5][7]. RFC5 interacts with PCNA and other RFC subunits, forming a core functional complex essential for the initiation and completion of genome duplication during S phase of the cell cycle[1][3][5]. Elevated RFC5 expression is associated with increased proliferation and tumorigenic potential in cancer, especially colorectal cancer, and may serve as a biomarker for poor prognosis[2]. RFC5 is not currently considered a primary therapeutic target, but its essential role in DNA replication makes it of interest in oncology and genetic disease research[2][3].

Other names

RFC5Activator 1 36 kDa subunitRF-C 36 kDa subunitRFC36Replication factor C 36 kDa subunitActivator 1 subunit 5Replication factor C (activator 1) 5RFC, 36.5 kDa subunit

Not directly targeted by drugs; mechanistically, inhibition or gene silencing of RFC5 suppresses DNA replication and cell proliferation[2]. Targeting the RFC5 regulatory network (e.g., circ_0038985/miR-3614-5p/RFC5 axis) may inhibit cancer cell proliferation[2].