DNA replication factor CDT1

DNA replication factor Cdt1 is a is_associated_with::protein that in humans is encoded by the CDT1 is_associated_with::gene.

The protein encoded by this gene is a key licensing factor which, along with the protein is_associated_with::Cdc6, functions to license DNA by forming the is_associated_with::pre-replication complex (pre-RC). Its activity during the is_associated_with::cell cycle is tightly regulated by its association with the protein is_associated_with::geminin, which both inhibits Cdt1 activity during S phase in order to prevent re-replication of DNA and prevents it from ubiquitination and subsequent proteolysis.

Orthologs
CDT1 belongs to a family of replication proteins conserved from yeast to humans. Examples of orthlogs in other species include:
 * S. pombe – cdt1 (cdc10-dependent transcript 1)
 * is_associated_with::Drosophila melanogaster – 'double parked' or Dup
 * Xenopus laevis - Cdt1

Interactions
DNA replication factor CDT1 has been shown to interact with is_associated_with::SKP2. Cdt1 is recruited by the is_associated_with::origin recognition complex in origin licensing. Null-mutations for Cdt1 are lethal in yeast; the spores undergo mitosis without DNA replication. The overexpression of Cdt1 causes rereplication in H. sapiens, which activates the Chk1 pathway, preventing entry into mitosis.