MCM10 and RECQL4 have cooperative and redundant roles in activating the CMG helicase during the replication initiation.

MCM10 and RECQL4 cooperatively and redundantly activate the CMG helicase during human DNA replication initiation, with severe defects observed when both are depleted.

• Why it matters: Understanding how the CMG helicase is activated is crucial for insights into DNA replication, and gaps remain in identifying the key factors mediating this process in human cells.
• What they did: The study used degron-mediated depletion of MCM10 and RECQL4, along with ChIP-seq and rescue experiments, to analyze their roles and interactions during replication initiation.
• The result: Findings reveal that both proteins are essential for CMG activation, with their ssDNA-binding activity and direct interaction enabling functional redundancy, advancing knowledge of replication regulation.