Identification and complete cDNA sequence of the missing Drosophila MCMs: DmMCM3, DmMCM6 and DmMCM7

The minichromosome maintenance (MCM) gene family consists of six members (M CM2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7) in Saccharomyces cerevisiae as well as in humans. Ea ch family member plays an essential role in the replication of DNA. In Dros ophila melanogaster only three members, DmMCM2, DmMCM4/dpa and DmMCM5/DmCDC 46, have been studied. In addition, two other partial sequences were recent ly reported. Using degenerate primers and low stringency PCR conditions six different DNA sequences were identified with highest sequence similarity t o MCM2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7. Sequence analysis of full length cDNA clones corr esponding to the MCM3, 6 and 7 fragment proves the existence of six MCM gen es in Drosophila melanogaster. Strong homology to the human counterparts, m RNA expression analysis and physico-chemical properties suggest a conserved function in DNA replication for DmMCM3, 6 and 7. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.