Chromatin replication and epigenome maintenance

The influence of chromatin structure on the DNA replication programme is reciprocated by replication-coupled mechanisms that re-establish chromatin on newly formed DNA. The tight coupling of these processes is essential for promoting integrity of the genome and epigenome, with possible implications for ageing and cancer. Stability and function of eukaryotic genomes are closely linked to chromatin structure and organization. During cell division the entire genome must be accurately replicated and the chromatin landscape reproduced on new DNA. Chromatin and nuclear structure influence where and when DNA replication initiates, whereas the replication process itself disrupts chromatin and challenges established patterns of genome regulation. Specialized replication-coupled mechanisms assemble new DNA into chromatin, but epigenome maintenance is a continuous process taking place throughout the cell cycle. If DNA synthesis is perturbed, cells can suffer loss of both genome and epigenome integrity with severe consequences for the organism.