The paper maps ORC1 binding sites across the human genome, linking replication licensing to chromatin states, 3D genome organization, and replication timing.

bioRxiv · Oct 23, 2026 · PreprintBiochemistry

A role for CIZ1, a Nuclear Matrix Protein Overexpressed in Cancer Cells, in Controlling the Initiation of DNA Replication

Manzar J. Hossain, Michael Tramantano, Sanjay Naik, Bruce Stillman

This study identifies CIZ1 as a scaffold protein that coordinates DNA replication licensing, Cyclin-CDK signaling, and chromatin organization, with its depletion inhibiting tumor growth in xenograft models.

bioRxiv · Oct 13, 2026 · PreprintMolecular Biology

Evolution of Origin Sequence and Recognition for Licensing of Eukaryotic DNA Replication

Jack Bauer, Narges Zali, Om Prakash Chouhan, Osama E. Demerdash, Kaiser Loell, Mathew Tuttle, Justin B. Kinney, Leemor Joshua‐Tor, Bruce Stillman

The paper compares origin recognition mechanisms in yeast and human cells, revealing evolutionary differences in DNA replication initiation.

bioRxiv · Aug 5, 2026 · PreprintMolecular Biology

Genome sequence assembly and annotation of MATA and MATB strains of Yarrowia lipolytica

Narges Zali, Osama E. Demerdash, Kapeel M. Chougule, Zhenyuan Lu, Doreen Ware, Bruce Stillman

The paper presents high-quality genome assemblies and annotations for two Yarrowia lipolytica strains, using a combination of short-read and long-read sequencing technologies.

NAR Genomics and Bioinformatics · Oct 7, 2025Peer-reviewedGenomics

Prevalent and Dynamic Binding of the Cell Cycle Checkpoint Kinase Rad53 to Gene Promoters

Yi-Jun Sheu, Risa Karakida Kawaguchi, Jesse A Gillis, Bruce Stillman

The paper shows Rad53 binds to gene promoters under replication stress, influencing gene expression and coordinating replication with transcription.

eLife · Dec 15, 2022Peer-reviewedMolecular Biology

Cyclin binding Cy motifs have multiple activities in the initiation of DNA replication

Manzar J. Hossain, Kuhulika Bhalla, Bruce Stillman

The paper identifies Cyclin-binding (Cy) motifs in ORC1 and CDC6 that mediate cell cycle-dependent protein interactions and regulate DNA replication initiation.

Molecular Cell · Mar 23, 2021Peer-reviewedMolecular Biology

The human Origin Recognition Complex is essential for pre-RC assembly, mitosis and maintenance of nuclear structure.

Hsiang-Chen Chou, Kuhulika Bhalla, Osama El Demerdesh, Olaf Klingbeil, Kaarina Hanington, Sergey S. Aganezov, Peter Andrews, Habeeb Alsudani, Kenneth Chang, Christopher R. Vakoc, Michael C. Schatz, William Richard McCombie, Bruce Stillman

This study shows ORC subunits and CDC6 are essential for pre-RC assembly, mitosis, and nuclear structure in human cells.

eLife · Feb 1, 2021Peer-reviewedMolecular Biology

Evolution of DNA Replication Origin Specification and Gene Silencing Mechanisms

Yixin Hu, Ammar Tareen, Yi-Jun Sheu, William T. Ireland, Christian Speck, Huilin Li, Leemor Joshua‐Tor, Justin B. Kinney, Bruce Stillman

The paper identifies sequence-specificity in DNA replication origins mediated by Orc4 α-helix in S. cerevisiae and links its evolution to gene silencing mechanisms.

Nature Communications · Oct 14, 2020Peer-reviewedMolecular Biology

Concerted activities of Mcm4, Sld3 and Dbf4 in control of origin activation and DNA replication fork progression

Yi-Jun Sheu, Justin B Kinney, Bruce Stillman

The paper investigates the roles of Mcm4, Sld3, and Dbf4 in DNA replication origin activation and fork progression under various conditions.

Genome Research · Jan 5, 2016Peer-reviewedGenetics