S-phase dependent forms of DNA - nuclear membrane complexes in HeLa cells.

DNA - nuclear membrane complexes were isolated from HeLa cells and examined by either zone sedimentation analysis or isopycnic centrifugation in sucrose/CsCl gradients. The data suggest that the complexes formed during the first 10 min of the S-phase remain as stable structures throughout the cell cycle. Other DNA - nuclear membrane complexes are formed at later times during replication. These later complexes appear as multiple species and the association of DNA and the nuclear membrane seems to be of a transient nature. Together, these results suggest that both the replicative origins and the replication points of the DNA are associated with the nuclear membrane. Although the complexes formed at the start of the S-phase and at later times during the S-phase appear to differ, these differences may provide them with the needed properties to serve as spatial organizers for the temporal regulation of DNA replication.