On the trail of the beginning - The search for DNA replication origins

Abstract Timely and accurate duplication of DNA prior to cell division is a prerequisite for propagation of the genetic material to both daughter cells. DNA synthesis initiates at discrete sites, termed replication origins, and proceeds in a bidirectional manner until all genomic DNA is replicated. Despite the fundamental nature of these events, a uniform method that identifies origins of replication in a comprehensive manner is still missing. Here, we present currently available and discuss new approaches to map replication origins in mammalian genomes