Organization of DNA replication in Physarum polycephalum. Attachment of origins of replicons and replication forks to the nuclear matrix.

We have investigated the attachment of the DNA to the nuclear matrix during the division cycle of the plasmodial slime mold Physarum polycephalum. The DNA of plasmodia was pulse labelled at different times during the S phase and the label distribution was studied by graded DNase digestion of the matrix-DNA complexes prepared from nuclei isolated by extraction with 2 M NaCl. Pulse labelled DNA was preferentially recovered from the matrix bound residual DNA at any time of the S phase. Label incorporated at the onset of the S phase remained preferentially associated with the matrix during the G2 phase and the subsequent S phase. The occurrence of the pulse label in the matrix associated DNA regions was transiently elevated at the onset of the subsequent S phase. Label incorporated at the end of the S phase was located at DNA regions which, in the G2 phase, were preferentially released from the matrix by DNase treatment. From the results and previously reported data on the distribution of attachment sites it can be concluded that origins of replicons or DNA sites very close to them are attached to the matrix during the entire nuclear cycle. The data further indicate that initiations of DNA replication occur at the same origins in successive S phases. Replicating DNA is bound to the matrix, in addition, by the replication fork or a region close to it. This binding is loosened after completion of the replication.