Claspin (CLSPN)

Required for checkpoint mediated cell cycle arrest in response to inhibition of DNA replication or to DNA damage caused by both ionizing and UV irradiation. Adapter protein that binds to BRCA1 and the checkpoint kinase CHEK1 and eases the ATR- dependent phosphorylation of both proteins.

Can also bind specifically to branched DNA structures and may connect with S- phase chromatin following formation of the pre-replication complicated (pre-RC). This may indicate a role for this protein as a sensor that monitors the integrity of DNA replication forks.