Who binds wins: competition for PCNA rings out cell-cycle changes

PCNA, proliferating cell nuclear antigen, is a pivotal protein in DNA replication, DNA repair and possibly cell-cycle control. The protein has a trimeric ring structure that might slide along duplex DNA and form a platform for association with a variety of proteins, in particular holding the DNA polymerases in close association with their template. This article reviews evidence suggesting that the activity of PCNA in replication and repair is coordinated within the cell cycle by cooperative and competitive interactions with an extensive network of enzymes and regulatory proteins.