Chk1 and Claspin potentiate PCNA ubiquitination

Chk1 is a kinase crucial for genomic integrity and an effector of ATR (ATM and Rad3-related) in DNA damage response. Here, we show that Chk1 regulates the DNA damage-induced ubiquitination of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), which facilitates the continuous replication of damaged DNA. Surprisingly, this Chk1 function requires the DNA replication protein Claspin but not ATR. Claspin, which is stabilized by Chk1, regulates the binding of the ubiquitin ligase Rad18 to chromatin. Timeless, a Claspin-associating protein, is also required for efficient PCNA ubiquitination. Thus, Chk1 and the Claspin-Timeless module of replication forks not only participate in ATR signaling, but also protect stressed forks independently of ATR.