function:Regulatory subunit for CDC7 which activates its kinase activity thereby playing a central role in DNA replication and cell proliferation. Required for progression of S phase. The complex CDC7-DBF4A selectively phosphorylates MCM2 subunit at 'Ser-40' and 'Ser-53' and then is involved in regulating the initiation of DNA replication during cell cycle.,induction:Induced in G1 phase at low level, increased during G1-S phase and remain high during S and G2-M phase.,PTM:Phosphorylated upon DNA damage, probably by ATM or ATR.,similarity:Contains 1 DBF4-type zinc finger.,similarity:Contains 2 BRCT domains.,subunit:Forms a complex with CDC7. Note that CDC7 forms distinct complex either with DBF4A or DBF4B. Such complexes are stable upon replication stress. Interacts with MEN1, MCM2, ORC2L, ORC4L and ORC6L.,tissue specificity:Highly expressed in testis and thymus. Expressed also in most cancer cells lines.,