Figure 2

A balance model of checkpoint recovery. The choice between checkpoint activation (A) and recovery (B) is controlled by reciprocal regulation of checkpoint factors and mitotic kinases. Establishment of the DNA damage checkpoint inhibits full-activation of mitotic kinases, which however, retain residual levels of activities. Checkpoint recovery can be initiated as the balance between the checkpoint machinery and mitotic kinases shifts: reduced checkpoint signaling leads to increased activities of mitotic kinases, which then further suppress checkpoint signaling through feedback regulation.