Abstract

Faithful DNA replication requires precise control of replication fork progression to maintain genome integrity; yet, the mechanisms that restrain excessive fork acceleration remain unclear. We identify SUDS3 as a condensate-associated regulator of replication speed. SUDS3 forms dynamic nuclear condensates during S phase and under replication stress. These condensates spatially partition replication-associated factors, particularly MCM10, thereby limiting their accessibility to replication-associated chromatin. Loss of SUDS3 disrupts this spatial regulation and leads to aberrantly accelerated fork progression. Under replication stress, unchecked fork acceleration in SUDS3-deficient cells results in defective fork protection, excessive single-stranded DNA accumulation, ATR-CHK1 hyperactivation, and increased genome instability. Consequently, SUDS3 deficiency sensitizes cells to replication-targeting chemotherapeutic agents, a phenotype rescued by wild-type SUDS3 but not by condensate-defective mutant. Together, our findings reveal a condensate-based mechanism that constrains replication dynamics and establish SUDS3 condensates as critical safeguards of genome stability and potential vulnerabilities in replication-stressed cancers.