Download MendeleyCryo-EM structure of DNA-bound Smc5/6 reveals DNA clamping enabled by multi-subunit conformational changes.
Yu, Y., Li, S., Ser, Z., Kuang, H., Than, T., Guan, D., Zhao, X., Patel, D.J.(2022) Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 119: e2202799119-e2202799119
- PubMed: 35648833
- DOI: https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2202799119
- Primary Citation of Related Structures:
7TVE - PubMed Abstract:
Structural maintenance of chromosomes (SMC) complexes are essential for chromatin organization and functions throughout the cell cycle. The cohesin and condensin SMCs fold and tether DNA, while Smc5/6 directly promotes DNA replication and repair. The functions of SMCs rely on their abilities to engage DNA, but how Smc5/6 binds and translocates on DNA remains largely unknown. Here, we present a 3.8 Å cryogenic electron microscopy (cryo-EM) structure of DNA-bound Saccharomyces cerevisiae Smc5/6 complex containing five of its core subunits, including Smc5, Smc6, and the Nse1-3-4 subcomplex. Intricate interactions among these subunits support the formation of a clamp that encircles the DNA double helix. The positively charged inner surface of the clamp contacts DNA in a nonsequence-specific manner involving numerous DNA binding residues from four subunits. The DNA duplex is held up by Smc5 and 6 head regions and positioned between their coiled-coil arm regions, reflecting an engaged-head and open-arm configuration. The Nse3 subunit secures the DNA from above, while the hook-shaped Nse4 kleisin forms a scaffold connecting DNA and all other subunits. The Smc5/6 DNA clamp shares similarities with DNA-clamps formed by other SMCs but also exhibits differences that reflect its unique functions. Mapping cross-linking mass spectrometry data derived from DNA-free Smc5/6 to the DNA-bound Smc5/6 structure identifies multi-subunit conformational changes that enable DNA capture. Finally, mutational data from cells reveal distinct DNA binding contributions from each subunit to Smc5/6 chromatin association and cell fitness. In summary, our integrative study illuminates how a unique SMC complex engages DNA in supporting genome regulation.
Organizational Affiliation:
Structural Biology Program, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, 10065.
