Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 16, 2026

Adaptation at the Extremes of Life: Experimental Evolution with the Extremophile Archaeon Sulfolobus acidocaldarius
08:11

Adaptation at the Extremes of Life: Experimental Evolution with the Extremophile Archaeon Sulfolobus acidocaldarius

Published on: June 14, 2024

An archaeal order with multiple minichromosome maintenance genes

Alison D Walters1, James P J Chong1

  • 1Department of Biology (Area 5), PO Box 373, University of York, York YO10 5YW, UK.

Microbiology (Reading, England)
|February 6, 2010
PubMed

Insights

Researchers discovered multiple minichromosome maintenance (MCM) proteins in archaea, suggesting complex MCM assemblies may be ancient. These findings offer new models for studying eukaryotic DNA replication helicase function.

Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Genomics
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Eukaryotic DNA replication relies on a six-protein minichromosome maintenance (MCM) complex functioning as the replicative helicase.
  • Studying eukaryotic MCM function has been challenging due to biochemical intractability, leading to research on archaeal homologues.
  • Previously studied archaeal MCM systems feature a single MCM protein forming a homohexamer with DNA binding, ATPase, and helicase activities.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the presence and potential function of multiple MCM homologues in archaea.
  • To explore the evolutionary origins and assembly of MCM complexes in the Methanococcales order.
  • To establish Methanococcales MCMs as a novel model system for understanding eukaryotic MCM function.

Main Methods:

  • Bioinformatic analysis, including BLAST searches, of Methanococcales genomes to identify MCM homologues.
  • Phylogenetic analysis to determine the evolutionary relationships between identified MCM proteins.
  • Heterologous co-expression of Methanococcus maripaludis MCMs in Escherichia coli, followed by co-purification to assess complex formation.

Main Results:

  • Multiple MCM homologues (two to eight) were identified across Methanococcales genomes.
  • Phylogenetic analysis revealed two distinct groups of MCMs in Methanococcales, suggesting an ancient duplication event.
  • Co-expression and co-purification demonstrated that four MCMs from M. maripaludis can form heteromeric complexes in vitro.

Conclusions:

  • The Methanococcales possess multiple, distinct MCM proteins, unlike previously studied archaeal systems.
  • The presence of different MCM groups suggests potential functional specialization and the possibility of complex heteromeric assemblies.
  • Methanococcales MCMs represent a valuable new model for dissecting the molecular mechanisms of eukaryotic MCM helicase function.

More Related Videos

Determination of the Optimal Chromosomal Location(s) for a DNA Element in Escherichia coli Using a Novel Transposon-mediated Approach11:12

Determination of the Optimal Chromosomal Location(s) for a DNA Element in Escherichia coli Using a Novel Transposon-mediated Approach

Published on: September 11, 2017

Hybrid Ensemble and Single-molecule Assay to Image the Motion of Fully Reconstituted CMG10:11

Hybrid Ensemble and Single-molecule Assay to Image the Motion of Fully Reconstituted CMG

Published on: July 26, 2024

Related Concept Videos

Diversity of Archaea II01:24

Diversity of Archaea II

Archaea, one of the three domains of life, exhibit remarkable diversity and adaptability, thriving in both extreme and moderate environments. Historically, most identified archaea have been classified into two major phyla: Euryarchaeota and Crenarchaeota. However, recent molecular studies have expanded this classification to include three additional phyla: Thaumarchaeota, Nanoarchaeota, and Korarchaeota, each exhibiting unique characteristics and ecological roles.Thaumarchaeota: Mesophiles...
Nucleoid01:24

Nucleoid

The nucleoid represents a structurally and functionally distinct region within prokaryotic cells, where the cell's DNA and associated proteins are housed. Unlike eukaryotic cells, prokaryotes lack a membrane-bound nucleus, and the nucleoid facilitates the organization and accessibility of the genetic material within this constraint. The DNA in most bacteria and archaea exists as a single, circular, double-stranded molecule that is highly compacted through supercoiling and interactions with...
Diversity of Archaea III01:27

Diversity of Archaea III

Crenarchaeota, a prominent phylum of Archaea, is remarkable for its ability to thrive in extreme environments characterized by high temperatures and acidity. These microorganisms inhabit sulfuric hot springs, volcanic systems, and submarine hydrothermal vents, where temperatures often exceed 100°C. The unique adaptations of Crenarchaeota not only allow survival under such extreme conditions but also provide insights into the mechanisms of life in primordial Earth-like environments.Morphological...
Diversity of Archaea I01:30

Diversity of Archaea I

Archaea, a domain of single-celled microorganisms, are classified into five major phyla based on genetic and biochemical characteristics: Euryarchaeota, Crenarchaeota, Thaumarchaeota, Korarchaeota, and Nanoarchaeota. Among these, the phylum Euryarchaeota is notable for its remarkable diversity in morphology, metabolism, and ecological adaptations.Morphological and Metabolic DiversityMembers of Euryarchaeota exhibit a variety of cellular shapes, including rods and cocci. Their metabolic pathways...
Viruses of Archaea01:29

Viruses of Archaea

Archaeal viruses play a crucial role in the ecosystems of extremophilic archaea, particularly those belonging to the phyla Euryarchaeota and Crenarchaeota. By shaping host evolution and facilitating gene transfer, these viruses influence microbial communities and contribute to genetic diversity in extreme environments. The archaea they infect thrive in acidic hot springs and hydrothermal vents characterized by high temperatures and low pH. Archaeal viruses exhibit remarkable structural...
Surface Appendages of Archaea01:23

Surface Appendages of Archaea

Archaeal surface appendages are highly specialized structures essential for environmental adaptation, encompassing roles in adhesion, biofilm formation, and motility. Among these appendages, pili and archaella stand out for their distinct morphologies and functionalities, enabling archaea to thrive in diverse and often extreme environments.Pili: Adhesion and Biofilm FormationPili are filamentous structures assembled from pilin protein subunits, primarily contributing to adhesion and biofilm...