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MCM ring hexamerization is a prerequisite for DNA-binding.

Clifford A Froelich1, Amanda Nourse2, Eric J Enemark3

  • 1Department of Structural Biology, St Jude Children's Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Mail Stop 311, Memphis, TN 38105, USA.

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Summary
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The hexameric Minichromosome Maintenance (MCM) complex binds single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) only in its complete ring form. Mutations disrupting this hexamerization prevent DNA binding, highlighting the importance of MCM

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Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Biochemistry
  • Structural Biology

Background:

  • The hexameric Minichromosome Maintenance (MCM) protein complex is crucial for DNA replication initiation in eukaryotes and archaea.
  • Previous structural studies revealed single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) binding at specific subunit interfaces within the MCM N-terminal domain.
  • DNA binding is influenced by both DNA-binding residues and the relative orientation of MCM subunits.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the role of the hexameric structure in DNA binding by the archaeal MCM N-terminal domain.
  • To determine if hexamerization is essential for ssDNA binding in Pyrococcus furiosus MCM.

Main Methods:

  • Site-directed mutagenesis to create MCM mutants defective in hexamerization.
  • Biochemical assays to assess ssDNA binding capabilities of wild-type and mutant MCM complexes.
  • Analysis of conserved residues and their role in subunit association and DNA binding.

Main Results:

  • DNA binding by the Pyrococcus furiosus MCM N-terminal domain is strictly dependent on its hexameric oligomeric state.
  • Mutants unable to form the hexameric ring were defective in ssDNA binding, even with intact DNA-binding motifs.
  • A mutation in a conserved phenylalanine residue impaired both hexamerization and ssDNA binding, similar to a cancer-associated mutation in mice.

Conclusions:

  • The hexameric ring structure of the MCM complex is essential for its ability to bind single-stranded DNA.
  • Subunit orientation within the hexamer, not just individual binding residues, dictates DNA interaction.
  • Understanding MCM's structural requirements for DNA binding provides insights into DNA replication mechanisms and potential links to chromosomal instability.