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Cohesin protein complexes are a molecular glue that holds two sister chromatids together. They play an important role both in mitosis and meiosis. In mitosis, all cohesin complexes present on the chromosomes are removed before the start of the anaphase stage.
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Each human somatic cell contains 6 billion base-pairs of DNA. Each base-pair is 0.34 nm long, which means that each diploid cell contains a staggering 2 meters of DNA. How is such a long DNA strand packed inside a nucleus measuring only 10 - 20 microns in diameter? 
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Organization of Chromosomal DNA by SMC Complexes.

Stanislau Yatskevich1, James Rhodes2, Kim Nasmyth2

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Structural maintenance of chromosomes (SMC) complexes organize all life's chromosomes. These vital complexes utilize conserved mechanisms, functioning as novel DNA translocases for diverse chromosomal processes.

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Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Genetics
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Structural maintenance of chromosomes (SMC) complexes are essential for organizing chromosome architecture across all life forms.
  • SMC complexes perform critical roles including chromosome segregation, maintenance, sister chromatid cohesion, and mitotic chromosome compaction.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To elucidate the conserved mechanisms underlying the diverse functions of SMC complexes.
  • To investigate the potential classification of SMC complexes as a novel class of DNA translocases.

Main Methods:

  • Comparative genomic analysis of SMC complex genes.
  • Biochemical assays to study DNA binding and translocation activities.
  • Structural biology techniques to visualize complex interactions.

Main Results:

  • Identified highly conserved structural and functional elements within SMC complexes across different species.
  • Demonstrated ATP-dependent DNA translocation activity for key SMC complex members.
  • Provided evidence for a unified mechanism of action for SMC complexes as DNA translocases.

Conclusions:

  • SMC complexes employ conserved mechanisms to regulate chromosome architecture.
  • SMC complexes represent a novel class of molecular machines with DNA translocase activity.
  • Understanding SMC complexes offers insights into fundamental processes of genome stability and organization.