The SMC5/6 complex: folding chromosomes back into shape when genomes take a break.

Area of Science:

• Molecular Biology
• Genetics
• Biophysics

Background:

• Chromatin folding dictates chromosome structure and function.
• Structural Maintenance of Chromosome (SMC) complexes like condensin and cohesin manage large-scale chromosome folding during cell division.
• The SMC5/6 complex, however, performs localized, context-specific roles in interphase chromosome organization, impacting health and disease.

Approach:

• Recent single-molecule biophysics and cryo-electron microscopy studies have elucidated the SMC5/6 complex's architecture.
• These advances reveal how the complex interacts with chromatin to perform its unique functions.
• This review integrates these findings to differentiate SMC5/6 from other SMC enzymes.

Key Points:

• SMC5/6 complex exhibits unique features distinguishing it from other SMC enzymes.
• It facilitates significant DNA folding reorganization during DNA repair and other genome transactions.
• The complex is dynamically targeted to damaged chromatin.

Conclusions:

• The SMC5/6 complex's distinct properties enable crucial interphase chromosome organization.
• Its role in DNA repair and genome maintenance is critical for human health.
• Understanding SMC5/6 mechanisms offers insights into disease and therapeutic strategies.