The architecture of an Okazaki fragment-processing holoenzyme from the archaeon Sulfolobus solfataricus

Biochem J. 2015 Jan 15;465(2):239-45. doi: 10.1042/BJ20141120.

Abstract

DNA replication on the lagging strand occurs via the synthesis and maturation of Okazaki fragments. In archaea and eukaryotes, the enzymatic activities required for this process are supplied by a replicative DNA polymerase, Flap endonuclease 1 (Fen1) and DNA ligase 1 (Lig1). These factors interact with the sliding clamp PCNA (proliferating cell nuclear antigen) providing a potential means of co-ordinating their sequential actions within a higher order assembly. In hyperthermophilic archaea of the Sulfolobus genus, PCNA is a defined heterotrimeric assembly and each subunit interacts preferentially with specific client proteins. We have exploited this inherent asymmetry to assemble a PCNA-polymerase-Fen1-ligase complex on DNA and have visualized it by electron microscopy. Our studies reveal the structural basis of co-occupancy of a single PCNA ring by the three distinct client proteins.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Archaeal Proteins / chemistry*
  • Archaeal Proteins / genetics
  • DNA Ligase ATP
  • DNA Ligases / chemistry*
  • DNA Ligases / genetics
  • Flap Endonucleases / chemistry*
  • Flap Endonucleases / genetics
  • Multiprotein Complexes* / chemistry
  • Multiprotein Complexes* / genetics
  • Multiprotein Complexes* / ultrastructure
  • Proliferating Cell Nuclear Antigen / chemistry*
  • Proliferating Cell Nuclear Antigen / genetics
  • Sulfolobus solfataricus / chemistry*
  • Sulfolobus solfataricus / genetics

Substances

  • Archaeal Proteins
  • Multiprotein Complexes
  • Proliferating Cell Nuclear Antigen
  • Flap Endonucleases
  • DNA Ligases
  • DNA Ligase ATP