Archaeal and eukaryotic MCM rings sequentially melt DNA for replication initiation - PubMed
4 hours ago
- #DNA replication
- #helicase mechanism
- #MCM complex
- DNA replication initiation in eukaryotes and archaea involves local DNA melting for helicase engagement, mediated by the MCM complex.
- The study reveals a sequential DNA melting mechanism in archaeal MCM rings, driven by successive ATP-binding and involving specific aromatic residues.
- Snapshots of archaeal MCM rings with DNA show discrete melting steps, with eukaryotic structures indicating a universal sequential mechanism across species.
- The mechanism suggests that loaded MCM rings adopt specific arrangements at the ATPase site, with one state tuned for DNA melting using equivalent aromatic residues.