Structure of the SSB-DNA polymerase III interface and its role in DNA replication.

TitleStructure of the SSB-DNA polymerase III interface and its role in DNA replication.
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2011
AuthorsMarceau AH, Bahng S, Massoni SC, George NP, Sandler SJ, Marians KJ, Keck JL
JournalEMBO J
Volume30
Issue20
Pagination4236-47
Date Published2011 Oct 19
ISSN1460-2075
KeywordsAmino Acid Sequence, Bacterial Proteins, Base Sequence, DNA Polymerase III, DNA Replication, DNA, Single-Stranded, DNA-Binding Proteins, Escherichia coli, Escherichia coli Proteins, Holoenzymes, Molecular Sequence Data
Abstract

Interactions between single-stranded DNA-binding proteins (SSBs) and the DNA replication machinery are found in all organisms, but the roles of these contacts remain poorly defined. In Escherichia coli, SSB's association with the χ subunit of the DNA polymerase III holoenzyme has been proposed to confer stability to the replisome and to aid delivery of primers to the lagging-strand DNA polymerase. Here, the SSB-binding site on χ is identified crystallographically and biochemical and cellular studies delineate the consequences of destabilizing the χ/SSB interface. An essential role for the χ/SSB interaction in lagging-strand primer utilization is not supported. However, sequence changes in χ that block complex formation with SSB lead to salt-dependent uncoupling of leading- and lagging-strand DNA synthesis and to a surprising obstruction of the leading-strand DNA polymerase in vitro, pointing to roles for the χ/SSB complex in replisome establishment and maintenance. Destabilization of the χ/SSB complex in vivo produces cells with temperature-dependent cell cycle defects that appear to arise from replisome instability.

DOI10.1038/emboj.2011.305
Alternate JournalEMBO J.
PubMed ID21857649