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Determination of the structure of an archaeal clamp loading complex
via single particle cryogenic electron microscopy


EMSL Project ID
51769

Abstract

Replicative DNA polymerases associate with ring-shaped sliding clamps that encompass the DNA and therefore allow processive DNA synthesis. Loading of the clamp requires a clamp loading complex that binds and catalyzes the opening and closing of the clamp around the DNA in an ATP-dependent manner. To investigate the mechanism of archaeal clamp loading and the role of ATP hydrolysis in this process, replication factor C (RFC) and its clamp partner, proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) from S. solfataricus were expressed and co-purified. We have attempted and obtained a preliminary cryogenic electron microscopy (Cryo-EM) structure (8 Å) of the RFC/PCNA complex.

Project Details

Start Date
2020-12-15
End Date
2021-03-17
Status
Closed

Team

Principal Investigator

Zucai Suo
Institution
Florida State University

Team Members

Dhakaram Pangeni Sharma
Institution
Florida State University