Cryo-EM structure of a helicase loading intermediate containing ORC-Cdc6-Cdt1-MCM2-7 bound to DNA

Jingchuan Sun, Cecile Evrin, Stefan A. Samel, Alejandra Fernández-Cid, Alberto Riera, Hironori Kawakami, Bruce Stillman, Christian Speck, Huilin Li

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

111 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

In eukaryotes, the Cdt1-bound replicative helicase core MCM2-7 is loaded onto DNA by the ORC-Cdc6 ATPase to form a prereplicative complex (pre-RC) with an MCM2-7 double hexamer encircling DNA. Using purified components in the presence of ATP-γS, we have captured in vitro an intermediate in pre-RC assembly that contains a complex between the ORC-Cdc6 and Cdt1-MCM2-7 heteroheptamers called the OCCM. Cryo-EM studies of this 14-subunit complex reveal that the two separate heptameric complexes are engaged extensively, with the ORC-Cdc6 N-terminal AAA+ domains latching onto the C-terminal AAA+ motor domains of the MCM2-7 hexamer. The conformation of ORC-Cdc6 undergoes a concerted change into a right-handed spiral with helical symmetry that is identical to that of the DNA double helix. The resulting ORC-Cdc6 helicase loader shows a notable structural similarity to the replication factor C clamp loader, suggesting a conserved mechanism of action.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)944-951
Number of pages8
JournalNature Structural and Molecular Biology
Volume20
Issue number8
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Aug 2013

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Structural Biology
  • Molecular Biology

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Cryo-EM structure of a helicase loading intermediate containing ORC-Cdc6-Cdt1-MCM2-7 bound to DNA'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this