Transient DNA Occupancy of the SMC Interarm Space in Prokaryotic Condensin

Structural basis for plasmid restriction by SMC JET nuclease

DNA loop-extruding SMC complexes play crucial roles in chromosome folding and DNA immunity. Prokaryotic SMC Wadjet (JET) complexes limit the spread of plasmids through DNA cleavage, yet the mechanisms for plasmid recognition are unresolved. We show that artificial DNA circularization renders linear DNA susceptible to JET nuclease cleavage. Unlike free DNA, JET cleaves immobilized plasmid DNA at a specific site, the plasmid-anchoring point, showing that the anchor hinders DNA extrusion but not DNA cleavage. Structures of plasmid-bound JetABC reveal two presumably stalled SMC motor units that are drastically rearranged from the resting state, together entrapping a U-shaped DNA segment, which is further converted to kinked V-shaped cleavage substrate by JetD nuclease binding. Our findings uncover mechanical bending of residual unextruded DNA as molecular signature for plasmid recognition and non-self DNA elimination. We moreover elucidate key elements of SMC loop extrusion, including the motor direction and the structure of a DNA-holding state.

Current working models of SMC-driven DNA-loop extrusion

Structural maintenance of chromosome (SMC) proteins play a key roles in the chromosome organization by condensing two meters of DNA into cell-sized structures considered as the SMC protein extrudes DNA loop. Recent sequencing-based high-throughput chromosome conformation capture technique (Hi-C) and single-molecule experiments have provided direct evidence of DNA-loop extrusion. However, the molecular mechanism by which SMCs extrude a DNA loop is still under debate. Here, we review DNA-loop extrusion studies with single-molecule assays and introduce recent structural studies of how the ATP-hydrolysis cycle is coupled to the conformational changes of SMCs for DNA-loop extrusion. In addition, we explain the conservation of the DNA-binding sites that are vital for dynamic DNA-loop extrusion by comparing Cryo-EM structures of SMC complexes. Based on this information, we compare and discuss four compelling working models that explain how the SMC complex extrudes a DNA loop.

Dynamics of chromosome organization in a minimal bacterial cell

Computational models of cells cannot be considered complete unless they include the most fundamental process of life, the replication and inheritance of genetic material. By creating a computational framework to model systems of replicating bacterial chromosomes as polymers at 10 bp resolution with Brownian dynamics, we investigate changes in chromosome organization during replication and extend the applicability of an existing whole-cell model (WCM) for a genetically minimal bacterium, JCVI-syn3A, to the entire cell-cycle. To achieve cell-scale chromosome structures that are realistic, we model the chromosome as a self-avoiding homopolymer with bending and torsional stiffnesses that capture the essential mechanical properties of dsDNA in Syn3A. In addition, the conformations of the circular DNA must avoid overlapping with ribosomes identitied in cryo-electron tomograms. While Syn3A lacks the complex regulatory systems known to orchestrate chromosome segregation in other bacteria, its minimized genome retains essential loop-extruding structural maintenance of chromosomes (SMC) protein complexes (SMC-scpAB) and topoisomerases. Through implementing the effects of these proteins in our simulations of replicating chromosomes, we find that they alone are sufficient for simultaneous chromosome segregation across all generations within nested theta structures. This supports previous studies suggesting loop-extrusion serves as a near-universal mechanism for chromosome organization within bacterial and eukaryotic cells. Furthermore, we analyze ribosome diffusion under the influence of the chromosome and calculate in silico chromosome contact maps that capture inter-daughter interactions. Finally, we present a methodology to map the polymer model of the chromosome to a Martini coarse-grained representation to prepare molecular dynamics models of entire Syn3A cells, which serves as an ultimate means of validation for cell states predicted by the WCM.

DNA segment capture by Smc5/6 holocomplexes

Three distinct structural maintenance of chromosomes (SMC) complexes facilitate chromosome folding and segregation in eukaryotes, presumably by DNA loop extrusion. How SMCs interact with DNA to extrude loops is not well understood. Among the SMC complexes, Smc5/6 has dedicated roles in DNA repair and preventing a buildup of aberrant DNA junctions. In the present study, we describe the reconstitution of ATP-dependent DNA loading by yeast Smc5/6 rings. Loading strictly requires the Nse5/6 subcomplex which opens the kleisin neck gate. We show that plasmid molecules are topologically entrapped in the kleisin and two SMC subcompartments, but not in the full SMC compartment. This is explained by the SMC compartment holding a looped DNA segment and by kleisin locking it in place when passing between the two flanks of the loop for neck-gate closure. Related segment capture events may provide the power stroke in subsequent DNA extrusion steps, possibly also in other SMC complexes, thus providing a unifying principle for DNA loading and extrusion.

Function and Evolution of the Loop Extrusion Machinery in Animals

Structural maintenance of chromosomes (SMC) complexes are essential proteins found in genomes of all cellular organisms. Essential functions of these proteins, such as mitotic chromosome formation and sister chromatid cohesion, were discovered a long time ago. Recent advances in chromatin biology showed that SMC proteins are involved in many other genomic processes, acting as active motors extruding DNA, which leads to the formation of chromatin loops. Some loops formed by SMC proteins are highly cell type and developmental stage specific, such as SMC-mediated DNA loops required for VDJ recombination in B-cell progenitors, or dosage compensation in Caenorhabditis elegans and X-chromosome inactivation in mice. In this review, we focus on the extrusion-based mechanisms that are common for multiple cell types and species. We will first describe an anatomy of SMC complexes and their accessory proteins. Next, we provide biochemical details of the extrusion process. We follow this by the sections describing the role of SMC complexes in gene regulation, DNA repair, and chromatin topology.

A new role for monomeric ParA/Soj in chromosome dynamics in Bacillus subtilis

ParABS (Soj-Spo0J) systems were initially implicated in plasmid and chromosome segregation in bacteria. However, it is now increasingly understood that they play multiple roles in cell cycle events in Bacillus subtilis, and possibly other bacteria. In a recent study, monomeric forms of ParA/Soj have been implicated in regulating aspects of chromosome dynamics during B. subtilis sporulation. In this commentary, I will discuss the known roles of ParABS systems, explore why sporulation is a valuable model for studying these proteins, and the new insights into the role of monomeric ParA/Soj. Finally, I will touch upon some of the future work that remains.

DNA sliding and loop formation by E. coli SMC complex: MukBEF

SMC (structural maintenance of chromosomes) complexes share conserved architectures and function in chromosome maintenance via an unknown mechanism. Here we have used single-molecule techniques to study MukBEF, the SMC complex in Escherichia coli. Real-time movies show MukB alone can compact DNA and ATP inhibits DNA compaction by MukB. We observed that DNA unidirectionally slides through MukB, potentially by a ratchet mechanism, and the sliding speed depends on the elastic energy stored in the DNA. MukE, MukF and ATP binding stabilize MukB and DNA interaction, and ATP hydrolysis regulates the loading/unloading of MukBEF from DNA. Our data suggests a new model for how MukBEF organizes the bacterial chromosome in vivo; and this model will be relevant for other SMC proteins.

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ATP-independent DNA compaction by MukB.

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DNA unidirectionally slides through MukB, potentially by a ratchet mechanism.

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MukE, MukF and ATP binding stabilize MukB and DNA interaction.

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DNA sliding via ratchet driven by entropic force model for chromosome organization by SMC complex.

A joint-ParB interface promotes Smc DNA recruitment

Chromosomes readily unlink and segregate to daughter cells during cell division, highlighting a remarkable ability of cells to organize long DNA molecules. SMC complexes promote DNA organization by loop extrusion. In most bacteria, chromosome folding initiates at dedicated start sites marked by the ParB/parS partition complexes. Whether SMC complexes recognize a specific DNA structure in the partition complex or a protein component is unclear. By replacing genes in Bacillus subtilis with orthologous sequences from Streptococcus pneumoniae, we show that the three subunits of the bacterial Smc complex together with the ParB protein form a functional module that can organize and segregate foreign chromosomes. Using chimeric proteins and chemical cross-linking, we find that ParB directly binds the Smc subunit. We map an interface to the Smc joint and the ParB CTP-binding domain. Structure prediction indicates how the ParB clamp presents DNA to the Smc complex, presumably to initiate DNA loop extrusion.

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The bacterial DNA-binding protein ParB interacts with the condensin-like Smc-ScpAB

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Genetic mapping and structure predictions reveal an Smc joint-ParB binding interface

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Mutating the binding interface hampers Smc recruitment but not other ParB functions

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ParB and Smc-ScpAB form a transplantable unit for chromosome segregation in bacteria

A hold-and-feed mechanism drives directional DNA loop extrusion by condensin

Structural maintenance of chromosomes (SMC) protein complexes structure genomes by extruding DNA loops, but the molecular mechanism that underlies their activity has remained unknown. We show that the active condensin complex entraps the bases of a DNA loop transiently in two separate chambers. Single-molecule imaging and cryo-electron microscopy suggest a putative power-stroke movement at the first chamber that feeds DNA into the SMC-kleisin ring upon adenosine triphosphate binding, whereas the second chamber holds on upstream of the same DNA double helix. Unlocking the strict separation of "motor" and "anchor" chambers turns condensin from a one-sided into a bidirectional DNA loop extruder. We conclude that the orientation of two topologically bound DNA segments during the SMC reaction cycle determines the directionality of DNA loop extrusion.

DNA tension-modulated translocation and loop extrusion by SMC complexes revealed by molecular dynamics simulations

Structural Maintenance of Chromosomes (SMC) complexes play essential roles in genome organization across all domains of life. To determine how the activities of these large (≈50 nm) complexes are controlled by ATP binding and hydrolysis, we developed a molecular dynamics model that accounts for conformational motions of the SMC and DNA. The model combines DNA loop capture with an ATP-induced ‘power stroke’ to translocate the SMC complex along DNA. This process is sensitive to DNA tension: at low tension (0.1 pN), the model makes loop-capture steps of average 60 nm and up to 200 nm along DNA (larger than the complex itself), while at higher tension, a distinct inchworm-like translocation mode appears. By tethering DNA to an experimentally-observed additional binding site (‘safety belt’), the model SMC complex can perform loop extrusion (LE). The dependence of LE on DNA tension is distinct for fixed DNA tension vs. fixed DNA end points: LE reversal occurs above 0.5 pN for fixed tension, while LE stalling without reversal occurs at about 2 pN for fixed end points. Our model matches recent experimental results for condensin and cohesin, and makes testable predictions for how specific structural variations affect SMC function.

A walk through the SMC cycle: From catching DNAs to shaping the genome

SMC protein complexes are molecular machines that provide structure to chromosomes. These complexes bridge DNA elements and by doing so build DNA loops in cis and hold together the sister chromatids in trans. We discuss how drastic conformational changes allow SMC complexes to build such intricate DNA structures. The tight regulation of these complexes controls fundamental chromosomal processes such as transcription, recombination, repair, and mitosis.

Clamping of DNA shuts the condensin neck gate

SignificanceDNA needs to be compacted to fit into nuclei and during cell division, when dense chromatids are formed for their mechanical segregation, a process that depends on the protein complex condensin. It forms and enlarges loops in DNA through loop extrusion. Our work resolves the atomic structure of a DNA-bound state of condensin in which ATP has not been hydrolyzed. The DNA is clamped within a compartment that has been reported previously in other structural maintenance of chromosomes (SMC) complexes, including Rad50, cohesin, and MukBEF. With the caveat of important differences, it means that all SMC complexes cycle through at least some similar states and undergo similar conformational changes in their head modules, while hydrolyzing ATP and translocating DNA.

Crystal structure of the chromosome partition protein MukE homodimer

The SMC (structural maintenance of chromosomes) proteins are known to be involved in chromosome pairing or aggregation and play an important role in cell cycle and division. Different from SMC-ScpAB complex maintaining chromosome structure in most bacteria, the MukB-MukE-MukF complex is responsible for chromosome condensation in E. coli and some γ-proteobacter. Though different models were proposed to illustrate the mechanism of how the MukBEF complex worked, the assembly of the MukBEF complex is a key. The MukE dimer interacted with the middle region of one MukF molecule, and was clamped by the N- and C-terminal domain of the latter, and then was involved in the interaction with the head domain of MukB. To reveal the structural basis of MukE involved in the dynamic equilibrium of potential different MukBEF assemblies, we determined the MukE structure at 2.44 Å resolution. We found that the binding cavity for the α10, β4 and β5 of MukF (residues 296-327) in the MukE dimer has been occupied by the α9 and β7 strand of MukE. We proposed that the highly dynamic C-terminal region (173-225) was important for the MukE-F assembly and then involved in the MukBEF complex formation.

Cryo-EM structure of MukBEF reveals DNA loop entrapment at chromosomal unloading sites

The ring-like structural maintenance of chromosomes (SMC) complex MukBEF folds the genome of Escherichia coli and related bacteria into large loops, presumably by active DNA loop extrusion. MukBEF activity within the replication terminus macrodomain is suppressed by the sequence-specific unloader MatP. Here, we present the complete atomic structure of MukBEF in complex with MatP and DNA as determined by electron cryomicroscopy (cryo-EM). The complex binds two distinct DNA double helices corresponding to the arms of a plectonemic loop. MatP-bound DNA threads through the MukBEF ring, while the second DNA is clamped by the kleisin MukF, MukE, and the MukB ATPase heads. Combinatorial cysteine cross-linking confirms this topology of DNA loop entrapment in vivo. Our findings illuminate how a class of near-ubiquitous DNA organizers with important roles in genome maintenance interacts with the bacterial chromosome.

Ycs4 Subunit of Saccharomyces cerevisiae Condensin Binds DNA and Modulates the Enzyme Turnover

Condensins play a key role in higher order chromosome organization. In budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, a condensin complex consists of five subunits: two conserved structural maintenance of chromosome subunits, Smc2 and Smc4, a kleisin Brn1, and two HEAT repeat subunits, Ycg1, which possesses a DNA binding activity, and Ycs4, which can transiently associate with Smc4 and thereby disrupt its association with the Smc2 head. We characterized here DNA binding activity of the non-SMC subunits using an agnostic, model-independent approach. To this end, we mapped the DNA interface of the complex using sulfo-NHS biotin labeling. Besides the known site on Ycg1, we found a patch of lysines at the C-terminal domain of Ycs4 that were protected from biotinylation in the presence of DNA. Point mutations at the predicted protein-DNA interface reduced both Ycs4 binding to DNA and the DNA stimulated ATPase activity of the reconstituted condensin, whereas overproduction of the mutant Ycs4 was detrimental for yeast viability. Notably, the DNA binding site on Ycs4 partially overlapped with its interface with SMC4, revealing an intricate interplay between DNA binding, engagement of the Smc2-Smc4 heads, and ATP hydrolysis and suggesting a mechanism for ATP-modulated loading and translocation of condensins on DNA.

The MukB-topoisomerase IV interaction mutually suppresses their catalytic activities

The bacterial condensin MukB and the cellular chromosomal decatenase, topoisomerase IV interact and this interaction is required for proper condensation and topological ordering of the chromosome. Here, we show that Topo IV stimulates MukB DNA condensation by stabilizing loops in DNA: MukB alone can condense nicked plasmid DNA into a protein–DNA complex that has greater electrophoretic mobility than that of the DNA alone, but both MukB and Topo IV are required for a similar condensation of a linear DNA representing long stretches of the chromosome. Remarkably, we show that rather than MukB stimulating the decatenase activity of Topo IV, as has been argued previously, in stoichiometric complexes of the two enzymes each inhibits the activity of the other: the ParC subunit of Topo IV inhibits the MukF-stimulated ATPase activity of MukB and MukB inhibits both DNA crossover trapping and DNA cleavage by Topo IV. These observations suggest that when in complex on the DNA, Topo IV inhibits the motor function of MukB and the two proteins provide a stable scaffold for chromosomal DNA condensation.

Relief of ParB autoinhibition by parS DNA catalysis and recycling of ParB by CTP hydrolysis promote bacterial centromere assembly

Three-component ParABS systems are widely distributed factors for plasmid partitioning and chromosome segregation in bacteria. ParB acts as adaptor protein between the 16–base pair centromeric parS DNA sequences and the DNA segregation proteins ParA and Smc (structural maintenance of chromosomes). Upon cytidine triphosphate (CTP) and parS DNA binding, ParB dimers form DNA clamps that spread onto parS-flanking DNA by sliding, thus assembling the so-called partition complex. We show here that CTP hydrolysis is essential for efficient chromosome segregation by ParABS but largely dispensable for Smc recruitment. Our results suggest that CTP hydrolysis contributes to partition complex assembly via two mechanisms. It promotes ParB unloading from DNA to limit the extent of ParB spreading, and it recycles off-target ParB clamps to allow for parS retargeting, together superconcentrating ParB near parS. We also propose a model for clamp closure involving a steric clash when binding ParB protomers to opposing parS half sites.

A low Smc flux avoids collisions and facilitates chromosome organization in Bacillus subtilis

SMC complexes are widely conserved ATP-powered DNA-loop-extrusion motors indispensable for organizing and faithfully segregating chromosomes. How SMC complexes translocate along DNA for loop extrusion and what happens when two complexes meet on the same DNA molecule is largely unknown. Revealing the origins and the consequences of SMC encounters is crucial for understanding the folding process not only of bacterial, but also of eukaryotic chromosomes. Here, we uncover several factors that influence bacterial chromosome organization by modulating the probability of such clashes. These factors include the number, the strength, and the distribution of Smc loading sites, the residency time on the chromosome, the translocation rate, and the cellular abundance of Smc complexes. By studying various mutants, we show that these parameters are fine-tuned to reduce the frequency of encounters between Smc complexes, presumably as a risk mitigation strategy. Mild perturbations hamper chromosome organization by causing Smc collisions, implying that the cellular capacity to resolve them is limited. Altogether, we identify mechanisms that help to avoid Smc collisions and their resolution by Smc traversal or other potentially risky molecular transactions.

Multiscale Dynamic Structuring of Bacterial Chromosomes

Since the nucleoid was isolated from bacteria in the 1970s, two fundamental questions emerged and are still in the spotlight: how bacteria organize their chromosomes to fit inside the cell and how nucleoid organization enables essential biological processes. During the last decades, knowledge of bacterial chromosome organization has advanced considerably, and today, such chromosomes are considered to be highly organized and dynamic structures that are shaped by multiple factors in a multiscale manner. Here we review not only the classical well-known factors involved in chromosome organization but also novel components that have recently been shown to dynamically shape the 3D structuring of the bacterial genome. We focus on the different functional elements that control short-range organization and describe how they collaborate in the establishment of the higher-order folding and disposition of the chromosome. Recent advances have opened new avenues for a deeper understanding of the principles and mechanisms of chromosome organization in bacteria. Expected final online publication date for the Annual Review of Microbiology, Volume 75 is October 2021. Please see http://www.annualreviews.org/page/journal/pubdates for revised estimates.

DNA-loop-extruding SMC complexes can traverse one another in vivo

Chromosome organization mediated by structural maintenance of chromosomes (SMC) complexes is vital in many organisms. SMC complexes act as motors that extrude DNA loops, but it remains unclear what happens when multiple complexes encounter one another on the same DNA in living cells and how these interactions may help to organize an active genome. We therefore created a crash-course track system to study SMC complex encounters in vivo by engineering defined SMC loading sites in the Bacillus subtilis chromosome. Chromosome conformation capture (Hi-C) analyses of over 20 engineered strains show an amazing variety of chromosome folding patterns. Through three-dimensional polymer simulations and theory, we determine that these patterns require SMC complexes to bypass each other in vivo, as recently seen in an in vitro study. We posit that the bypassing activity enables SMC complexes to avoid traffic jams while spatially organizing the genome.

Genome folding through loop extrusion by SMC complexes

Genomic DNA is folded into loops and topologically associating domains (TADs), which serve important structural and regulatory roles. It has been proposed that these genomic structures are formed by a loop extrusion process, which is mediated by structural maintenance of chromosomes (SMC) protein complexes. Recent single-molecule studies have shown that the SMC complexes condensin and cohesin are indeed able to extrude DNA into loops. In this Review, we discuss how the loop extrusion hypothesis can explain key features of genome architecture; cellular functions of loop extrusion, such as separation of replicated DNA molecules, facilitation of enhancer-promoter interactions and immunoglobulin gene recombination; and what is known about the mechanism of loop extrusion and its regulation, for example, by chromatin boundaries that depend on the DNA binding protein CTCF. We also discuss how the loop extrusion hypothesis has led to a paradigm shift in our understanding of both genome architecture and the functions of SMC complexes.

Modeling of DNA binding to the condensin hinge domain using molecular dynamics simulations guided by atomic force microscopy

The condensin protein complex compacts chromatin during mitosis using its DNA-loop extrusion activity. Previous studies proposed scrunching and loop-capture models as molecular mechanisms for the loop extrusion process, both of which assume the binding of double-strand (ds) DNA to the hinge domain formed at the interface of the condensin subunits Smc2 and Smc4. However, how the hinge domain contacts dsDNA has remained unknown. Here, we conducted atomic force microscopy imaging of the budding yeast condensin holo-complex and used this data as basis for coarse-grained molecular dynamics simulations to model the hinge structure in a transient open conformation. We then simulated the dsDNA binding to open and closed hinge conformations, predicting that dsDNA binds to the outside surface when closed and to the outside and inside surfaces when open. Our simulations also suggested that the hinge can close around dsDNA bound to the inside surface. Based on these simulation results, we speculate that the conformational change of the hinge domain might be essential for the dsDNA binding regulation and play roles in condensin-mediated DNA-loop extrusion.

Nse5/6 inhibits the Smc5/6 ATPase and modulates DNA substrate binding

Eukaryotic cells employ three SMC (structural maintenance of chromosomes) complexes to control DNA folding and topology. The Smc5/6 complex plays roles in DNA repair and in preventing the accumulation of deleterious DNA junctions. To elucidate how specific features of Smc5/6 govern these functions, we reconstituted the yeast holo‐complex. We found that the Nse5/6 sub‐complex strongly inhibited the Smc5/6 ATPase by preventing productive ATP binding. This inhibition was relieved by plasmid DNA binding but not by short linear DNA, while opposing effects were observed without Nse5/6. We uncovered two binding sites for Nse5/6 on Smc5/6, based on an Nse5/6 crystal structure and cross‐linking mass spectrometry data. One binding site is located at the Smc5/6 arms and one at the heads, the latter likely exerting inhibitory effects on ATP hydrolysis. Cysteine cross‐linking demonstrated that the interaction with Nse5/6 anchored the ATPase domains in a non‐productive state, which was destabilized by ATP and DNA. Under similar conditions, the Nse4/3/1 module detached from the ATPase. Altogether, we show how DNA substrate selection is modulated by direct inhibition of the Smc5/6 ATPase by Nse5/6.

Opening of cohesin's SMC ring is essential for timely DNA replication and DNA loop formation

The ring-shaped cohesin complex topologically binds to DNA to establish sister chromatid cohesion. This topological binding creates a structural obstacle to genome-wide chromosomal events, such as replication. Here, we examine how conformational changes in cohesin circumvent being an obstacle in human cells. We show that ATP hydrolysis-driven head disengagement, leading to the structural maintenance of chromosome (SMC) ring opening, is essential for the progression of DNA replication. Closure of the SMC ring stalls replication in a checkpoint-independent manner. The SMC ring opening also facilitates sister chromatid resolution and chromosome segregation in mitosis. Single-molecule analyses reveal that forced closure of the SMC ring suppresses the translocation of cohesin on DNA as well as the formation of stable DNA loops. Our results suggest that the ATP hydrolysis-driven SMC ring opening makes topologically bound cohesin dynamic on DNA to achieve replication-dependent cohesion in the S phase and to resolve cohesion in mitosis. Thus, the SMC ring opening could be a fundamental mechanism to modulate both cohesion and higher-order genome structure.

Gradual opening of Smc arms in prokaryotic condensin

Multi-subunit SMC ATPases control chromosome superstructure apparently by catalyzing a DNA-loop-extrusion reaction. SMC proteins harbor an ABC-type ATPase "head" and a "hinge" dimerization domain connected by a coiled coil "arm." Two arms in a SMC dimer can co-align, thereby forming a rod-shaped particle. Upon ATP binding, SMC heads engage, and arms are thought to separate. Here, we study the shape of Bacillus subtilis Smc-ScpAB by electron-spin resonance spectroscopy. Arm separation is readily detected proximal to the heads in the absence of ligands, and separation near the hinge largely depends on ATP and DNA. Artificial blockage of arm opening eliminates DNA stimulation of ATP hydrolysis but does not prevent basal ATPase activity. We report an arm contact as being important for controlling the transformations. Point mutations at this arm interface eliminated Smc function. We propose that partially open, intermediary conformations provide directionality to SMC DNA translocation by (un)binding suitable DNA substrates.

RNA polymerase backtracking results in the accumulation of fission yeast condensin at active genes

Using both experiments and mathematical modelling, the authors show that RNA polymerase backtracking contributes to the accumulation of condensin in the termination zone of active genes.

The mechanisms leading to the accumulation of the SMC complexes condensins around specific transcription units remain unclear. Observations made in bacteria suggested that RNA polymerases (RNAPs) constitute an obstacle to SMC translocation, particularly when RNAP and SMC travel in opposite directions. Here we show in fission yeast that gene termini harbour intrinsic condensin-accumulating features whatever the orientation of transcription, which we attribute to the frequent backtracking of RNAP at gene ends. Consistent with this, to relocate backtracked RNAP2 from gene termini to gene bodies was sufficient to cancel the accumulation of condensin at gene ends and to redistribute it evenly within transcription units, indicating that RNAP backtracking may play a key role in positioning condensin. Formalization of this hypothesis in a mathematical model suggests that the inclusion of a sub-population of RNAP with longer dwell-times is essential to fully recapitulate the distribution profiles of condensin around active genes. Taken together, our data strengthen the idea that dense arrays of proteins tightly bound to DNA alter the distribution of condensin on chromosomes.

Revealing biophysical properties of KfrA-type proteins as a novel class of cytoskeletal, coiled-coil plasmid-encoded proteins

Background

DNA binding KfrA-type proteins of broad-host-range bacterial plasmids belonging to IncP-1 and IncU incompatibility groups are characterized by globular N-terminal head domains and long alpha-helical coiled-coil tails. They have been shown to act as transcriptional auto-regulators.

Results

This study was focused on two members of the growing family of KfrA-type proteins encoded by the broad-host-range plasmids, R751 of IncP-1β and RA3 of IncU groups. Comparative in vitro and in silico studies on KfrA_R751 and KfrA_RA3 confirmed their similar biophysical properties despite low conservation of the amino acid sequences. They form a wide range of oligomeric forms in vitro and, in the presence of their cognate DNA binding sites, they polymerize into the higher order filaments visualized as “threads” by negative staining electron microscopy. The studies revealed also temperature-dependent changes in the coiled-coil segment of KfrA proteins that is involved in the stabilization of dimers required for DNA interactions.

Conclusion

KfrA_R751 and KfrA_RA3 are structural homologues. We postulate that KfrA type proteins have moonlighting activity. They not only act as transcriptional auto-regulators but form cytoskeletal structures, which might facilitate plasmid DNA delivery and positioning in the cells before cell division, involving thermal energy.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12866-020-02079-w.

DNA Binding by the Mis4Scc2 Loader Promotes Topological DNA Entrapment by the Cohesin Ring

Cohesin, a critical mediator of genome organization including sister chromatid cohesion, is a ring-shaped multi-subunit ATPase that topologically embraces DNA. Its loading and function on chromosomes require the Scc2-Scc4 loader. Using biochemical reconstitution, we show here that the ability of the loader to bind DNA plays a critical role in promoting cohesin loading. Two distinct sites within the Mis4Scc2 subunit are found to cooperatively bind DNA. Mis4Scc2 initially forms a tertiary complex with cohesin on DNA and promotes subsequent topological DNA entrapment by cohesin through its DNA binding activity, a process that requires an additional DNA binding surface provided by Psm3Smc3, the ATPase domain of cohesin. Furthermore, we show that mutations in the two DNA binding sites of Mis4 impair the chromosomal loading of cohesin. These observations demonstrate the physiological importance of DNA binding by the loader and provide mechanistic insights into the process of topological cohesin loading.

Condensin complexes: understanding loop extrusion one conformational change at a time

Condensin and cohesin, both members of the structural maintenance of chromosome (SMC) family, contribute to the regulation and structure of chromatin. Recent work has shown both condensin and cohesin extrude DNA loops and most likely work via a conserved mechanism. This review focuses on condensin complexes, highlighting recent in vitro work characterising DNA loop formation and protein structure. We discuss similarities between condensin and cohesin complexes to derive a possible mechanistic model, as well as discuss differences that exist between the different condensin isoforms found in higher eukaryotes.

Transport of DNA within cohesin involves clamping on top of engaged heads by Scc2 and entrapment within the ring by Scc3

In addition to extruding DNA loops, cohesin entraps within its SMC-kleisin ring (S-K) individual DNAs during G1 and sister DNAs during S-phase. All three activities require related hook-shaped proteins called Scc2 and Scc3. Using thiol-specific crosslinking we provide rigorous proof of entrapment activity in vitro. Scc2 alone promotes entrapment of DNAs in the E-S and E-K compartments, between ATP-bound engaged heads and the SMC hinge and associated kleisin, respectively. This does not require ATP hydrolysis nor is it accompanied by entrapment within S-K rings, which is a slower process requiring Scc3. Cryo-EM reveals that DNAs transported into E-S/E-K compartments are 'clamped' in a sub-compartment created by Scc2's association with engaged heads whose coiled coils are folded around their elbow. We suggest that clamping may be a recurrent feature of cohesin complexes active in loop extrusion and that this conformation precedes the S-K entrapment required for sister chromatid cohesion.

Human Condensin I and II Drive Extensive ATP-Dependent Compaction of Nucleosome-Bound DNA

Structural maintenance of chromosomes (SMC) complexes are essential for genome organization from bacteria to humans, but their mechanisms of action remain poorly understood. Here, we characterize human SMC complexes condensin I and II and unveil the architecture of the human condensin II complex, revealing two putative DNA-entrapment sites. Using single-molecule imaging, we demonstrate that both condensin I and II exhibit ATP-dependent motor activity and promote extensive and reversible compaction of double-stranded DNA. Nucleosomes are incorporated into DNA loops during compaction without being displaced from the DNA, indicating that condensin complexes can readily act upon nucleosome-bound DNA molecules. These observations shed light on critical processes involved in genome organization in human cells.

Functional and structural insights into the MRX/MRN complex, a key player in recognition and repair of DNA double-strand breaks

Chromosomal DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) are potentially lethal DNA lesions that pose a significant threat to genome stability and therefore need to be repaired to preserve genome integrity. Eukaryotic cells possess two main mechanisms for repairing DSBs: non-homologous end-joining (NHEJ) and homologous recombination (HR). HR requires that the 5' terminated strands at both DNA ends are nucleolytically degraded by a concerted action of nucleases in a process termed DNA-end resection. This degradation leads to the formation of 3'-ended single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) ends that are essential to use homologous DNA sequences for repair. The evolutionarily conserved Mre11-Rad50-Xrs2/NBS1 complex (MRX/MRN) has enzymatic and structural activities to initiate DSB resection and to maintain the DSB ends tethered to each other for their repair. Furthermore, it is required to recruit and activate the protein kinase Tel1/ATM, which plays a key role in DSB signaling. All these functions depend on ATP-regulated DNA binding and nucleolytic activities of the complex. Several structures have been obtained in recent years for Mre11 and Rad50 subunits from archaea, and a few from the bacterial and eukaryotic orthologs. Nevertheless, the mechanism of activation of this protein complex is yet to be fully elucidated. In this review, we focused on recent biophysical and structural insights on the MRX complex and their interplay.

The structure of the cohesin ATPase elucidates the mechanism of SMC-kleisin ring opening

Genome regulation requires control of chromosome organization by SMC-kleisin complexes. The cohesin complex contains the Smc1 and Smc3 subunits that associate with the kleisin Scc1 to form a ring-shaped complex that can topologically engage chromatin to regulate chromatin structure. Release from chromatin involves opening of the ring at the Smc3-Scc1 interface in a reaction that is controlled by acetylation and engagement of the Smc ATPase head domains. To understand the underlying molecular mechanisms, we have determined the 3.2-Å resolution cryo-electron microscopy structure of the ATPγS-bound, heterotrimeric cohesin ATPase head module and the 2.1-Å resolution crystal structure of a nucleotide-free Smc1-Scc1 subcomplex from Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Chaetomium thermophilium. We found that ATP-binding and Smc1-Smc3 heterodimerization promote conformational changes within the ATPase that are transmitted to the Smc coiled-coil domains. Remodeling of the coiled-coil domain of Smc3 abrogates the binding surface for Scc1, thus leading to ring opening at the Smc3-Scc1 interface.

Organization of Chromosomal DNA by SMC Complexes

Structural maintenance of chromosomes (SMC) complexes are key organizers of chromosome architecture in all kingdoms of life. Despite seemingly divergent functions, such as chromosome segregation, chromosome maintenance, sister chromatid cohesion, and mitotic chromosome compaction, it appears that these complexes function via highly conserved mechanisms and that they represent a novel class of DNA translocases.

RNA polymerases as moving barriers to condensin loop extrusion

To separate replicated sister chromatids during mitosis, eukaryotes and prokaryotes have structural maintenance of chromosome (SMC) condensin complexes that were recently shown to organize chromosomes by a process known as DNA loop extrusion. In rapidly dividing bacterial cells, the process of separating sister chromatids occurs concomitantly with ongoing transcription. How transcription interferes with the condensin loop-extrusion process is largely unexplored, but recent experiments have shown that sites of high transcription may directionally affect condensin loop extrusion. We quantitatively investigate different mechanisms of interaction between condensin and elongating RNA polymerases (RNAPs) and find that RNAPs are likely steric barriers that can push and interact with condensins. Supported by chromosome conformation capture and chromatin immunoprecipitation for cells after transcription inhibition and RNAP degradation, we argue that translocating condensins must bypass transcribing RNAPs within ∼1 to 2 s of an encounter at rRNA genes and within ∼10 s at protein-coding genes. Thus, while individual RNAPs have little effect on the progress of loop extrusion, long, highly transcribed operons can significantly impede the extrusion process. Our data and quantitative models further suggest that bacterial condensin loop extrusion occurs by 2 independent, uncoupled motor activities; the motors translocate on DNA in opposing directions and function together to enlarge chromosomal loops, each independently bypassing steric barriers in their path. Our study provides a quantitative link between transcription and 3D genome organization and proposes a mechanism of interactions between SMC complexes and elongating transcription machinery relevant from bacteria to higher eukaryotes.

Sister DNA Entrapment between Juxtaposed Smc Heads and Kleisin of the Cohesin Complex

Cohesin entraps sister DNAs within tripartite rings created by pairwise interactions between Smc1, Smc3, and Scc1. Because Smc1/3 ATPase heads can also interact with each other, cohesin rings have the potential to form a variety of sub-compartments. Using in vivo cysteine cross-linking, we show that when Smc1 and Smc3 ATPases are engaged in the presence of ATP (E heads), cohesin rings generate a "SMC (S) compartment" between hinge and E heads and a "kleisin (K) compartment" between E heads and their associated kleisin subunit. Upon ATP hydrolysis, cohesin's heads associate in a different mode, in which their signature motifs and their coiled coils are closely juxtaposed (J heads), creating alternative S and K compartments. We show that K compartments of either E or J type can entrap single DNAs, that acetylation of Smc3 during S phase is associated with J heads, and that sister DNAs are entrapped in J-K compartments.

Compartments in the Ring

Sister chromatid cohesion has been thought to be mediated by DNA entrapment within the large cohesin ring. Vazquez Nunez et al. and Chapard et al. now show that the ring is divided up into two sub-compartments, with implications for how these chromosomal organizers entrap DNA.