Three-dimensional structure of the beta subunit of E. coli DNA polymerase III holoenzyme: a sliding DNA clamp.
The crystal structure of the beta subunit (processivity factor) of DNA polymerase III holoenzyme has been determined at 2.5 A resolution. A dimer of the beta subunit (M(r) = 2 x 40.6 kd, 2 x 366 amino acid residues) forms a ring-shaped structure lined by 12 alpha helices that can encircle duplex DNA. The structure is highly symmetrical, with each monomer containing three domains of identical topology. The charge distribution and orientation of the helices indicate that the molecule functions by forming a tight clamp that can slide on DNA, as shown biochemically. A potential structural relationship is suggested between the beta subunit and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA, the eukaryotic polymerase delta [and epsilon] processivity factor), and the gene 45 protein of the bacteriophage T4 DNA polymerase.
Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics, Rockefeller University, New York, New York 10021.
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D000595:Amino Acid Sequence; D003196:Computer Graphics; D003461:Crystallography; D004258:DNA Polymerase III / Q000737:chemistry / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D004268:DNA-Binding Proteins / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D004926:Escherichia coli / Q000201:enzymology*; D006801:Humans; D006860:Hydrogen Bonding; D046911:Macromolecular Substances; D008958:Models, Molecular; D008969:Molecular Sequence Data; D009687:Nuclear Proteins / Q000737:chemistry; D009690:Nucleic Acid Conformation; D018809:Proliferating Cell Nuclear Antigen; D011487:Protein Conformation; D016415:Sequence Alignment; D013604:T-Phages / Q000201:enzymology; D015534:Trans-Activators; D014764:Viral Proteins / Q000737:chemistry
D004268:DNA-Binding Proteins; D046911:Macromolecular Substances; D009687:Nuclear Proteins; D018809:Proliferating Cell Nuclear Antigen; D015534:Trans-Activators; D014764:Viral Proteins; C074555:gene 45 protein, Enterobacteria phage T4; D004258:DNA Polymerase III