Communication between DNA polymerases and Replication Protein A within the archaeal replisome
Replication Protein A (RPA) plays a pivotal role in DNA replication by coating and protecting exposed single-stranded DNA, and acting as a molecular hub that recruits additional replication factors. We demonstrate that archaeal RPA hosts a winged-helix domain (WH) that interacts with two key actors of the replisome: the DNA primase (PriSL) and the replicative DNA polymerase (PolD). Using an integrative structural biology approach, combining nuclear magnetic resonance, X-ray crystallography and cryo-electron microscopy, we unveil how RPA interacts with PriSL and PolD through two distinct surfaces of the WH domain: an evolutionarily conserved interface and a novel binding site. Finally, RPA is shown to stimulate the activity of PriSL in a WH-dependent manner. This study provides a molecular understanding of the WH-mediated regulatory activity in central replication factors such as RPA, which regulate genome maintenance in Archaea and Eukaryotes.
Martínez-Carranza Markel, Vialle Lea, Madru Clément, Cordier Florence, Tekpinar Ayten Dizkirici, Haouz Ahmed, Legrand Pierre, Le Meur Rémy A., England Patrick, Dulermo Remi, Guijarro J. Iñaki, Henneke Ghislaine, Sauguet Ludovic (2024). Communication between DNA polymerases and Replication Protein A within the archaeal replisome. Nature Communications. 15 (1). 10926 (17p.). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-024-55365-w, https://archimer.ifremer.fr/doc/00929/104121/