Competition for the nascent leading strand shapes the requirements for PCNA loading in the replisome
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ABSTRACT: During DNA replication, the DNA polymerases Pol δ and Pol ε utilize the ring-shaped sliding clamp PCNA to enhance their processivity. PCNA loading onto DNA is accomplished by the clamp loaders RFC and Ctf18-RFC, which function primarily on the lagging and the leading strand, respectively. RFC activity is essential for lagging-strand replication by Pol δ, but it is unclear why RFC cannot also accomplish PCNA loading on leading strands and why this function requires Ctf18-RFC. Here, we show that RFC cannot load PCNA once Pol ε has been incorporated into the budding yeast replisome and commenced leading-strand synthesis, and this state is maintained during replisome progression. By contrast, we find that Ctf18-RFC is uniquely equipped to load PCNA onto the leading strand, and show that this activity requires a direct interaction between Ctf18 and the CMG (Cdc45-MCM-GINS) helicase. Our work uncovers a mechanistic basis for why replisomes require a dedicated leading-strand clamp loader.
SUBMITTER: Emma, E Fletcher
PROVIDER: S-SCDT-10_1038-S44318-025-00386-4 | biostudies-other |
REPOSITORIES: biostudies-other
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