Abstract
Clamp loaders are required to load the ring-shaped clamps that tether replicative DNA polymerases onto DNA. Recently solved crystal structures, along with a series of biochemical studies, have provided a detailed understanding of the clamp loading reaction. In particular, studies of the Escherichia coli clamp loader--an AAA+ machine--have provided insights into the architecture of clamp loaders from eukaryotes, bacteriophage T4 and archaea. Other AAA+ proteins are also involved in the initiation of DNA replication, and studies of the E. coli clamp loader indicate mechanisms by which these proteins might function.
Publication types
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Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
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Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.
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Review
MeSH terms
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Archaea / physiology
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Bacterial Proteins / physiology
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Bacteriophages / physiology
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DNA Replication / physiology*
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DNA-Binding Proteins / chemistry
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DNA-Binding Proteins / physiology*
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DNA-Directed DNA Polymerase / chemistry
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DNA-Directed DNA Polymerase / physiology
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Escherichia coli / physiology
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Eukaryotic Cells / physiology
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Humans
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Molecular Motor Proteins / physiology*
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Origin Recognition Complex
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Protein Structure, Tertiary
Substances
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Bacterial Proteins
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DNA-Binding Proteins
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DnaA protein, Bacteria
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Molecular Motor Proteins
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Origin Recognition Complex
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DNA-Directed DNA Polymerase