DNA segment capture by Smc5/6 holo-complexes

Three distinct SMC complexes facilitate chromosome folding and segregation in eukaryotes, presumably by DNA translocation and loop extrusion. How SMCs interact with DNA is however not well understood. Among the SMC complexes, Smc5/6 has dedicated roles in DNA repair and in preventing a lethal buildup of aberrant DNA junctions. Here, we describe the reconstitution of ATP-dependent topological DNA loading by Smc5/6 rings. By inserting cysteine residues at selected protein interfaces, we obtained covalently closed compartments upon chemical cross-linking. We show that two SMC subcompartments and the kleisin compartment topologically entrap a plasmid molecule, but not the full SMC compartment. This is explained by a looped DNA segment inserting into the SMC compartment with the kleisin neck gate locking the loop in place when passing between the two DNA flanks and closing. This DNA segment capture strictly requires the Nse5/6 loader, which opens the neck gate prior to DNA passage. Similar segment capture events without gate opening may provide the power stroke for DNA translocation/loop extrusion in subsequent ATP hydrolysis cycles. Our biochemical experiments thus offer a unifying principle for SMC ATPase function in loading and translocation/extrusion, which is likely relevant to other members of the family of SMC proteins too.