Murayama Group • Chromosome Biochemistry Laboratory::National Institute of Genetics

Murayama Group • Chromosome Biochemistry Laboratory

Revealing molecular function of SMC complexes in chromosome structural control

Faculty

MURAYAMA, Yasuto

Associate Professor

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KUROKAWA, Yumiko

Assistant Professor

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Research Summary

Controlling chromosome structure is essential not only for faithful chromosome segregation but also for gene transcription and DNA replication and repair. Ring-shaped SMC complexes (cohesin, condensin and SMC5/6) are central architects of the chromosome structure. These large complexes topologically entrap DNA strands to allow vital chromosomal functions to be carried out. We have successfully purified the SMC1/3 complex and reconstituted its functional DNA binding reaction. Our aim is to investigate the molecular mechanisms by which SMC complexes regulate the chromosome structure.

A. A molecular model how cohesin complex mediates sister chromatid cohesion. B. Purified cohesin proteins. C, D. Biochemical reconstitution of topological DNA loading by the cohesin ring.

Selected Publications

Kurokawa Y, Murayama Y. DNA Binding by the Mis4Scc2 Loader Promotes Topological DNA Entrapment by the Cohesin Ring. Cell Rep. 2020 Nov 10;33(6):108357.

Murayama Y. DNA entry, exit and second DNA capture by cohesin: insights from biochemical experiments. Nucleus. 2018;9(1):492-502.

Murayama Y, Samora CP, Kurokawa Y, Iwasaki H, Uhlmann F. Establishment of DNA-DNA Interactions by the Cohesin Ring. Cell. 2018 Jan 25;172(3):465- 477.e15.