Abstract
Xenopus 13S condensin converts interphase chromatin into mitotic-like chromosomes, and, in the presence of ATP and a type I topoisomerase, introduces (+) supercoils into DNA. The specific production of (+) trefoil knots in the presence of condensin and a type II topoisomerase shows that condensin reconfigures DNA by introducing an ordered, global, (+) writhe. Knotting required ATP hydrolysis and cell cycle-specific phosphorylation of condensin. Condensin bound preferentially to (+) supercoiled DNA in the presence of ATP but not in its absence. Our results suggest a mechanism for the compaction of chromatin by condensin during mitosis.
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.
MeSH terms
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Adenosine Triphosphatases / metabolism*
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Adenosine Triphosphate / metabolism
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Animals
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Cell Cycle / physiology
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Chromosomes / chemistry
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Chromosomes / enzymology*
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DNA Topoisomerases, Type I / metabolism
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DNA Topoisomerases, Type II / metabolism
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DNA, Superhelical / chemistry*
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DNA, Superhelical / metabolism
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DNA, Superhelical / ultrastructure
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DNA-Binding Proteins / metabolism*
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Hydrolysis
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Kinetics
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Microscopy, Electron
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Mitosis / physiology
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Multiprotein Complexes
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Nucleic Acid Conformation*
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Oocytes / physiology
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Xenopus
Substances
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DNA, Superhelical
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DNA-Binding Proteins
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Multiprotein Complexes
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condensin complexes
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Adenosine Triphosphate
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Adenosine Triphosphatases
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DNA Topoisomerases, Type I
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DNA Topoisomerases, Type II