Insights into Centromere DNA Bending Revealed by the Cryo-EM Structure of the Core Centromere Binding Factor 3 with Ndc10

摘要

Summary The centromere binding factor 3 (CBF3) complex binds the third centromere DNA element in organisms with point centromeres, such as S.?cerevisiae . It is an essential complex for assembly of the kinetochore in these organisms, as it facilitates genetic centromere specification and allows association of all other kinetochore components. We determined high-resolution structures of the core complex of CBF3 alone and in association with a monomeric construct of Ndc10, using cryoelectron microscopy (cryo-EM). We identify the DNA-binding site of the complex and present a model in which CBF3 induces a tight bend in centromeric DNA, thus facilitating assembly of the centromeric nucleosome.