Nucleosome Remodeling by hMSH2-hMSH6

DNA nucleotide mismatches and lesions arise on chromosomes that are a complex assortment of protein and DNA (chromatin). The fundamental unit of chromatin is a nucleosome that contains similar to 146 by DNA wrapped around an H2A, H2B, H3, and H4 histone octamer. We demonstrate that the mismatch recognition heterodimer hMSH2-hMSH6 disassembles a nucleosome. Disassembly requires a mismatch that provokes the formation of hMSH2-hMSH6 hydrolysis-independent sliding clamps, which translocate along the DNA to the nucleosome. The rate of disassembly is enhanced by actual or mimicked acetylation of histone H3 within the nucleosome entry-exit and dyad axis that occurs during replication and repair in vivo and reduces DNA-octamer affinity in vitro. Our results support a passive mechanism for chromatin remodeling whereby hMSH2-hMSH6 sliding clamps trap localized fluctuations in nucleosome positioning and/or wrapping that ultimately leads to disassembly, and highlight unanticipated strengths of the Molecular Switch Model for mismatch repair (MMR).