Live-cell single-molecule tracking highlights requirements for stable Smc5/6 chromatin association in vivo

The essential Smc5/6 complex is required in response to replication stress and is best known for ensuring the fidelity of homologous recombination. Using single-molecule tracking in live fission yeast to investigate Smc5/6 chromatin association, we show that Smc5/6 is chromatin associated in unchallenged cells and this depends on the non-SMC protein Nse6. We define a minimum of two Nse6-dependent sub-pathways, one of which requires the BRCT-domain protein Brc1. Using defined mutants in genes encoding the core Smc5/6 complex subunits, we show that the Nse3 double-stranded DNA binding activity and the arginine fingers of the two Smc5/6 ATPase binding sites are critical for chromatin association. Interestingly, disrupting the single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) binding activity at the hinge region does not prevent chromatin association but leads to elevated levels of gross chromosomal rearrangements during replication restart. This is consistent with a downstream function for ssDNA binding in regulating homologous recombination.

Automated summary

The Smc5/6 complex is associated with chromatin in unchallenged cells through the non-SMC protein Nse6, involving at least two Nse6-dependent sub-pathways. Mutations in core subunits of the Smc5/6 complex affect chromatin association, with disruption of single-stranded DNA binding activity leading to elevated levels of chromosomal rearrangements during replication restart.