Intersubunit and intrasubunit interactions driving the MukBEF ATPase

MukBEF, a structural maintenance of chromosome-like protein complex consisting of an ATPase, MukB, and two interacting subunits, MukE and MukF, functions as the bacterial condensin. It is likely that MukBEF compacts DNA via an ATP hydrolysis–dependent DNA loop–extrusion reaction similar to that demonstrated for the yeast structural maintenance of chromosome proteins condensin and cohesin. MukB also interacts with the ParC subunit of the cellular chromosomal decatenase topoisomerase IV, an interaction that is required for proper chromosome condensation and segregation in Escherichia coli, although it suppresses the MukB ATPase activity. Other structural determinants and interactions that regulate the ATPase activity of MukBEF are not clear. Here, we have investigated the MukBEF ATPase activity, identifying intersubunit and intrasubunit interactions by protein–protein crosslinking and site-specific mutagenesis. We show that interactions between the hinge of MukB and its neck region are essential for the ATPase activity, that the ParC subunit of topoisomerase IV inhibits the MukB ATPase by preventing this interaction, that MukE interaction with DNA is likely essential for viability, and that interactions between MukF and the MukB neck region are necessary for ATPase activity and viability.