A Structure-Based Mechanism for DNA Entry into the Cohesin Ring

The ring-shaped cohesin complex is thought to fulfil its roles in sister chromatid cohesion, genome stability and gene regulation by topologically encircling DNAs. The ring is formed by two Structural Maintenance of Chromosome (SMC) subunits, whose ATPase heads are linked by a kleisin subunit. Additional components, including the Mis4Scc2/NIPL cohesin loader, engage the kleisin. Here, we visualize a DNA gripping intermediate during cohesin loading onto DNA by cryo-electron microscopy. ATP-dependent head engagement creates an interaction surface onto which Mis4Scc2/NIPL clamps the DNA. We use biophysical tools to establish the order of events during cohesin loading. DNA first traverses an N-terminal kleisin gate that was opened by ATP binding and closed again as the loader locks the DNA. Ensuing ATP hydrolysis and head disengagement, assisted by Mis4Scc2/NIPL, will complete DNA entry. A conserved kleisin N-terminal tail guides the DNA on its trajectory to successful topological DNA entry into the cohesin ring.