Abstract
Mcm2-7 helicase is loaded onto double-stranded origin DNA as an inactive double hexamer (DH) in G1 phase. The mechanisms of Mcm2-7 remodeling that trigger helicase activation in S phase remain unknown. Here, we develop an approach to detect and purify the endogenous DHs directly. Through cellular fractionation, we provide in vivo evidence that DHs are assembled on chromatin in G1 phase and separated during S phase. Interestingly, Mcm10, a robust MCM interactor, co-purifies exclusively with the DHs in the context of chromatin. Deletion of the main interaction domain, Mcm10 C terminus, causes growth and S phase defects, which can be suppressed through Mcm10-MCM fusions. By monitoring the dynamics of MCM DHs, we show a significant delay in DH dissolution during S phase in the Mcm10-MCM interaction-deficient mutants. Therefore, we propose an essential role for Mcm10 in Mcm2-7 remodeling through formation of a cell-cycle-regulated supercomplex with DHs.