Specific interactions of three proliferating cell nuclear antigens with replication-related proteins in Aeropyrum pernix

Proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) is a well-known multifunctional protein involved in eukaryotic and archaeal DNA transactions. The homotrimeric PCNA ring encircles double-stranded DNA within its central hole and tethers many proteins on DNA. Plural genes encoding PCNA-like proteins have been found in the genome sequence of crenarchaeal organisms . We describe here the biochemical properties of the three PCNAs, PCNA1, PCNA2 and PCNA3, from the hyperthermophilic archaeon, Aeropyrum pernix . PCNA2 can form a trimeric structure by itself, and it also forms heterotrimeric structures with PCNA1 and PCNA3. However, neither PCNA1 nor PCNA3 can form homotrimers. The DNA synthesis activity of DNA polymerase I and II, the endonuclease activity of FEN1, and the nick-sealing activity of DNA ligase were stimulated by the complex of PCNA2 and 3 or PCNA1, 2 and 3. These results suggest that the heterotrimeric PCNA at least including PCNA2 and 3 function as the clamp in the replisome. However, PCNA2 is the most abundant in the cells throughout the growth stages among the three PCNAs, and therefore, PCNA2 may perform multitasks by changing complex composition.     

On the mechanism of loading the PCNA sliding clamp by RFC

Sliding clamps play central roles in a broad range of DNA replication and repair processes. The clamps form circular molecules that must be opened and resealed around DNA by the clamp loader complex to fulfil their function. While most eukaryotes and many archea possess a homo-trimeric PCNA, the PCNA of Sulfolobus solfataricus is a heterotrimer. Here, we exploit the asymmetry of S. solfataricus PCNA to create a series of circularly permuted PCNA subunit fusions, thereby covalently closing defined interfaces within the heterotrimer. Using these concatamers, we investigate the requirements for loading the clamp onto DNA and reveal that a single defined interface within the heterotrimer is opened during the loading process. Subunit–specific interactions between S. solfataricus RFC clamp loader and PCNA permit us to superimpose our data upon the structure of yeast RFC–PCNA complex, thereby presenting a general model for PCNA loading by RFC in archaea and eukaryotes.     

Crystal structures of the Arabidopsis thaliana proliferating cell nuclear antigen 1 and 2 proteins complexed with the human p21 C‐terminal segment

The proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) is well recognized as one of the essential cellular components of the DNA replication machinery in all eukaryotic organisms. Despite their prominent importance, very little biochemical and structural information about plant PCNAs is available, in comparison with that obtained from other eukaryotic organisms. We have determined the atomic resolution crystal structures of the two distinct Arabidopsis thaliana PCNAs (AtPCNA), both complexed with the C‐terminal segment of human p21. Both AtPCNAs form homotrimeric ring structures, which are essentially identical to each other, including the major contacts with the p21 peptide. The structure of the amino‐terminal half of the p21 peptide, containing the typical PIP box sequence, is remarkably similar to those observed in the previously reported crystal structures of the human and archaeal PCNA‐PIP box complexes. Meanwhile, the carboxy‐terminal halves of the p21 peptide in the plant PCNA complexes are bound to the protein in a unique manner, most probably because of crystal packing effects. A surface plasmon resonance analysis revealed high affinity between each AtPCNA and the C‐terminal fragment of human p21. This result strongly suggests that the interaction is functionally significant, although no plant homologs of p21 have been identified yet. We also discovered that AtPCNA1 and AtPCNA2 form heterotrimers, implying that hetero‐PCNA rings may play critical roles in cellular signal transduction, particularly in DNA repair.     

Three Proliferating Cell Nuclear Antigen-Like Proteins Found in the Hyperthermophilic Archaeon Aeropyrum pernix: Interactions with the Two DNA Polymerases

Proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) is an essential component in the eukaryotic DNA replication machinery, in which it works for tethering DNA polymerases on the DNA template to accomplish processive DNA synthesis. The PCNA also interacts with many other proteins in important cellular processes, including cell cycle control, DNA repair, and an apoptotic pathway in the domain EUCARYA: We identified three genes encoding PCNA-like sequences in the genome of Aeropyrum pernix, a crenarchaeal archaeon. We cloned and expressed these genes in Escherichia coli and analyzed the gene products. All three PCNA homologs stimulated the primer extension activities of the two DNA polymerases, polymerase I (Pol I) and Pol II, identified in A. pernix to various extents, among which A. pernix PCNA 3 (ApePCNA3) provided a most remarkable effect on both Pol I and Pol II. The three proteins were confirmed to exist in the A. pernix cells. These results suggest that the three PCNAs work as the processivity factor of DNA polymerases in A. pernix cells under different conditions. In Eucarya, three checkpoint proteins, Hus1, Rad1, and Rad9, have been proposed to form a PCNA-like ring structure and may work as a sliding clamp for the translesion DNA polymerases. Therefore, it is very interesting that three active PCNAs were found in one archaeal cell. Further analyses are necessary to determine whether each PCNA has specific roles, and moreover, how they reveal different functions in the cells.     

Reduced stability and increased dynamics in the human proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) relative to the yeast homolog

Proliferating Cell Nuclear Antigen (PCNA) is an essential factor for DNA replication and repair. PCNA forms a toroidal, ring shaped structure of 90 kDa by the symmetric association of three identical monomers. The ring encircles the DNA and acts as a platform where polymerases and other proteins dock to carry out different DNA metabolic processes. The amino acid sequence of human PCNA is 35% identical to the yeast homolog, and the two proteins have the same 3D crystal structure. In this report, we give evidence that the budding yeast (sc) and human (h) PCNAs have highly similar structures in solution but differ substantially in their stability and dynamics. hPCNA is less resistant to chemical and thermal denaturation and displays lower cooperativity of unfolding as compared to scPCNA. Solvent exchange rates measurements show that the slowest exchanging backbone amides are at the β-sheet, in the structure core, and not at the helices, which line the central channel. However, all the backbone amides of hPCNA exchange fast, becoming undetectable within hours, while the signals from the core amides of scPCNA persist for longer times. The high dynamics of the α-helices, which face the DNA in the PCNA-loaded form, is likely to have functional implications for the sliding of the PCNA ring on the DNA since a large hole with a flexible wall facilitates the establishment of protein-DNA interactions that are transient and easily broken. The increased dynamics of hPCNA relative to scPCNA may allow it to acquire multiple induced conformations upon binding to its substrates enlarging its binding diversity.     

Monomeric yeast PCNA mutants are defective in interacting with and stimulating the ATPase activity of RFC

Yeast PCNA is a homo-trimeric, ring-shaped DNA polymerase accessory protein that can encircle duplex DNA. The integrity of this multimeric sliding DNA clamp is maintained through the protein-protein interactions at the interfaces of adjacent subunits. To investigate the importance of trimer stability for PCNA function, we introduced single amino acid substitutions at residues (A112T, S135F) that map to opposite ends of the monomeric protein. Recombinant wild-type and mutant PCNAs were purified from E. coli, and they were tested for their properties in vitro. Unlike the stable wild-type PCNA trimers, the mutant PCNA proteins behaved as monomers when diluted to low nanomolar concentrations. In contrast to what has been reported for a monomeric form of the beta clamp in E. coli, the monomeric PCNAs were compromised in their ability to interact with their associated clamp loader, replication factor C (RFC). Similarly, monomeric PCNAs were not effective in stimulating the ATPase activity of RFC. The mutant PCNAs were able to form mixed trimers with wild-type subunits, although these mixed trimers were unstable when loaded onto DNA. They were able to function as weak DNA polymerase delta processivity factors in vitro, and when the monomeric PCNA-41 (A112T, S135F double mutant) allele was introduced as the sole source of PCNA in vivo, the cells were viable and healthy. These pol30-41 mutants were, however, sensitive to UV irradiation and to the DNA damaging agent methylmethane sulfonate, implying that DNA repair pathways have a distinct requirement for stable DNA clamps.     

Interdomain connecting loop and J loop structures determine cross-species compatibility of PCNA

Eukaryotic proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) plays an essential role in orchestrating the assembly of the replisome complex, stimulating processive DNA synthesis, and recruiting other regulatory proteins during the DNA damage response. PCNA and its binding partner network are relatively conserved in eukaryotes, and it exhibits extraordinary structural similarity across species. However, despite this structural similarity, the PCNA of a given species is rarely functional in heterologous systems. In this report, we determined the X-ray crystal structure of Neurospora crassa PCNA (NcPCNA) and compared its structure–function relationship with other available PCNA studies to understand this cross-species incompatibility. We found two regions, the interdomain connecting loop (IDCL) and J loop structures, vary significantly among PCNAs. In particular, the J loop deviates in NcPCNA from that in Saccharomyces cerevisiae PCNA (ScPCNA) by 7 Å. Differences in the IDCL structures result in varied binding affinities of PCNAs for the subunit Pol32 of DNA polymerase delta and for T2-amino alcohol, a small-molecule inhibitor of human PCNA. To validate that these structural differences are accountable for functional incompatibility in S. cerevisiae, we generated NcPCNA mutants mimicking IDCL and J loop structures of ScPCNA. Our genetic analyses suggested that NcPCNA mutants are fully functional in S. cerevisiae. The susceptibility of the strains harboring ScPCNA mimics of NcPCNA to various genotoxic agents was similar to that in yeast cells expressing ScPCNA. Taken together, we conclude that in addition to the overall architecture of PCNA, structures of the IDCL and J loop of PCNA are critical determinants of interspecies functional compatibility.     

Structure of an archaeal PCNA1-PCNA2-FEN1 complex: elucidating PCNA subunit and client enzyme specificity

The archaeal/eukaryotic proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) toroidal clamp interacts with a host of DNA modifying enzymes, providing a stable anchorage and enhancing their respective processivities. Given the broad range of enzymes with which PCNA has been shown to interact, relatively little is known about the mode of assembly of functionally meaningful combinations of enzymes on the PCNA clamp. We have determined the X-ray crystal structure of the Sulfolobus solfataricus PCNA1–PCNA2 heterodimer, bound to a single copy of the flap endonuclease FEN1 at 2.9 Å resolution. We demonstrate the specificity of interaction of the PCNA subunits to form the PCNA1–PCNA2–PCNA3 heterotrimer, as well as providing a rationale for the specific interaction of the C-terminal PIP-box motif of FEN1 for the PCNA1 subunit. The structure explains the specificity of the individual archaeal PCNA subunits for selected repair enzyme ‘clients’, and provides insights into the co-ordinated assembly of sequential enzymatic steps in PCNA-scaffolded DNA repair cascades.     

A novel proteomic approach identifies new interaction partners for proliferating cell nuclear antigen

During DNA replication and repair, many proteins bind to and dissociate in a highly specific and ordered manner from proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA). We describe a combined approach of in silico searches at the genome level and combinatorial peptide synthesis to investigate the binding properties of hundreds of short PCNA-interacting peptides (PIP-peptides) to archaeal and eukaryal PCNAs. Biological relevance of our combined approach was demonstrated by identification an inactive complex of Pyrococcus abyssi ribonuclease HII with PCNA. Furthermore we show that PIP-peptides interact with PCNA largely in a sequence independent manner. Our experimental approach also identified many so far unidentified PCNA interacting peptides in a number of human proteins.     

A heterotrimeric PCNA in the hyperthermophilic archaeon Sulfolobus solfataricus

The sliding clamp, PCNA, of the archaeon Sulfolobus solfataricus P2 is a heterotrimer of three distinct subunits (PCNA1, 2, and 3) that assembles in a defined manner. The PCNA heterotrimer, but not individual subunits, stimulates the activities of the DNA polymerase, DNA ligase I, and the flap endonuclease (FEN1) of S. solfataricus. Distinct PCNA subunits contact DNA polymerase, DNA ligase, or FEN1, imposing a defined architecture at the lagging strand fork and suggesting the existence of a preformed scanning complex at the fork. This provides a mechanism to tightly couple DNA synthesis and Okazaki fragment maturation. Additionally, unique subunit-specific interactions between components of the clamp loader, RFC, suggest a model for clamp loading of PCNA.     

Proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA): a key factor in DNA replication and cell cycle regulation

Background

PCNA (proliferating cell nuclear antigen) has been found in the nuclei of yeast, plant and animal cells that undergo cell division, suggesting a function in cell cycle regulation and/or DNA replication. It subsequently became clear that PCNA also played a role in other processes involving the cell genome.

Scope

This review discusses eukaryotic PCNA, with an emphasis on plant PCNA, in terms of the protein structure and its biochemical properties as well as gene structure, organization, expression and function. PCNA exerts a tripartite function by operating as (1) a sliding clamp during DNA synthesis, (2) a polymerase switch factor and (3) a recruitment factor. Most of its functions are mediated by its interactions with various proteins involved in DNA synthesis, repair and recombination as well as in regulation of the cell cycle and chromatid cohesion. Moreover, post-translational modifications of PCNA play a key role in regulation of its functions. Finally, a phylogenetic comparison of PCNA genes suggests that the multi-functionality observed in most species is a product of evolution.

Conclusions

Most plant PCNAs exhibit features similar to those found for PCNAs of other eukaryotes. Similarities include: (1) a trimeric ring structure of the PCNA sliding clamp, (2) the involvement of PCNA in DNA replication and repair, (3) the ability to stimulate the activity of DNA polymerase δ and (4) the ability to interact with p21, a regulator of the cell cycle. However, many plant genomes seem to contain the second, probably functional, copy of the PCNA gene, in contrast to PCNA pseudogenes that are found in mammalian genomes.     

Protein-protein interactions of yeast DNA polymerase III with mammalian and yeast proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA)/cyclin

We have previously reported the purification of yeast analogs to mammalian DNA polymerase delta and proliferating-cell nuclear antigen (PCNA)/cyclin: DNA polymerase III and yeast PCNA, respectively. Through the use of gel-filtration chromatography, we have studied the interaction of the model template-primer system poly(dA).(dT)16 (40:1) with yeast DNA polymerase III and with PCNAs. Yeast DNA polymerase III binds to the DNA in the absence of yeast PCNA/cyclin, but comigration of either yeast or calf thymus PCNA/cyclin with the DNA requires the additional presence of yeast DNA polymerase III. We could also isolate a DNA-calf thymus DNA polymerase delta-calf thymus PCNA/cyclin complex. From these data, we propose that PCNA/cyclin is involved not in the binding step of the polymerase to the template-primer, but in the elongation step. The 3'----5' exonuclease associated with yeast DNA polymerase III acts in a distributive manner on poly(dA).(pT)16, and dissociates from the DNA when addition of dTTP allows switching from the exonuclease to the polymerase mode. Addition of PCNA/cyclin had no effect on these activities.     

The structure of the human RNase H2 complex defines key interaction interfaces relevant to enzyme function and human disease

Ribonuclease H2 (RNase H2) is the major nuclear enzyme involved in the degradation of RNA/DNA hybrids and removal of ribonucleotides misincorporated in genomic DNA. Mutations in each of the three RNase H2 subunits have been implicated in a human auto-inflammatory disorder, Aicardi-Goutières Syndrome (AGS). To understand how mutations impact on RNase H2 function we determined the crystal structure of the human heterotrimer. In doing so, we correct several key regions of the previously reported murine RNase H2 atomic model and provide biochemical validation for our structural model. Our results provide new insights into how the subunits are arranged to form an enzymatically active complex. In particular, we establish that the RNASEH2A C terminus is a eukaryotic adaptation for binding the two accessory subunits, with residues within it required for enzymatic activity. This C-terminal extension interacts with the RNASEH2C C terminus and both are necessary to form a stable, enzymatically active heterotrimer. Disease mutations cluster at this interface between all three subunits, destabilizing the complex and/or impairing enzyme activity. Altogether, we locate 25 out of 29 residues mutated in AGS patients, establishing a firm basis for future investigations into disease pathogenesis and function of the RNase H2 enzyme.     

Coordination of multiple enzyme activities by a single PCNA in archaeal Okazaki fragment maturation

Chromosomal DNA replication requires one daughter strand-the lagging strand-to be synthesised as a series of discontinuous, RNA-primed Okazaki fragments, which must subsequently be matured into a single covalent DNA strand. Here, we describe the reconstitution of Okazaki fragment maturation in vitro using proteins derived from the archaeon Sulfolobus solfataricus. Six proteins are necessary and sufficient for coupled DNA synthesis, RNA primer removal and DNA ligation. PolB1, Fen1 and Lig1 provide the required catalytic activities, with coordination of their activities dependent upon the DNA sliding clamp, proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA). S. solfataricus PCNA is a heterotrimer, with each subunit having a distinct specificity for binding PolB1, Fen1 or Lig1. Our data demonstrate that the most efficient coupling of activities occurs when a single PCNA ring organises PolB1, Fen1 and Lig1 into a complex.     

Human-Saccharomyces cerevisiae proliferating cell nuclear antigen hybrids: oligomeric structure and functional characterization using in vitro DNA replication

The proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) is a highly conserved protein required for the assembly of the DNA polymerase delta (pol delta) holoenzyme. Because PCNAs from Saccharomyces cerevisiae and human do not complement each other using in vitro or in vivo assays, hybrids of the two proteins would help identify region(s) involved in the assembly of the pol delta holoenzyme. Two mutants of human PCNA, HU1 (D21E) and HU3 (D120E), and six hybrids of human and S. cerevisiae PCNA, HC1, HC5, CH2, CH3, CH4, and CH5, were prepared by swapping corresponding regions between the two proteins. In solution, all PCNA assembled into trimers, albeit to different extents. These PCNA variants were tested for stimulation of pol delta and in vitro replication of M13 and SV40 DNA as well as to stimulate the ATPase activity of replication factor C (RF-C). Our data suggest that in addition to the interdomain connecting loop and C terminus, an additional site in the N terminus is required for pol delta interaction. PCNA mutants and hybrids that stimulated pol delta and RF-C were deficient in M13 and SV40 DNA replication assays, indicating that PCNA-induced pol delta stimulation and RF-C-mediated loading are not sufficient for coordinated DNA synthesis at a replication fork.     

Molecular characterization and expression of an alternate proliferating cell nuclear antigen homologue,PfPCNA2, in Plasmodium falciparum

The malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum genome sequencing has revealed the existence of a second gene for proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), a key factor in a variety of DNA metabolic events. The alternate copy of PCNA (PfPCNA2) shows only 23% identity to an earlier reported P. falciparum PCNA homologue (PfPCNA1). Our analysis indicated structural conservation of PfPCNA2 compared to eukaryotic PCNAs. PfPCNA1 and 2 polypeptides showed differential expression in the intraerythrocytic cell cycle of the malaria parasite. PfPCNA1 expression slowly increases about threefold from the ring to the late schizont stage. In contrast PfPCNA2 showed robust expression in trophozoites and early schizonts with a sudden drop in expression in the late schizont stage, suggesting that the two PfPCNAs may function under different physiological conditions. Chemical cross-linking indicated the presence of a trimeric PfPCNA2 protein, indicating the possible existence of a functional ring-like PfPCNA2 structure.     

Saccharomyces cerevisiae MHF complex structurally resembles the histones (H3-H4)₂ heterotetramer and functions as a heterotetramer

Fanconi anemia (FA) is a chromosomal instability disorder associated with deficiencies in the Fanconi anemia complementation group (FANC) network. A complex consisting of FANCM-associated histone-fold proteins 1 and 2 (MHF1 and MHF2) has been shown to act cooperatively with FANCM in DNA damage repair in the FA pathway. Here we report the structure of Saccharomyces cerevisiae MHF complex in which MHF1 and MHF2 assume a typical histone fold, and the complex has a heterotetrameric architecture similar to that of the histones (H3-H4)? heterotetramer. Loop L2 of MHF1 is probably involved in DNA binding, and loop L3 and helices α2 and α3 of one MHF1 subunit interact with those of the other to form two heterotetramer interfaces. Further genetic data demonstrate that the heterotetramer assembly is essential for the function of the complex in DNA repair. These results provide, to the best of our knowledge, new mechanistic insights into the function of the MHF complex.     

Proliferating Cell Nuclear Antigen (PCNA) Interactions in Solution Studied by NMR

PCNA is an essential factor for DNA replication and repair. It forms a ring shaped structure of 86 kDa by the symmetric association of three identical protomers. The ring encircles the DNA and acts as a docking platform for other proteins, most of them containing the PCNA Interaction Protein sequence (PIP-box). We have used NMR to characterize the interactions of PCNA with several other proteins and fragments in solution. The binding of the PIP-box peptide of the cell cycle inhibitor p21 to PCNA is consistent with the crystal structure of the complex. A shorter p21 peptide binds with reduced affinity but retains most of the molecular recognition determinants. However the binding of the corresponding peptide of the tumor suppressor ING1 is extremely weak, indicating that slight deviations from the consensus PIP-box sequence dramatically reduce the affinity for PCNA, in contrast with a proposed less stringent PIP-box sequence requirement. We could not detect any binding between PCNA and the MCL-1 or the CDK2 protein, reported to interact with PCNA in biochemical assays. This suggests that they do not bind directly to PCNA, or they do but very weakly, with additional unidentified factors stabilizing the interactions in the cell. Backbone dynamics measurements show three PCNA regions with high relative flexibility, including the interdomain connector loop (IDCL) and the C-terminus, both of them involved in the interaction with the PIP-box. Our work provides the basis for high resolution studies of direct ligand binding to PCNA in solution.     

Structural insight into recruitment of translesion DNA polymerase Dpo4 to sliding clamp PCNA

DNA polymerases are co-ordinated by sliding clamps (PCNA/β-clamp) in translesion synthesis. It is unclear how these enzymes assemble on PCNA with geometric and functional compatibility. We report the crystal structure of a full-length Y-family polymerase, Dpo4, in complex with heterodimeric PCNA1–PCNA2 at 2.05 Å resolution. Dpo4 exhibits an extended conformation that differs from the Dpo4 structures in apo- or DNA-bound form. Two hinges have been identified in Dpo4, which render the multidomain polymerase flexible conformations and orientations relative to PCNA. Dpo4 binds specifically to PCNA1 on the conserved ligand binding site. The C-terminal peptide of Dpo4 becomes structured with a 3₁₀ helix and dominates the specific binding. The Y-family polymerase also contacts PCNA1 with its finger, thumb and little finger domains, which are conformation-dependent protein–protein interactions that diversify the binding mode of Dpo4 on PCNA. The structure reveals a molecular model in which substrate/partner binding-coupled multiple conformations of a Y-family polymerase facilitate its recruitment and co-ordination on the sliding clamp. The conformational flexibility would turn the error-prone Y-family polymerase off when more efficient high-fidelity DNA polymerases work on undamaged DNA and turn it onto DNA templates to perform translesion synthesis when replication forks are stalled by DNA lesions.     

Characterization of the Replication Initiator Orc1/Cdc6 from the Archaeon Picrophilus torridus

Eukaryotic DNA replication is preceded by the assembly of prereplication complexes (pre-RCs) at or very near origins in G₁ phase, which licenses origin firing in S phase. The archaeal DNA replication machinery broadly resembles the eukaryal apparatus, though simpler in form. The eukaryotic replication initiator origin recognition complex (ORC), which serially recruits Cdc6 and other pre-RC proteins, comprises six components, Orc1-6. In archaea, a single gene encodes a protein similar to both the eukaryotic Cdc6 and the Orc1 subunit of the eukaryotic ORC, with most archaea possessing one to three Orc1/Cdc6 orthologs. Genome sequence analysis of the extreme acidophile Picrophilus torridus revealed a single Orc1/Cdc6 (PtOrc1/Cdc6). Biochemical analyses show MBP-tagged PtOrc1/Cdc6 to preferentially bind ORB (origin recognition box) sequences. The protein hydrolyzes ATP in a DNA-independent manner, though DNA inhibits MBP-PtOrc1/Cdc6-mediated ATP hydrolysis. PtOrc1/Cdc6 exists in stable complex with PCNA in Picrophilus extracts, and MBP-PtOrc1/Cdc6 interacts directly with PCNA through a PIP box near its C terminus. Furthermore, PCNA stimulates MBP-PtOrc1/Cdc6-mediated ATP hydrolysis in a DNA-dependent manner. This is the first study reporting a direct interaction between Orc1/Cdc6 and PCNA in archaea. The bacterial initiator DnaA is converted from an active to an inactive form by ATP hydrolysis, a process greatly facilitated by the bacterial ortholog of PCNA, the β subunit of Pol III. The stimulation of PtOrc1/Cdc6-mediated ATP hydrolysis by PCNA and the conservation of PCNA-interacting protein motifs in several archaeal PCNAs suggest the possibility of a similar mechanism of regulation existing in archaea. This mechanism may involve other yet to be identified archaeal proteins.