Rad50 zinc hook functions as a constitutive dimerization module interchangeable with SMC hinge

Abstract

The Mre11/Rad50 complex, which functions in genome surveillance, possesses antiparallel coiled-coil arms forming a ring-like structure similar to that of the SMC family proteins. Here the authors find that the Rad50 zinc hook functions similarly to the hinge of the SMC protein, and that the ring structure of the Mre11/Rad50 dimer also opens by disconnecting its globular head domains.