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We determined the structure of the Polα–primase complex trapped in a DNA elongation state. Cryo-electron microscopy showed that primase has a role in facilitating the timely termination of primer DNA elongation by Polα by hanging on the primer–template complex.
Endogenous retroviruses (ERVs), a type of transposable element (TE), have been incorporated throughout evolution into the human genome. We show that many ERVs regulate placental gene expression, which may have helped fuel the rapid evolution of the placenta and could have implications for pregnancy complications.
The cryo-EM structure of a natural AlkB–AlkG fusion from Fontimonas thermophila reveals the mechanistic basis for its selectivity towards, and functionalization of, alkane terminal C–H groups. AlkB contains an alkane entry tunnel and a diiron active site, and AlkG docks through electrostatic interactions and transfers electrons to the diiron center for catalysis.
