Structural insights into the molecular mechanisms of the <i>Mycobacterium</i> evolvability factor Mfd

ABSTRACT Mfd is a highly conserved ATP dependent DNA translocase that mediates the role of Transcription-Coupled-DNA-Repair(TCR) in bacteria. The molecular mechanisms and conformational remodelling that occurs in Mfd upon ATP binding, hydrolysis, and DNA translocation are poorly defined. Here we report a series of crystal and electron microscopy(EM) structures of Mfd from Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MtbMfd) and Mycobacterium smegmatis Mfd, solved in both the apo and nucleotide-bound states. The structures reveal the mechanism of nucleotide-binding, which lead to the remodeling of the Walker A motif at the catalytic pocket, inducing a flip-flop action of the hinge and flexible linker regions. Specifically, nucleotide binding unlocks the Translocation in RecG motif of the D6-domain to induce a ratchet-like motion. Functional studies of MtbMfd-RNAP complexes show that MtbMfd rescues stalled Transcription Elongation Complexes. We also report negative-stain and cryo-EM single particle reconstructions of MtbMfd higher order oligomer, that reveal an unexpected dodecameric assembly state. Given that Mfd accelerates the evolution of antimicrobial resistance(AMR), our results establish a framework for the design of new “anti-evolution” therapeutics to counter AMR.