Regulated proteolysis by ATP-dependent proteases have a crucial role in protein quality control in cells. The Clp/Hsp100 proteins of the AAA+ superfamily of ATP-dependent chaperones unfold and translocate proteins into the proteolytic chamber of protease complexes. ClpC requires the adaptor protein MecA for activation and substrate targetting to the ClpCP protease complex. Here, a structural and biochemical analysis is presented of the MecA–ClpC complex revealing organizational principles and providing mechanistic insights into this complex molecular machine.
- Feng Wang
- Ziqing Mei
- Yigong Shi