biostudies-literatureMcGowan SNIGMS NIH HHS3144-55https://www.ebi.ac.uk/biostudies/studies/S-EPMC1500978biostudies-literatureUnknown25(13)Most serpins are associated with protease inhibition, and their ability to form loop-sheet polymers is linked to conformational disease and the human serpinopathies. Here we describe the structural and functional dissection of how a unique serpin, the non-histone architectural protein, MENT (Myeloid and Erythroid Nuclear Termination stage-specific protein), participates in DNA and chromatin condensation. Our data suggest that MENT contains at least two distinct DNA-binding sites, consistent with its simultaneous binding to the two closely juxtaposed linker DNA segments on a nucleosome. Remarkably, our studies suggest that the reactive centre loop, a region of the MENT molecule essential for chromatin bridging in vivo and in vitro, is able to mediate formation of a loop-sheet oligomer. ThesThe EMBO journalX-ray crystal structure of MENT: evidence for functional loop-sheet polymers in chromatin condensation.PMC1500978R01 GM059118GM-59118Kan WTBulynko YARossjohn JOng PCSmith AIMcGowan SIrving JABottomley SPWhisstock JCBuckle AMHenderson KNBashtannyk-Puhalovich TAPike RNGrigoryev SAPopova EYfalseX-ray crystal structure of MENT: evidence for functional loop-sheet polymers in chromatin condensation.Most serpins are associated with protease inhibition, and their ability to form loop-sheet polymers is linked to conformational disease and the human serpinopathies. Here we describe the structural and functional dissection of how a unique serpin, the non-histone architectural protein, MENT (Myeloid and Erythroid Nuclear Termination stage-specific protein), participates in DNA and chromatin condensation. Our data suggest that MENT contains at least two distinct DNA-binding sites, consistent with its simultaneous binding to the two closely juxtaposed linker DNA segments on a nucleosome. Remarkably, our studies suggest that the reactive centre loop, a region of the MENT molecule essential for chromatin bridging in vivo and in vitro, is able to mediate formation of a loop-sheet oligomer. Thes2006-01-01T00:00:00Z2006 Jul2026-04-29T20:45:07.611Z2019-03-27T01:45:36ZS-EPMC15009781681032210.1038/sj.emboj.7601201