Structure of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) bound to an APIM peptide reveals the universality of PCNA interaction

Proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) provides a molecular platform for numerous protein–protein interactions in DNA metabolism. A large number of proteins associated with PCNA have a well characterized sequence termed the PCNA-interacting protein box motif (PIPM). Another PCNA-interacting sequence termed the AlkB homologue 2 PCNA-interacting motif (APIM), comprising the five consensus residues (K/R)-(F/Y/W)-(L/I/V/A)-(L/I/V/A)-(K/R), has also been identified in various proteins. In contrast to that with PIPM, the PCNA–APIM interaction is less well understood. Here, the crystal structure of PCNA bound to a peptide carrying an APIM consensus sequence, RFLVK, was determined and structure-based interaction analysis was performed. The APIM peptide binds to the PIPM-binding pocket on PCNA in a similar way to PIPM. The phenylalanine and leucine residues within the APIM consensus sequence and a hydrophobic residue that precedes the APIM consensus sequence are crucially involved in interactions with the hydrophobic pocket of PCNA. This interaction is essential for overall binding. These results provide a structural basis for regulation of the PCNA interaction and might aid in the development of specific inhibitors of this interaction.