Beta sliding clamp

UniProtKB accession:  P05649

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UniProtKB description:  Confers DNA tethering and processivity to DNA polymerases and other proteins. Acts as a clamp, forming a ring around DNA (a reaction catalyzed by the clamp-loading complex) which diffuses in an ATP-independent manner freely and bidirectionally along dsDNA. Initially characterized for its ability to contact the catalytic subunit of DNA polymerase III (Pol III), a complex, multichain enzyme responsible for most of the replicative synthesis in bacteria; Pol III exhibits 3'-5' exonuclease proofreading activity. The beta chain is required for initiation of replication as well as for processivity of DNA replication (By similarity). Overexpression in vivo stimulates inititation of DNA replication from oriC (PubMed:19737352). Increased levels of DnaN remove YabA from its association with DnaA on the chromosome, allowing DnaA to bind to its targets (PubMed:21895792). Its interaction with DnaA probably serves as a sink to prevent excessive replication initiation (Probable) (PubMed:28166228).