DnaC was mentioned in Interaction of Escherichia coli dnaB and dnaC(D) gene products in vitro by Wickner, S. & Hruwitz, J. in 19751. DnaC is essential for replication in vitro and in vivo. The role of this protein centers around formation of the dnaB-dnaC complex, from which it delivers the helicase to its site of action on the DNA template. In solution, six molecules of dnaC (27,935 Da/monomer) form a complex with the dnaB2,3. ATP binds the dnaC protein in the complex to stabilizers the dnaB-dnaC interaction. The dnaC protein apparently holds dnaB protein in an inactive state. Thus, after serving in delivery of dnaB to the template, dnaC protein must leave the complex to allow dnaB protein to function. Although serving a critical role in assembly, Until now, no structural information has been available as to the way in which dnaB helicase and its loading partner dnaC interact with each other and with the DNA.

Reference:

     
1. Wickner, S. & Hurwitz, J. (1975). Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci., U.S.A. 72, 921-925.
     
2. Wahle, E., Lasken, R. S. & Kornberg, A. (1989). J. Biol. Chem. 264, 2463-2468.
     
3. Wahle, E., Lasken, R. S. & Kornberg, A. (1989). J. Biol. Chem. 264, 2469-2475.