The [4Fe4S] cluster of human DNA primase functions as a redox switch using DNA charge transport

DNA charged with regulating replication DNA can transport electrical charge over long distances and has the potential to act as a signaling system. The iron-sulfur complex [4Fe4S] found in some proteins is known to be involved in redox reactions. The eukaryotic DNA primase is involved in DNA replication and contains a [4Fe4S] cluster that is required for its RNA primer synthesis activity. O'Brien et al. show that the [4Fe4S] cluster in DNA primase can regulate the protein's DNA binding activity through DNA-mediated charge transfer. This in turn plays a role in primer initiation and length determination. Science , this issue p. eaag1789