Loading strategies of ring-shaped nucleic acid translocases and helicases

- Hexameric nucleic-acid translocases and helicases form rings that encircle DNA or RNA.
- These motors hydrolyze ATP to power nucleic acid movement through a central pore.
- Ring loading occurs by assembly on nucleic acid strands or by opening pre-formed rings.
- Accessory domains can aid with substrate DNA or RNA recognition before loading.
- Ring loading is either self-directed or is facilitated by ancillary chaperones.