<p> Replication factor C (RFC) is a multimeric AAA+ protein complex that loads the DNA polymerase processivity clamp PCNA (Proliferating Cell Nuclear Antigen) onto DNA using ATP to drive the reaction [<cite idref="PUB00036061"/>]. PCNA functions at multiple levels in directing DNA metabolic pathways [<cite idref="PUB00036062"/>]. When bound to DNA, PCNA organises various proteins involved in DNA replication, DNA repair, DNA modification, and chromatin modelling.</p><p> In contrast to eukaryotic RFC, which has been shown to contain five distinct polypeptides, archaeal RFC contains only two types of subunit - large and small. The exact subunit stoichiometry in archaea is unclear. In Methanobacterium thermoautotrophicum, RFC is reported to be a heterohexamer, composed of four small and two large subunits [<cite idref="PUB00054969"/>]. In Sulfolobus solfataricus, meanwhile, it is reported to be a heteropentamer of four small subunits and one large [<cite idref="PUB00054970"/>].</p><p>This entry represents the archaeal RFC small subunit.</p>