Translesion DNA Synthesis and Carcinogenesis

Biochemistry (Mosc). 2020 Apr;85(4):425-435. doi: 10.1134/S0006297920040033.

Abstract

Tens of thousands of DNA lesions are formed in mammalian cells each day. DNA translesion synthesis is the main mechanism of cell defense against unrepaired DNA lesions. DNA polymerases iota (Pol ι), eta (Pol η), kappa (Pol κ), and zeta (Pol ζ) have active sites that are less stringent toward the DNA template structure and efficiently incorporate nucleotides opposite DNA lesions. However, these polymerases display low accuracy of DNA synthesis and can introduce mutations in genomic DNA. Impaired functioning of these enzymes can lead to an increased risk of cancer.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • DNA Damage*
  • DNA Polymerase iota
  • DNA Repair*
  • DNA Replication*
  • DNA-Directed DNA Polymerase / metabolism*
  • Humans
  • Neoplasms / genetics
  • Neoplasms / metabolism
  • Neoplasms / pathology*

Substances

  • DNA polymerase zeta
  • DNA-Directed DNA Polymerase
  • POLK protein, human
  • DNA Polymerase iota
  • POLI protein, human