Error-prone DNA polymerases: when making a mistake is the only way to get ahead.
Cells have high-fidelity polymerases whose task is to accurately replicate the genome, and low-fidelity polymerases with specialized functions. Although some of these low-fidelity polymerases are exceptional in their ability to replicate damaged DNA and restore the undamaged sequence, they are error prone on undamaged DNA. In fact, these error-prone polymerases are sometimes used in circumstances where the capacity to make errors has a selective advantage. The mutagenic potential of the error-prone polymerases requires that their expression, activity, and access to undamaged DNA templates be regulated. Here we review these specialized polymerases with an emphasis on their biological roles.
Rattray
Alison J
AJ
Gene Regulation and Chromosome Biology Laboratory, NCI-Frederick, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Frederick, Maryland 21702, USA. rattray@ncifcrf.gov
Strathern
Jeffrey N
JN
D004247:DNA / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D004259:DNA-Directed DNA Polymerase / Q000378:metabolism*; D004926:Escherichia coli / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D005057:Eukaryotic Cells / Q000378:metabolism; D009154:Mutation
D004247:DNA; D004259:DNA-Directed DNA Polymerase