Proteomic dissection of DNA polymerization.
DNA polymerases replicate the genome by associating with a range of other proteins that enable rapid, high-fidelity copying of DNA. This complex of proteins and nucleic acids is termed the replisome. Proteins of the replisome must interact with other networks of proteins, such as those involved in DNA repair. Many of the proteins involved in DNA polymerization and the accessory proteins are known, but the array of proteins they interact with, and the spatial and temporal arrangement of these interactions, are current research topics. Mass spectrometry is a technique that can be used to identify the sites of these interactions and to determine the precise stoichiometries of binding partners in a functional complex. A complete understanding of the macromolecular interactions involved in DNA replication and repair may lead to discovery of new targets for antibiotics against bacteria and biomarkers for diagnosis of diseases, such as cancer, in humans.
Beck
Jennifer L
JL
Department of Chemistry, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia. jbeck@uow.edu.au
Urathamakul
Thitima
T
Watt
Stephen J
SJ
Sheil
Margaret M
MM
Schaeffer
Patrick M
PM
Dixon
Nicholas E
NE
D000818:Animals; D004247:DNA / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D004261:DNA Replication; D004259:DNA-Directed DNA Polymerase / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans; D013058:Mass Spectrometry; D011485:Protein Binding; D040901:Proteomics / Q000379:methods*
D004247:DNA; D004259:DNA-Directed DNA Polymerase