DNA polymerase eta and chemotherapeutic agents.
The discovery of human DNA polymerase eta (pol η) has a major impact on the fields of DNA replication/repair fields. Since the discovery of human pol η, a number of new DNA polymerases with the ability to bypass various DNA lesions have been discovered. Among these polymerases, pol η is the most extensively studied lesion bypass polymerase with a defined major biological function, that is, to replicate across the cyclobutane pyrimidine dimers introduced by UV irradiation. Cyclobutane pyrimidine dimer is a major DNA lesion that causes distortion of DNA structure and block the replicative DNA polymerases during DNA replication process. Genetic defects in the pol η gene, Rad30, results in a disease called xeroderma pigmentosum variant. This review focuses on the overall properties of pol η and the mechanism that involved in regulating its activity in cells. In addition, the role of pol η in the action of DNA-targeting anticancer compounds is also discussed.
Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Indiana University School of Medicine, 635 Barnhill Drive, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA. chouk@iupui.edu
Kai-ming
KM
Chou
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004249:DNA Damage; D004260:DNA Repair; D004261:DNA Replication; D004259:DNA-Directed DNA Polymerase / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans; D015394:Molecular Structure; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000235:genetics; D011740:Pyrimidine Dimers; D000099270:Y-Family DNA Polymerases
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D004259:DNA-Directed DNA Polymerase; D011740:Pyrimidine Dimers; C112338:Rad30 protein; D000099270:Y-Family DNA Polymerases