Protein-template-directed synthesis across an acrolein-derived DNA adduct by yeast rev1 DNA polymerase

Acrolein is generated as the end product of lipid peroxidation and is also a ubiquitous environmental pollutant. Its reaction with the N-2 of guanine leads to a cyclic gamma-HOPdG adduct that presents a block to normal replication. We show here that yeast Rev1 incorporates the correct nucleotide C opposite a permanently ring-closed form of gamma-HOPdG (PdG) with nearly the same efficiency as opposite an undamaged G. The structural basis of this action lies in the eviction of the PdG adduct from the Rev1 active site, and the pairing of incoming dCTP with a surrogate arginine residue. We also show that yeast Pol zeta can carry out the subsequent extension reaction. Together, our studies reveal how the exocyclic PdG adduct is accommodated in a DNA polymerase active site, and they show that the combined action of Rev1 and Pol zeta provides for accurate and efficient synthesis through this potentially carcinogenic DNA lesion.