When DNA Polymerases Multitask: Functions Beyond Nucleotidyl Transfer

DNA polymerases catalyze nucleotidyl transfer, the central reaction in synthesis of DNA polynucleotide chains. They function not only in DNA replication, but also in diverse aspects of DNA repair and recombination. Some DNA polymerases can perform translesion DNA synthesis, facilitating damage tolerance and leading to mutagenesis. In addition to these functions, many DNA polymerases conduct biochemically distinct reactions. This review presents examples of DNA polymerases that carry out nuclease (3MODIFIER LETTER PRIME-5 ' exonuclease, 5 ' nuclease, or end-trimming nuclease) or lyase (5 ' dRP lyase) extracurricular activities. The discussion underscores how DNA polymerases have a remarkable ability to manipulate DNA strands, sometimes involving relatively large intramolecular movement.

Automated summary

DNA polymerases are enzymes that catalyze nucleotidyl transfer, a central reaction in the synthesis of DNA polynucleotide chains. They play a role not only in DNA replication but also in DNA repair and recombination. Some DNA polymerases can perform translesion DNA synthesis, leading to mutagenesis. In addition to these functions, there are many DNA polymerases that carry out different biochemical reactions. This review provides examples of DNA polymerases that have extracurricular activities, such as nucleases and lyases, and highlights their remarkable ability to manipulate DNA strands.