Studies of DNA Polymerases Involved in DNA Repair and Lesion Bypass

Genomic DNA is under constant stress from both endogenous and exogenous sources. Factors such as UV light, chemotherapeutic agents, and even normal metabolic activities can all damage DNA by creating lesions; nitrogenous base alterations that include crosslinking, addition of covalent adducts, and spontaneous base loss. All forms of DNA damage are potentially detrimental because they hinder the cell’s ability to replicate DNA efficiently and accurately. Fortunately, the cell has many methods to minimize the effects of DNA damage. The damage can either be repaired or, if an unrepaired lesion stalls DNA replication, tolerated through lesion bypass. Because these pathways are the means by which genome integrity is maintained, they are very important to thoroughly understand. The studies reported herein concern two families of enzymes involved in the complex DNA damage response; the X- and Y-families of DNA polymerases.No embarg