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Family A and B DNA Polymerases in Cancer: Opportunities for Therapeutic Interventions

Vinit Shanbhag1,2, Shrikesh Sachdev3,4, Jacqueline A Flores5,6

  • 1Department of Biochemistry, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA. vcs36d@mail.missouri.edu.

Biology
|January 6, 2018
PubMed

Insights

DNA polymerases are crucial for DNA replication and repair. Inhibiting these enzymes, particularly non-replicative DNA polymerases involved in cancer, may improve cancer treatment outcomes.

Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Genetics
  • Cancer Research

Background:

  • DNA polymerases are vital for genome replication, DNA repair, and translesion DNA synthesis (TLS).
  • Both replicative and non-replicative DNA polymerases are implicated in cancer development and progression.
  • Mutations in cancer cells can arise from error-prone synthesis by non-replicative polymerases or impaired proofreading by replicative polymerases.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the association of DNA polymerases (families A and B) with cancer.
  • To discuss the role of these enzymes in lesion bypass and gene replication in tumorigenesis.
  • To explore potential therapeutic strategies targeting DNA polymerases in cancer treatment.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies on DNA polymerases in cancer.
  • Analysis of the mechanisms by which DNA polymerases contribute to cancer.
  • Discussion of therapeutic interventions targeting DNA polymerases.

Main Results:

  • Non-replicative DNA polymerases can introduce mutations and confer resistance to cancer therapies.
  • Inhibition of DNA polymerases shows potential for enhancing cancer treatment efficacy.
  • DNA polymerases from families A and B are key players in lesion bypass and replication.

Conclusions:

  • Targeting DNA polymerases presents a promising therapeutic avenue for cancer treatment.
  • Understanding the dual role of DNA polymerases in cancer is critical for developing effective strategies.
  • Further research into modulating DNA polymerase activity could lead to improved patient outcomes.
Keywords:
3′-5′ exonucleaseDNA polymeraseDNA polymerase and cancerbase excision repaircancermismatch repairreplication forktherapy for mismatch repair deficient cancerstranslesion DNA synthesis

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