Mechanistic Studies with DNA Polymerases Reveal Complex Outcomes following Bypass of DNA Damage.

ABSTRACT: DNA is a chemically reactive molecule that is subject to many different covalent modifications from sources that are both endogenous and exogenous in origin. The inherent instability of DNA is a major obstacle to genomic maintenance and contributes in varying degrees to cellular dysfunction and disease in multi-cellular organisms. Investigations into the chemical and biological aspects of DNA damage have identified multi-tiered and overlapping cellular systems that have evolved as a means of stabilizing the genome. One of these pathways supports DNA replication events by in a sense adopting the mantra that one must "make the best of a bad situation" and tolerating covalent modification to DNA through less accurate copying of the damaged region. Part of this so-called DNA damage tolerance p

SUBMITTER: Eoff RL 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2948923 | biostudies-literature | 2010 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature