Mutator phenotypes due to DNA replication infidelity

Semin Cancer Biol. 2010 Oct;20(5):304-11. doi: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2010.10.003. Epub 2010 Oct 8.

Abstract

This article considers the fidelity of DNA replication performed by eukaryotic DNA polymerases involved in replicating the nuclear genome. DNA replication fidelity can vary widely depending on the DNA polymerase, the composition of the error, the flanking sequence, the presence of DNA damage and the ability to correct errors. As a consequence, defects in processes that determine DNA replication fidelity can confer strong mutator phenotypes whose specificity can help determine the molecular nature of the defect.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Intramural
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Biomarkers
  • DNA Damage*
  • DNA Mismatch Repair
  • DNA Repair*
  • DNA Replication
  • DNA-Directed DNA Polymerase / genetics*
  • DNA-Directed DNA Polymerase / metabolism*
  • Genes, Neoplasm
  • Humans
  • Microsatellite Instability
  • Mutation*
  • Neoplasms / genetics
  • Phenotype
  • Somatic Hypermutation, Immunoglobulin

Substances

  • Biomarkers
  • DNA-Directed DNA Polymerase