Biological relevance of DNA polymerase β and translesion synthesis polymerases to cancer and its treatment

Curr Mol Pharmacol. 2012 Jan;5(1):54-67.

Abstract

The cellular genome is constantly subject to DNA damage caused by endogenous factors or exogenously by damaging agents such as ionizing radiation or various anticancer agents. The base excision repair (BER) enzyme, DNA polymerase β, and the polymerases involved in translesion synthesis (TLS) have been shown to contribute to cellular tolerance and repair of DNA lesions by anticancer treatments, particularly the platinum cytotoxic drugs. Moreover, there is robust preclinical evidence linking alterations in DNA pol β and TLS polymerase levels to cancer. DNA polymerases may therefore be potential targets to increase the sensitivity of cancer cells to chemotherapy drugs. In this article, the physical and chemical properties of DNA polymerase β and the translesion synthesis polymerases are reviewed with a view to identifying how they may act as targets for anticancer treatment. The potential clinical role of new DNA polymerase inhibitors is discussed and how they may be combined with conventional cytotoxic agents.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Antineoplastic Agents / pharmacology*
  • Antineoplastic Agents / therapeutic use
  • DNA Polymerase beta / antagonists & inhibitors
  • DNA Polymerase beta / genetics
  • DNA Polymerase beta / metabolism*
  • DNA Polymerase iota
  • DNA Polymerase theta
  • DNA Repair / drug effects*
  • DNA-Directed DNA Polymerase / metabolism
  • Enzyme Inhibitors / pharmacology*
  • Enzyme Inhibitors / therapeutic use
  • Humans
  • Neoplasms / drug therapy
  • Neoplasms / enzymology*
  • Nuclear Proteins / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Nuclear Proteins / metabolism
  • Nucleic Acid Synthesis Inhibitors
  • Nucleotidyltransferases / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Nucleotidyltransferases / metabolism

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Enzyme Inhibitors
  • Nuclear Proteins
  • Nucleic Acid Synthesis Inhibitors
  • DNA polymerase zeta
  • Nucleotidyltransferases
  • REV1 protein, human
  • DNA Polymerase beta
  • DNA-Directed DNA Polymerase
  • POLK protein, human
  • Rad30 protein
  • DNA Polymerase iota
  • POLI protein, human