Bailey, Laura and Doherty, Aidan (2017) Mitochondrial DNA replication: a PrimPol perspective. Biochemical Society Transactions, 45 (2). pp. 513-529. ISSN 0300-5127

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Abstract

PrimPol, (Primase-Polymerase), the most recently identified eukaryotic polymerase, has roles in both nuclear and mitochondrial DNA maintenance. PrimPol is able to act as a DNA polymerase, with the ability to extend primers and also bypass a variety of oxidative and photo-lesions. In addition, PrimPol also functions as a primase, catalysing the preferential formation of DNA primers in a zinc finger-dependent manner. Although PrimPol’s catalytic activities have been uncovered in vitro, we still know little about how and why it is targeted to the mitochondrion and what its key roles are in the maintenance of this multi-copy DNA molecule. Unlike nuclear DNA, the mammalian mitochondrial genome is circular and the organelle has a number of unique proteins essential for its maintenance, presenting a differing environment within which PrimPol must function. Here, we discuss what is currently known about the mechanisms of DNA replication in the mitochondrion, the proteins that carry out these processes and how PrimPol is likely to be involved in assisting this vital cellular process.

Item Type:	Article
Keywords:	PrimPol: primase:polymerase: mitochondria: Replication; repriming
Schools and Departments:	School of Life Sciences > Sussex Centre for Genome Damage and Stability
Research Centres and Groups:	Genome Damage and Stability Centre
Subjects:	Q Science > QP Physiology > QP0501 Animal biochemistry Q Science > QP Physiology > QP0501 Animal biochemistry > QP0620 Nucleic acids
Depositing User:	Aidan Doherty
Date Deposited:	04 Dec 2017 14:42
Last Modified:	01 Apr 2018 01:00
URI:	http://srodev.sussex.ac.uk/id/eprint/71795

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