Archaeal DNA polymerases have long been studied due to their superior properties for DNA amplification in the polymerase chain reaction and DNA sequencing technologies. However, a full comprehension of their functions, recruitment and regulation as part of the replisome during genome replication and DNA repair lags behind well-established bacterial and eukaryotic model systems. The archaea are evolutionarily very broad, but many studies in the major model systems of both Crenarchaeota and Euryarchaeota are starting to yield significant increases in understanding of the functions of DNA polymerases in the respective phyla. Recent advances in biochemical approaches and in archaeal genetic models allowing knockout and epitope tagging have led to significant increases in our understanding, including DNA polymerase roles in Okazaki fragment maturation on the lagging strand, towards reconstitution of the replisome itself. Furthermore, poorly characterised DNA polymerase paralogues are finding roles in DNA repair and CRISPR immunity. This review attempts to provide a current update on the roles of archaeal DNA polymerases in both DNA replication and repair, addressing significant questions that remain for this field.
-
Cover Image
Cover Image
In the cover image, which depicts archaeal cell division, fl uorescence microscopy shows FtsZ1-GFP localisation in pleomorphic cells of Haloferax volcanii. This archaeal model organism was originally isolated from the Dead Sea, but is well suited to live-cell studies owing to its relatively large, flat cells that show distinct differentiation. Multiple proteins from the tubulin superfamily control cell division and cell shape in this species (see article by Liao et al in this issue; pages 547–559). Archaea are expected to provide important insights into cellular evolution and fundamental cell structures such as the cytoskeleton. Image kindly provided by Iain Duggin (The ithree institute, University of Technology Sydney).
Archaeal DNA polymerases: new frontiers in DNA replication and repair
Nicholas P. Robinson, Christopher D.O. Cooper; Archaeal DNA polymerases: new frontiers in DNA replication and repair. Emerg Top Life Sci 14 December 2018; 2 (4): 503–516. doi: https://doi.org/10.1042/ETLS20180015
Download citation file:
Sign in
Sign in to your personal account
Captcha Validation Error. Please try again.