DNA polymerase alpha; DNA polymerase beta (Pol α; Pol β)

DNA polymerase alpha is a multi-subunit enzyme responsible for initiating DNA synthesis during replication. It generates short RNA-DNA primers that are then extended by other polymerases, and its activity is tightly regulated during the cell cycle[2][3][5]. DNA polymerase beta mainly functions in the base excision repair pathway, filling short DNA gaps during repair of damaged bases, and is structurally simpler than alpha, with distinct catalytic and DNA-binding domains[4][6]. Both enzymes are part of the DNA polymerase family, which catalyzes the polymerization of deoxynucleotides onto a DNA chain using a DNA template and primer. They are considered important drug targets in cancer, infection, and genetic disease contexts. "DNA" as an isolated molecule is not a therapeutic target or receptor; its inclusion here is a classification error.

Other names

Pol α (DNA polymerase alpha)Pol β (DNA polymerase beta)polymerase alphapolymerase beta

Inhibition of DNA synthesis by blocking polymerase enzymatic activity Competition: Nucleotide analogs compete for incorporation, leading to chain termination (e.g., cytarabine, acyclovir) Prevention of primer extension/initiation (aphidicolin-type inhibition) Intercalation or alkylation of DNA (not enzymatic inhibition, but altered replication via DNA modification by some drugs)