Molecular Classification
Enzyme, DNA polymerase
Other Names
Pol ε, POLE, POL2
Disease Roles
Cancer

DNA polymerase epsilon Overview

DNA polymerase epsilon is a multi-subunit enzyme responsible primarily for leading-strand synthesis during eukaryotic chromosome replication. It combines high-fidelity catalysis with crucial structural roles within the replisome complex—functions that are indispensable not only for accurate genome duplication but also coordination between replication progression, chromatin dynamics, checkpoint activation, and multiple forms of post-replicative repair.

Mechanism of Action

DNA synthesis inhibition via nucleotide misincorporation or chain termination. Exonuclease activity inhibition.

Biological Functions

DNA replication
Leading strand synthesis
DNA repair
Nucleotide excision repair (NER)
Base excision repair (BER)
Recombination
Checkpoint signaling
Genome stability maintenance
Chromatin dynamics

Disease Associations

Cancer

Safety Considerations

  • Loss of key non-catalytic domains can lead to lethality