DNA polymerase III PolC-type (PolC)

DNA polymerase III PolC-type (*PolC*) is a major replicative DNA polymerase operating in Gram-positive bacteria, responsible for synthesizing the bulk of DNA during cell division[3][8]. PolC possesses both polymerase and 3' to 5' exonuclease (proofreading) activity, ensuring high fidelity of replication[3][8]. Structurally, PolC displays a right-hand configuration, with distinct thumb, palm, and finger domains for DNA binding and catalysis. It also contains an oligonucleotide/oligosaccharide-binding (OB) domain and a polymerase and histidinol phosphatase (PHP) domain[3]. Recent structural models have revealed specialized mechanisms for error sensing and proofreading, highlighting PolC as a compelling target for new antibiotics, given its essential role in bacterial viability and absence from mammalian genomes[3][1][8].

Other names

PolCDNA polymerase III PolC

Drugs inhibiting PolC act by blocking DNA replication, thereby stopping bacterial cell division and proliferation