DNA polymerase kappa (POLK)

DNA polymerase kappa (POLK) is a human Y-family DNA polymerase involved in translesion synthesis, a DNA damage tolerance process that allows replication to proceed past certain DNA lesions that block replicative polymerases[3][5]. POLK can bypass various DNA lesions, including bulky adducts and oxidative damage, but does so with lower fidelity, sometimes introducing mutations. It plays an important role in maintaining genome stability under conditions of DNA damage but, due to its error-prone nature, unchecked activity may contribute to mutagenesis and cancer development[2][5]. The protein contains a distinct N-terminal N-clasp domain critical for its catalytic mechanism and DNA lesion bypass activity[1].

Other names

DINB1DINPDNA PolκDNA polymerase κDNA PolkappaPOLQDINB proteinpolymerase (DNA directed) kappa

Enables translesion DNA synthesis, allowing the DNA replication machinery to bypass DNA lesions by incorporating nucleotides opposite damaged bases, with relatively low fidelity[2][5].