Abstract

Genome-wide survey and phylogenetic analysis on subunit sequences of eukaryotic DNA polymerase delta......

DNA polymerase d is not only the major replicative enzyme in eukaryotic chromosomal DNA synthesis but is also the primary polymerase for most DNA repair pathways. However, the subunit composition of polymerase d varies in different organisms. While polymerase d in many eukaryotic species has all 4 subunits (POLD1, 2, 3, and 4), many other organisms do not possess POLD4. Whether POLD4 is indispensable and why these differences exist are unknown. In the present study, we identified the POLD4 protein sequences of 218 eukaryotic species and determined the POLD1, 2, and 3 protein sequences of 55 species representing various taxonomic groups. No insect and nematode species examined possessed POLD4. Approximately 80% of protozoan species did not contain POLD4. Nearly 50% of fungal species did not contain POLD4. Other animal and plant species are expected to contain POLD4.

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