Yes, specific exonucleases have been implicated in various types of cancer. The proofreading exonuclease activity of DNA polymerase epsilon (Pol ε) is crucial for preventing replication errors. Mutations in the POLE gene, which encodes Pol ε, are associated with an increased risk of colorectal and endometrial cancers. Similarly, mutations in the TREX1 gene, encoding a 3' to 5' exonuclease, are linked to autoimmune diseases and certain types of cancer.
