What Role Do DNA Polymerase Mutations Play in Cancer?
Mutations in DNA polymerases can lead to an increased rate of DNA replication errors, contributing to the accumulation of genetic mutations. For example, mutations in the proofreading domains of Pol δ and Pol ε can lead to a hypermutated phenotype, which is often observed in certain types of cancers. These mutations impair the enzyme’s ability to correct errors during DNA replication, resulting in a higher mutation burden and promoting oncogenesis.
