THE ROLES OF DNA POLYMERASE-ALPHA AND POLYMERASE-DELTA IN DNA-REPLICATION

The identities and precise roles of the DNA polymerase(s) involved in mammalian cell DNA replication are uncertain. Circumstantial evidence suggests that DNA polymerase α and at least one form of DNA polymerase δm, that which is stimulated by Proliferating Cell Nuclear Antigen, catalyze mammalian cell replicate DNA synthesis. Further, the in vitro properties of polymerases α and δ suggest a model for their coordinate action at the replication fork. The present paper summarizes the current status of DNA polymerases α and δ in DNA replication, and describes newly available approaches to the study of those enzymes. © 1990.