DNA polymerase delta is required for early mammalian embryogenesis.

ABSTRACT:

Background

In eukaryotic cells, DNA polymerase delta (Poldelta), whose catalytic subunit p125 is encoded in the Pold1 gene, plays a central role in chromosomal DNA replication, repair, and recombination. However, the physiological role of the Poldelta in mammalian development has not been thoroughly investigated.

Methodology/principal findings

To examine this role, we used a gene targeting strategy to generate two kinds of Pold1 mutant mice: Poldelta-null (Pold1(-/-)) mice and D400A exchanged Poldelta (Pold1(exo/exo)) mice. The D400A exchange caused deficient 3'-5' exonuclease activity in the Poldelta protein. In Poldelta-null mice, heterozygous mice developed normally despite a reduction in Pold1 protein quantity. In contrast, homozygous Pold1(-/-) mice suffered from peri-i

SUBMITTER: Uchimura A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2615215 | biostudies-literature | 2009

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature