In Vitro Bypass of Thymidine Glycol by DNA Polymerase θ Forms Sequence-Dependent Frameshift Mutations

Biochemistry. 2017 Dec 26;56(51):6726-6733. doi: 10.1021/acs.biochem.7b01093. Epub 2017 Dec 15.

Abstract

Unrepaired DNA lesions block replication and threaten genomic stability. Several specialized translesion polymerases, including polymerase θ (Pol θ), contribute to replicative bypass of these lesions. The role of Pol θ in double-strand break repair is well-understood, but its contribution to translesion synthesis is much less so. We describe the action of Pol θ on templates containing thymidine glycol (Tg), a major cytotoxic, oxidative DNA lesion that blocks DNA replication. Unrepaired Tg lesions are bypassed in human cells by specialized translesion polymerases by one of two distinct pathways: high-fidelity bypass by the combined action of Pol κ and Pol ζ or weakly mutagenic bypass by Pol θ. Here we report that in vitro bypass of Tg by Pol θ results in frameshift mutations (deletions) in a sequence-dependent fashion. Steady-state kinetic analysis indicated that one- and two-nucleotide deletions are formed 9- and 6-fold more efficiently, respectively, than correct, full-length bypass products. Sequencing of in vitro bypass products revealed that bypass preference decreased in the following order on a template where all three outcomes were possible: two-nucleotide deletion > correct bypass > one-nucleotide deletion. These results suggest that bypass of Tg by Pol θ results in mutations opposite the lesion, as well as frameshift mutations.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • DNA Damage
  • DNA Polymerase theta
  • DNA Repair
  • DNA Replication*
  • DNA-Directed DNA Polymerase / genetics
  • DNA-Directed DNA Polymerase / metabolism*
  • Frameshift Mutation*
  • Humans
  • Kinetics
  • Oxidative Stress
  • Thymidine / analogs & derivatives*
  • Thymidine / metabolism

Substances

  • thymidine glycol
  • DNA-Directed DNA Polymerase
  • Thymidine