DNA polymerase alpha subunit 2

DNA polymerase alpha subunit 2 (POLA2) is a protein that in humans is encoded by the POLA2 gene. This protein is a crucial component of the DNA polymerase alpha complex, which plays a significant role in the initiation of DNA replication. DNA polymerase alpha subunit 2 works in conjunction with the catalytic subunit of DNA polymerase alpha and other accessory proteins to ensure the accurate and efficient replication of the DNA molecule, a process essential for cell division and the maintenance of genetic information.

Function

DNA polymerase alpha subunit 2 is part of the DNA polymerase alpha complex, which is responsible for synthesizing the RNA-DNA primer necessary for the replication of DNA. This complex consists of a catalytic subunit and several accessory subunits, including POLA2, which are essential for the primer synthesis activity and the overall stability of the complex. The DNA polymerase alpha complex initiates DNA replication by synthesizing a short RNA-DNA hybrid primer. This primer serves as a starting point for the elongation of the DNA strand by DNA polymerase delta and DNA polymerase epsilon, which carry out the bulk of DNA synthesis during replication.

Structure

The POLA2 gene encodes a protein that is a non-catalytic accessory subunit of the DNA polymerase alpha complex. The exact structure of POLA2 and its interaction with other subunits within the complex are critical for the function and regulation of the DNA polymerase alpha enzyme. The structural details of POLA2, including its binding sites and interaction domains with other subunits, are important for understanding how the DNA polymerase alpha complex is assembled and how it functions in the initiation of DNA replication.

Clinical Significance

Alterations in the function or expression of POLA2 can have significant implications for cell cycle regulation and may contribute to the development of various cancers. Given its essential role in DNA replication, any dysfunction in the POLA2 subunit or the DNA polymerase alpha complex as a whole can lead to genomic instability, which is a hallmark of cancer cells. Research into POLA2 and its interactions within the DNA polymerase alpha complex may provide insights into novel therapeutic targets for cancer treatment.

See Also

• DNA replication
• DNA polymerase
• Cell cycle
• Genomic instability