Genome integrity is maintained through the high fidelity of DNA polymerases via their ability to select correct deoxyribonucleoside triphosphates (dNTP) during the replication or repair process. In addition, DNA polymerases use the sugar identity to discriminate against ribonucleoside triphosphate (rNTP) counterparts, despite their 10-2000 fold concentrations in the cell compared to those of dNTP. However, during replication and repair, ribonucleotides are predicted to be inserted at frequencies much higher than the incorrect insertion of deoxyribonucleotides. Meanwhile, the presence of 2'-OH on the ribose ring promotes hydrolytic cleavage of the DNA backbone and thereby introducing the genome instability. In the present work, using results from a series of molecular dynamics simulations, we discuss the ribonucleotide insertion by the X-family polymerases.

Molecular insights into ribonucleotide insertion using molecular dynamics simulations

246th National Meeting (2013)

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