The catalytic function of the Rev1 dCMP transferase is required in a lesion-specific manner for translesion synthesis and base damage-induced mutagenesis

Ying Zhou, Jillian Wang, Yanbin Zhang, Zhigang Wang

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

36 Scopus citations

Abstract

The Rev1-Polζ pathway is believed to be the major mechanism of translesion DNA synthesis and base damage-induced mutagenesis in eukaryotes. While it is widely believed that Rev1 plays a non-catalytic function in translesion synthesis, the role of its dCMP transferase activity remains uncertain. To determine the relevance of its catalytic function in translesion synthesis, we separated the Rev1 dCMP transferase activity from its non-catalytic function in yeast. This was achieved by mutating two conserved amino acid residues in the catalytic domain of Rev1, i.e. D467A/E468A, where its catalytic function was abolished but its non-catalytic function remained intact. In this mutant strain, whereas translesion synthesis and mutagenesis of UV radiation were fully functional, those of a site-specific 1,N6-ethenoadenine were severely deficient. Specifically, the predominant A→G mutations resulting from C insertion opposite the lesion were abolished. Therefore, translesion synthesis and mutagenesis of 1,N6-ethenoadenine require the catalytic function of the Rev1 dCMP transferase, in contrast to those of UV lesions, which only require the non-catalytic function of Rev1. These results show that the catalytic function of the Rev1 dCMP transferase is required in a lesion-specific manner for translesion synthesis and base damage-induced mutagenesis.

Original languageEnglish
Article numbergkq225
Pages (from-to)5036-5046
Number of pages11
JournalNucleic Acids Research
Volume38
Issue number15
DOIs
StatePublished - Apr 13 2010

Bibliographical note

Funding Information:
NIH grant CA92528 and a Kentucky Lung Cancer Research grant. Funding for open access charge: the Kentucky Lung Cancer Research Program.

Funding

NIH grant CA92528 and a Kentucky Lung Cancer Research grant. Funding for open access charge: the Kentucky Lung Cancer Research Program.

FundersFunder number
Kentucky Lung Cancer Research Program
Kentucky Lung Cancer Research Program
National Institutes of Health (NIH)
National Childhood Cancer Registry – National Cancer InstituteR01CA092528

    ASJC Scopus subject areas

    • Genetics

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