POLK

POLK (DNA Polymerase Kappa): POLK, a member of the Y-family DNA polymerases, is crucial for translesion DNA synthesis, a process that allows DNA replication to continue past DNA lesions such as UV-induced pyrimidine dimers or bulky chemical adducts. It plays a specialized role in accurately replicating damaged DNA, thereby preventing the stalling of replication forks and the formation of potentially mutagenic double-strand breaks. POLK's unique ability to replicate through lesions that would otherwise stall replicative polymerases ensures genome stability and integrity. However, its error-prone nature can also lead to mutagenesis, making it a double-edged sword in DNA repair processes. Dysregulation...