Dpb2

Dpb2 is a subunit of DNA polymerase II, also known as DNA polymerase B2. DNA polymerase II is a translesion synthesis (TLS) DNA polymerase found in eukaryotes. TLS polymerases are a class of enzymes that can replicate DNA across damaged bases, a process that is error-prone but essential for cell survival. Dpb2 is a highly conserved protein across eukaryotic species and plays a crucial role in the structure and function of DNA polymerase II.

The Dpb2 subunit is considered a structural component of DNA polymerase II, contributing to the overall stability and integrity of the enzyme complex. It is thought to interact with other subunits, including Dpb1 (the catalytic subunit) and Dpb3, to form the functional holoenzyme. While Dpb2 itself does not possess polymerase activity, its presence is essential for the proper assembly and activity of DNA polymerase II. Research suggests that Dpb2 might play a role in recruiting the polymerase to sites of DNA damage or in modulating its processivity and fidelity. Studying Dpb2 contributes to understanding the mechanisms of DNA repair and replication, which are fundamental biological processes with implications for various diseases, including cancer.