DNA repair synthesis in mouse spermatogenesis involves DNA polymerase β activity

Abstract

The role of DNA polymerase α-DNA primase complex and DNA polymerase β in DNA replication and ultraviolet-induced DNA repair synthesis has been analyzed in mouse spermatogenesis. Autoradiographic experiments with germ cells in culture, indicating an involvement of DNA polymerase α and / or δ in DNA replication, and of DNA polymerase β in DNA repair synthesis, have been confirmed by studying partially purified enzymes. These findings support the idea that, different from other biological systems, in meiotic and post meiotic male mouse germ cells DNA polymerase β is the main DNA polymerase form needed for DNA repair.