Archetypical and specialized DNA replication proteins in entamoeba histolytica

Abstract

Accurate DNA replication and repair are essential tasks for survival. In eukaryotes, DNA polymerases replicate genomes that can be composed of billions of base pairs. These genomes can be chemically damaged or modified, jeopardizing its integrity, and cells have evolved mechanisms to ameliorate the mutagenic effect of DNA damage. DNA replication and DNA lesion bypass in bacteria, yeast, and humans have been widely studied; however, little is known about these processes in other organisms. Entamoeba histolytica is a parasitic protozoan responsible for amebic dysentery and hepatic abscess. Herein, we define the DNA replication apparatus of Entamoeba histolytica and review the biochemical peculiarities of family A and family B2 DNA polymerases involved in DNA lesion bypass. Our data indicate that E. histolytica is a mosaic of archetypical family B DNA polymerases (α, ε, and δ) present at the replication fork and specialized DNA polymerases with novel lesion bypass properties.