POLD3 Is Haploinsufficient for DNA Replication in Mice.

Murga M, Lecona E, Kamileri I, Díaz M, Lugli N, Sotiriou SK, Anton ME, Méndez J, Halazonetis TD, Fernandez-Capetillo O

Mol. Cell 63 (5) 877-883 [2016-09-01; online 2016-08-11]

The Pold3 gene encodes a subunit of the Polδ DNA polymerase complex. Pold3 orthologs are not essential in Saccharomyces cerevisiae or chicken DT40 cells, but the Schizosaccharomyces pombe ortholog is essential. POLD3 also has a specialized role in the repair of broken replication forks, suggesting that POLD3 activity could be particularly relevant for cancer cells enduring high levels of DNA replication stress. We report here that POLD3 is essential for mouse development and is also required for viability in adult animals. Strikingly, even Pold3(+/-) mice were born at sub-Mendelian ratios, and, of those born, some presented hydrocephaly and had a reduced lifespan. In cells, POLD3 deficiency led to replication stress and cell death, which were aggravated by the expression of activated oncogenes. Finally, we show that Pold3 deletion destabilizes all members of the Polδ complex, explaining its major role in DNA replication and the severe impact of its deficiency.

Affiliated researcher

PubMed 27524497

DOI 10.1016/j.molcel.2016.07.007

Crossref 10.1016/j.molcel.2016.07.007

pii: S1097-2765(16)30334-3
pmc: PMC5029548
mid: EMS69809


Publications 9.5.0