Structure and mechanism of DNA polymerase β

Pol β is a multidomain protein whose domains/subdomains contribute distinct biochemical functions. Crystal structures of pol β have been solved in many different liganded forms, indicating that multiple conformations of the enzyme and substrates are possible. These observations are supported by solution studies, both spectroscopic and kinetics. The information provides mechanistic insights at the molecular level to the understanding of DNA polymerase function in general. In the atomic level, a good picture of catalytic cycling by pol β is achieved by a multifaceted approach that utilizes structural, biophysical, biochemical, and kinetic techniques.