Primase-polymerases are a functionally diverse superfamily of replication and repair enzymes

摘要: Until relatively recently, DNA primases were viewed simply as a class of proteins that synthesize short RNA primers requisite for the initiation replication. However, recent studies have shown this perception limited activities associated with these diverse enzymes can no longer be justified. Numerous examples now cited demonstrating how term 'DNA primase' only describes very narrow subset nucleotidyltransferases, vast majority fulfilling multifunctional roles from replication to damage tolerance and repair. This article focuses on archaeo-eukaryotic primase (AEP) superfamily, drawing recently characterized all domains life highlight functionally pathways in which are employed. The broad origins, functionalities enzymatic capabilities AEPs emphasizes their previous functional misannotation supports necessity reclassification under category called primase-polymerases within wider grouping polymerases. Importantly, repositioning way better recognizes broader metabolism encourages discovery additional functions enzymes, aside those highlighted here.