POLQ variants with aberrant DNA polymerase activity protect against UV-induced cell death

DNA polymerases are important for maintaining genomic stability by protecting against mutagenic lesions caused by external and internal factors. If left unrepaired, DNA damage can lead to replication errors resulting in changes in DNA sequences that could impact peptide sequences and gene expression, as well as lead to chromosomal breaks. Highlighting the importance of DNA polymerase repair function, variant DNA polymerases and cofactors of DNA repair pathways have been identified in many different cancer types. Recently, variant forms of DNA polymerase Q (POLQ) have been identified in patient isolated melanoma tumors. Previous work identifying biochemical characteristics of these variants has shown that they display aberrant DNA polymerase activity compared to wild-type (WT). To better understand the role these variants have in DNA repair, genomic stability and cell survival, we tested their ability to bypass and extend DNA past cyclobutane pyrimidine dimers (CPD) as well as prevent cell death when exposed to ultra-violet (UV) radiation. Biochemically we show that the patient derived variants of POLQ tested here display decreased efficiency during DNA bypass and extension of CPD lesions and prefer to incorporate purines. In addition, two of the three variants protect against UV induced cell death. Together these data suggest that POLQ variants can support cell survival and further supports that POLQ variants can act as both protectors of cell viability as well as drivers of genomic instability, characteristics important in cancer cells.