In human cells, only four DNA polymerases (pols) are necessary and sufficient for the duplication of the genetic information. However, more than a dozen DNA pols are required to maintain its integrity. Such a high degree of specialization makes DNA repair pols able to cope with specific lesions or repair pathways. On the other hand, the same DNA pols can have partially overlapping roles, which could result in possible conflicts of functions, if the DNA pols are not properly regulated. DNA pol λ is a typical example of such an enzyme. It is a multifunctional enzyme, endowed with special structural and biochemical properties, which make it capable of participating in different DNA repair pathways such as base excision repair, nonhomologous end joining, and translesion synthesis. However, when mutated or deregulated, DNA pol λ can also be a source of genetic instability. Its multiple roles in DNA damage tolerance and its ability in promoting tumor progression make it also a possible target for novel anticancer approaches.

中文翻译：

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生活在边缘：基因组稳定性和诱变之间的DNA聚合酶λ。

在人类细胞中，只有四个DNA聚合酶（pols）对遗传信息的复制是必要和充分的。但是，需要十多个DNA pol来维持其完整性。如此高度的专业化水平使得DNA修复pols能够应对特定的损伤或修复途径。另一方面，如果DNA pols的调控不当，相同的DNA pols可能具有部分重叠的作用，这可能导致功能冲突。DNA polλ是这种酶的典型例子。它是一种多功能酶，具有特殊的结构和生化特性，使其能够参与不同的DNA修复途径，例如碱基切除修复，非同源末端连接和跨病变合成。但是，当发生突变或解除管制时，DNA polλ也可能是遗传不稳定的原因。它在DNA损伤耐受中的多重作用及其促进肿瘤进展的能力使其也成为新的抗癌方法的靶标。