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Japanese team maps activity of a DNA replication enzyme

A study published in Nature Communications on 28 October 2026 describes where polymerase eta acts during human DNA copying. The Japanese team reports preferential activity on the strand synthesised in fragments and in regions copied late.

The enzyme is known for allowing DNA copying past ultraviolet damage. Researchers used sequencing to examine its activity in cells without added external stress.

They also report an association between the enzyme’s activity regions and certain mutations in cancer genomes. That association is neither a diagnostic test nor a treatment.

The findings come from a single study presented by its authors and participating institutions. Independent replication of the conclusions is not established in the sources consulted.

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