Harmonizome 3.0

polymerase (DNA directed), gamma

Mitochondrial DNA polymerase is heterotrimeric, consisting of a homodimer of accessory subunits plus a catalytic subunit. The protein encoded by this gene is the catalytic subunit of mitochondrial DNA polymerase. The encoded protein contains a polyglutamine tract near its N-terminus that may be polymorphic. Defects in this gene are a cause of progressive external ophthalmoplegia with mitochondrial DNA deletions 1 (PEOA1), sensory ataxic neuropathy dysarthria and ophthalmoparesis (SANDO), Alpers-Huttenlocher syndrome (AHS), and mitochondrial neurogastrointestinal encephalopathy syndrome (MNGIE). Two transcript variants encoding the same protein have been found for this gene. [provided by RefSeq, Jul 2008]

POLG alternative reading frame

This gene uses the same transcript as the POLG gene but has a CUG start codon and an alternate reading frame that makes a 260 aa protein. This protein is distinct from POLG isoforms and may interact with P32 (also known as C1QBP), a mitochondrial matrix protein thought to be involved in the expression of mitochondrial genome-encoded proteins. POLGARF protein may bind P32 and sequester it in the nucleolus. Interestingly, some disease-causing mutations thought to be in POLG may instead be associated with POLGARF. [provided by RefSeq, May 2022]