Alternative divalent cations (Zn2+ Co2+ and Mn2+) are not mutagenic at conditions optimal for HIV-1 reverse transcriptase activity

摘要

BackgroundFidelity of DNA polymerases can be influenced by cation co-factors. Physiologically, Mg²⁺ is used as a co-factor by HIV reverse transcriptase (RT) to perform catalysis; however, alternative cations including Mn²⁺, Co²⁺, and Zn²⁺ can also support catalysis. Although Zn²⁺ supports DNA synthesis, it inhibits HIV RT by significantly modifying RT catalysis. Zn²⁺ is currently being investigated as a component of novel treatment options against HIV and we wanted to investigate the fidelity of RT with Zn²⁺.