DNA polymerase specifically involved in the DNA repair by translesion synthesis (TLS) (PubMed:10385124, PubMed:11743006, PubMed:16357261, PubMed:24449906, PubMed:24553286). Due to low processivity on both damaged and normal DNA, cooperates with the heterotetrameric (REV3L, REV7, POLD2 and POLD3) POLZ complex for complete bypass of DNA lesions. Inserts one or 2 nucleotide(s) opposite the lesion, the primer is further extended by the tetrameric POLZ complex. In the case of 1,2-intrastrand d(GpG)-cisplatin cross-link, inserts dCTP opposite the 3′ guanine (PubMed:24449906). Particularly important for the repair of UV-induced pyrimidine dimers (PubMed:10385124, PubMed:11743006). Although inserts the correct base, may cause base transitions and transversions depending upon the context. May play a role in hypermutation at immunoglobulin genes (PubMed:11376341, PubMed:14734526). Forms a Schiff base with 5′-deoxyribose phosphate at abasic sites, but does not have any lyase activity, preventing the release of the 5′-deoxyribose phosphate (5′-dRP) residue. This covalent trapping of the enzyme by the 5′-dRP residue inhibits its DNA synthetic activity during base excision repair, thereby avoiding high incidence of mutagenesis (PubMed:14630940). Targets POLI to replication foci (PubMed:12606586).
