Polymerase Proofreading Polyposis syndrome and the POLE and POLD1 genes

POLE and POLD1 and the Polymerase Proofreading–Associated syndrome (PPAP)

POLE and POLD1 are polymerase proof-reading genes. Their role is to fix mismatches that occur when DNA is copied. When they are damaged (mutated) there is an increased risk of polyps and colon (bowel) cancer as well as uterine cancer.

POLE (pronounced POL eee, standing for polymerase epsilon) and POLD1 (pronounced POL dee one, standing for polymerase delta) are a very rare cause of hereditary polyposis and hereditary colon cancer. Even in individuals with colon cancers attending familial cancer clinics pathogenic mutations in POLE or POLD1 are detected in <1% of all families.

Unusually, truncating mutations (mistakes in the DNA that mean the POLE or POLD1 protein is not made) don't cause problems - the cell just used the other, working copy of the gene. Instead, it is missense mutations that increase polyp and cancer risk. That's because the proof-reading protein is made but it doesn't work properly.

The location of the mistake is important. The mutation has to affect that part of the gene which codes for the amino acids in the "endonuclease functional domain". That is, amino acids numbered 268 to 471 in POLE and and those numbered 304 to 533 in POLD1.

Read more about mutations and what they mean on our What is genetic testing? FAQ page.

Management for individuals with germline POLE and POLD1 mutations

This is still an area of research. Current guidelines recommend colonoscopy screening every 3 years from age 25, or as directed by polyp load.

For individuals with significant polyps (3 before 30 or more than 10 lifetime), recommendations are based on other hereditary polyposis syndromes such as attenuated Familial Adenomatous Polyposis syndrome and usually include annual screening.

Perhaps surprisingly, the cancers are usually associated with a very good prognosis. All those mistakes results in abnormal proteins (called neopeptides). These proteins are different from the usual proteins made by cells and are highly immunogenic. This means the immune system quickly spots and destroys the cancer cells. These cancers also show good response to the new class of cancer treatments called immune checkpoint inhibitors.

Does this sound like you or your family?

Has Polymerase Proofreading Associated Polyposis syndrome been diagnosed or has a POLE or POLD1 mutation been detected in you or a blood relative?
Make an appointment with Dr Hilda High at Sydney Cancer Genetics. It is a confidential opportunity to discuss your personal and family history of cancer. Genetic testing can be organised and will be bulk billed if you meet the Medicare testing criteria.