Abstract
This unit describes experimental and analytical procedures for characterizing the efficiency and fidelity of translesion DNA synthesis across various DNA damages by DNA polymerases in vitro. This procedure utilizes primer extension assays followed by LC-MS and LC-MS/MS analysis of the extension products. Detailed explanations for the analysis of the LC-MS/MS data for deciphering the nucleotide sequences of the DNA fragments are also presented. This approach provides a significant improvement over conventional methods, as it allows detection of misincorporation, as well as frameshift products.