POLH is a gene responsible for encoding DNA polymerase eta, which plays a crucial role in DNA repair. Synonyms for POLH include XPV, Rad 30, and polymerase iota. XPV stands for xeroderma pigmentosum variant, a genetic disorder that decreases the body's ability to repair damaged DNA. Rad 30 is a reference to the gene's involvement in the Rad6/Rad18-mediated post-replication repair pathway. Polymerase iota, on the other hand, is a closely related polymerase that also participates in error-prone DNA repair. While POLH is most commonly synonymous with DNA polymerase eta, it is important to understand its alternative names when discussing research related to DNA repair and mutagenesis.