We use cookies to understand how you use our site and to improve your experience. This includes personalizing content and advertising. To learn more, click here. By continuing to use our site, you accept our use of cookies. Cookie Policy.

Features Partner Sites Information LinkXpress
Sign In
Advertise with Us
INTEGRA BIOSCIENCES AG

Download Mobile App




Researchers Characterize PrimPol, a Novel Human DNA Polymerase

By LabMedica International staff writers
Posted on 19 Nov 2013
Print article
PrimPol, a novel enzyme cloned in human cells, has been shown to initiate DNA chains with deoxynucleotides unlike regular primases, which exclusively use ribonucleotides.

Investigators at the biotechnology company SYGNIS AG (Madrid, Spain; and Heidelberg, Germany) in collaboration with researchers at the Spanish National Research Council (Madrid) recently isolated and characterized PrimPol.

They reported in the October 24, 2013, online edition of the journal Molecular Cell that PrimPol functioned as both DNA primase and DNA polymerase, and demonstrated high tolerance to damaged DNA. The primase function of PrimPol allowed it to begin reading and copying DNA without the need for random ribonucleotide primers, as required by all other commercially available polymerases. The use of random primers can bias sequencing and amplification results. The polymerase function of PrimPol displayed high specific activity, being extremely efficient when copying DNA strands with different lesions, such as abasic sites or 8-oxoguanine.

Subcellular fractionation and immunodetection studies showed that PrimPol could be found in both nuclear and mitochondrial DNA compartments. Its activity was detectable in mitochondrial lysates from human and mouse cells but was absent from mitochondria derived from mice that had been genetically engineered to lack the PRIMPOL gene. PRIMPOL gene silencing or ablation in human and mouse cells impaired mitochondrial DNA replication.

Senior author Dr. Luis Blanco, research professor at the Spanish National Research Council, said, "I am convinced that this fantastic enzyme will open numerous novel applications in the field of molecular biology, some of them we can only hint at this moment given the highly innovative potential of its key features."

SYGNIS AG is currently developing a new thermostable version of the enzyme that is expected to make an important contribution to the DNA amplification and sequencing field.

Related Links:

SYGNIS AG 
Spanish National Research Council


Platinum Member
COVID-19 Rapid Test
OSOM COVID-19 Antigen Rapid Test
One Step HbA1c Measuring System
GREENCARE A1c
Anti-Cyclic Citrullinated Peptide Test
GPP-100 Anti-CCP Kit
Gold Member
ADAMTS-13 Protease Activity Test
ATS-13 Activity Assay

Print article

Channels

Clinical Chemistry

view channel
Image: Reaching speeds up to 6,000 RPM, this centrifuge forms the basis for a new type of inexpensive, POC biomedical test (Photo courtesy of Duke University)

POC Biomedical Test Spins Water Droplet Using Sound Waves for Cancer Detection

Exosomes, tiny cellular bioparticles carrying a specific set of proteins, lipids, and genetic materials, play a crucial role in cell communication and hold promise for non-invasive diagnostics.... Read more

Molecular Diagnostics

view channel
Image: The study showed the blood-based cancer screening test detects 83% of people with colorectal cancer with specificity of 90% (Photo courtesy of Guardant Health)

Blood Test Shows 83% Accuracy for Detecting Colorectal Cancer

Colorectal cancer is the second biggest cause of cancer deaths among adults in the U.S., with forecasts suggesting 53,010 people might die from it in 2024. While fewer older adults are dying from this... Read more

Hematology

view channel
Image: The Gazelle Hb Variant Test (Photo courtesy of Hemex Health)

First Affordable and Rapid Test for Beta Thalassemia Demonstrates 99% Diagnostic Accuracy

Hemoglobin disorders rank as some of the most prevalent monogenic diseases globally. Among various hemoglobin disorders, beta thalassemia, a hereditary blood disorder, affects about 1.5% of the world's... Read more

Microbiology

view channel
Image: The new platform is designed to perform blood-based diagnoses of nontuberculosis mycobacteria (Photo courtesy of 123RF)

New Blood Test Cuts Diagnosis Time for Nontuberculous Mycobacteria Infections from Months to Hours

Breathing in nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) is a common experience for many people. These bacteria are present in water systems, soil, and dust all over the world and usually don't cause any problems.... Read more

Industry

view channel
Image: These new assays are being developed for use on the recently introduced DxI 9000 Immunoassay Analyzer (Photo courtesy of Beckman Coulter)

Beckman Coulter and Fujirebio Expand Partnership on Neurodegenerative Disease Diagnostics

Beckman Coulter Diagnostics (Brea, CA, USA) and Fujirebio Diagnostics (Tokyo, Japan) have expanded their partnership focused on the development, manufacturing and clinical adoption of neurodegenerative... Read more
Copyright © 2000-2024 Globetech Media. All rights reserved.