DNA polymerases in Biotechnology


Book Description

DNA polymerases are core tools for molecular biology including PCR, whole genome amplification, DNA sequencing and genotyping. Research has focused on discovery of novel DNA polymerases, characterization of DNA polymerase biochemistry and development of new replication assays. These studies have accelerated DNA polymerase engineering for biotechnology. For example, DNA polymerases have been engineered for increased speed and fidelity in PCR while lowering amplification sequence bias. Inhibitor resistant DNA polymerase variants enable PCR directly from tissue (i.e. blood). Design of DNA polymerases that efficiently incorporate modified nucleotide have been critical for development of next generation DNA sequencing, synthetic biology and other labeling and detection technologies. The Frontiers in Microbiology Research Topic on DNA polymerases in Biotechnology aims to capture current research on DNA polymerases and their use in emerging technologies.




Human Dna Polymerases: Biology, Medicine And Biotechnology


Book Description

Maintenance of the information embedded in the genomic DNA sequence is essential for life. DNA polymerases play pivotal roles in the complex processes that maintain genetic integrity. Besides their tasks in vivo, DNA polymerases are the workhorses in numerous biotechnology applications such as the polymerase chain reaction (PCR), cDNA cloning, next generation sequencing, nucleic acids based diagnostics and in techniques to analyze ancient and otherwise damaged DNA (e.g. for forensic applications). Moreover, some diseases are related to DNA polymerase defects and chemotherapy through inhibition of DNA polymerases is used to fight HIV, Herpes and Hepatitis B and C infections. This book focuses on (i) biology of DNA polymerases, (ii) medical aspects of DNA polymerases and (iii) biotechnological applications of DNA polymerases. It is intended for a wide audience from basic scientists, to diagnostic laboratories, to companies and to clinicians, who seek a better understanding and the practical use of these fascinating enzymes.




Dna Polymerases: Discovery, Characterization And Functions In Cellular Dna Transactions


Book Description

Maintenance of the information embedded in the genomic DNA sequence is essential for life. DNA polymerases play pivotal roles in the complex processes that maintain genetic integrity. Besides their tasks in vivo, DNA polymerases are the workhorses in numerous biotechnology applications such as the polymerase chain reaction (PCR), cDNA cloning, genome sequencing, nucleic acids-based diagnostics and in techniques to analyze ancient and otherwise damaged DNA. Moreover, some diseases are related to DNA polymerase defects, and chemotherapy through inhibition of DNA polymerases is used to fight HIV, Herpes and Hepatitis B and C infections. We have recently witnessed the discovery of an abundance of novel DNA polymerases in viruses, bacteria, archaea and eukaryotes with specialized properties whose physiological functions are only beginning to be understood. This book summarizes the current knowledge of these fascinating enzymes. It is intended for a wide audience from basic scientists, to diagnostic laboratories and to clinicians who seek a better understanding of these fascinating enzymes.




PCR Technology


Book Description

This is an introduction to the methods and applications of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technology, a technology developed by Erlich's group at Cetus and Cetus, and is expected to be used in all biology laboratories worldwide within the next few years.







Modified Nucleic Acids


Book Description

This book spans diverse aspects of modified nucleic acids, from chemical synthesis and spectroscopy to in vivo applications, and highlights studies on chemical modifications of the backbone and nucleobases. Topics discussed include fluorescent pyrimidine and purine analogs, enzymatic approaches to the preparation of modified nucleic acids, emission and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy for studying nucleic acid structure and dynamics, non-covalent binding of low- and high-MW ligands to nucleic acids and the design of unnatural base pairs. This unique book addresses new developments and is designed for graduate level and professional research purposes.




The Polymerase Chain Reaction


Book Description

James D. Watson When, in late March of 1953, Francis Crick and I came to write the first Nature paper describing the double helical structure of the DNA molecule, Francis had wanted to include a lengthy discussion of the genetic implications of a molecule whose struc ture we had divined from a minimum of experimental data and on theoretical argu ments based on physical principles. But I felt that this might be tempting fate, given that we had not yet seen the detailed evidence from King's College. Nevertheless, we reached a compromise and decided to include a sentence that pointed to the biological significance of the molecule's key feature-the complementary pairing of the bases. "It has not escaped our notice," Francis wrote, "that the specific pairing that we have postulated immediately suggests a possible copying mechanism for the genetic material." By May, when we were writing the second Nature paper, I was more confident that the proposed structure was at the very least substantially correct, so that this second paper contains a discussion of molecular self-duplication using templates or molds. We pointed out that, as a consequence of base pairing, a DNA molecule has two chains that are complementary to each other. Each chain could then act ". . . as a template for the formation on itself of a new companion chain, so that eventually we shall have two pairs of chains, where we only had one before" and, moreover, " ...




Horizons in Biochemistry


Book Description




The Human Mitochondrial Genome


Book Description

The Human Mitochondrial Genome: From Basic Biology to Disease offers a comprehensive, up-to-date examination of human mitochondrial genomics, connecting basic research to translational medicine across a range of disease types. Here, international experts discuss the essential biology of human mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA), including its maintenance, repair, segregation, and heredity. Furthermore, mtDNA evolution and exploitation, mutations, methods, and models for functional studies of mtDNA are dealt with. Disease discussion is accompanied by approaches for treatment strategies, with disease areas discussed including cancer, neurodegenerative, age-related, mtDNA depletion, deletion, and point mutation diseases. Nucleosides supplementation, mitoTALENs, and mitoZNF nucleases are among the therapeutic approaches examined in-depth. With increasing funding for mtDNA studies, many clinicians and clinician scientists are turning their attention to mtDNA disease association. This book provides the tools and background knowledge required to perform new, impactful research in this exciting space, from distinguishing a haplogroup-defining variant or disease-related mutation to exploring emerging therapeutic pathways. - Fully examines recent advances and technological innovations in the field, enabling new mtDNA studies, variant and mutation identification, pathogenic assessment, and therapies - Disease discussion accompanied by diagnostic and therapeutic strategies currently implemented clinically - Outlines and discusses essential research protocols and perspectives for young scientists to pick up - Features an international team of authoritative contributors from basic biologists to clinician-scientists




DNA Structure and Function


Book Description

DNA Structure and Function, a timely and comprehensive resource, is intended for any student or scientist interested in DNA structure and its biological implications. The book provides a simple yet comprehensive introduction to nearly all aspects of DNA structure. It also explains current ideas on the biological significance of classic and alternative DNA conformations. Suitable for graduate courses on DNA structure and nucleic acids, the text is also excellent supplemental reading for courses in general biochemistry, molecular biology, and genetics. - Explains basic DNA Structure and function clearly and simply - Contains up-to-date coverage of cruciforms, Z-DNA, triplex DNA, and other DNA conformations - Discusses DNA-protein interactions, chromosomal organization, and biological implications of structure - Highlights key experiments and ideas within boxed sections - Illustrated with 150 diagrams and figures that convey structural and experimental concepts