1
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Laatri S, El Khayari S, Qriouet Z. Exploring the molecular aspect and updating evolutionary approaches to the DNA polymerase enzymes for biotechnological needs: A comprehensive review. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 276:133924. [PMID: 39033894 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.133924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2024] [Revised: 07/07/2024] [Accepted: 07/15/2024] [Indexed: 07/23/2024]
Abstract
DNA polymerases are essential enzymes that play a key role in living organisms, as they participate in the synthesis and maintenance of the DNA molecule. The intrinsic properties of these enzymes have been widely observed and studied to understand their functions, activities, and behavior, which has allowed their natural power in DNA synthesis to be exploited in modern biotechnology, to the point of making them true pillars of the field. In this context, the laboratory evolution of these enzymes, either by directed evolution or rational design, has led to the generation of a wide range of new DNA polymerases with novel properties, suitable for a variety of biotechnological needs. In this review, we examine DNA polymerases at the molecular level, their biotechnological use, and their evolutionary methods in relation to the novel properties sought, providing a chronological selection of evolved DNA polymerases cited in the literature that we consider to be of great interest. To our knowledge, this work is the first to bring together the molecular, functional and evolutionary aspects of the DNA polymerase enzyme. We believe it will be of great interest to researchers whose aim is to produce new lines of evolved DNA polymerases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Said Laatri
- Microbiology and Molecular Biology Laboratory, Faculty of Sciences, Mohammed V-Souissi University, Rabat 10100, Morocco.
| | | | - Zidane Qriouet
- Pharmacology and Toxicology Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Mohammed V-Souissi University, Rabat 10100, Morocco
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2
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Akram F, Shah FI, Ibrar R, Fatima T, Haq IU, Naseem W, Gul MA, Tehreem L, Haider G. Bacterial thermophilic DNA polymerases: A focus on prominent biotechnological applications. Anal Biochem 2023; 671:115150. [PMID: 37054862 DOI: 10.1016/j.ab.2023.115150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2023] [Revised: 02/24/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 04/15/2023]
Abstract
DNA polymerases are the enzymes able to replicate the genetic information in nucleic acid. As a result, they are necessary to copy the complete genome of every living creature before cell division and sustain the integrity of the genetic information throughout the life of each cell. Any organism that uses DNA as its genetic information, whether unicellular or multicellular, requires one or more thermostable DNA polymerases to thrive. Thermostable DNA polymerase is important in modern biotechnology and molecular biology because it results in methods such as DNA cloning, DNA sequencing, whole genome amplification, molecular diagnostics, polymerase chain reaction, synthetic biology, and single nucleotide polymorphism detection. There are at least 14 DNA-dependent DNA polymerases in the human genome, which is remarkable. These include the widely accepted, high-fidelity enzymes responsible for replicating the vast majority of genomic DNA and eight or more specialized DNA polymerases discovered in the last decade. The newly discovered polymerases' functions are still being elucidated. Still, one of its crucial tasks is to permit synthesis to resume despite the DNA damage that stops the progression of replication-fork. One of the primary areas of interest in the research field has been the quest for novel DNA polymerase since the unique features of each thermostable DNA polymerase may lead to the prospective creation of novel reagents. Furthermore, protein engineering strategies for generating mutant or artificial DNA polymerases have successfully generated potent DNA polymerases for various applications. In molecular biology, thermostable DNA polymerases are extremely useful for PCR-related methods. This article examines the role and importance of DNA polymerase in a variety of techniques.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatima Akram
- Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Government College University, Lahore, 54000, Pakistan.
| | - Fatima Iftikhar Shah
- Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Government College University, Lahore, 54000, Pakistan; The University of Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Ramesha Ibrar
- Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Government College University, Lahore, 54000, Pakistan
| | - Taseer Fatima
- Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Government College University, Lahore, 54000, Pakistan
| | - Ikram Ul Haq
- Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Government College University, Lahore, 54000, Pakistan; Pakistan Academy of Sciences, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Waqas Naseem
- Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Government College University, Lahore, 54000, Pakistan
| | - Mahmood Ayaz Gul
- Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Government College University, Lahore, 54000, Pakistan
| | - Laiba Tehreem
- Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Government College University, Lahore, 54000, Pakistan
| | - Ghanoor Haider
- Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Government College University, Lahore, 54000, Pakistan
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3
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Quantitative detection of CpG methylation level on G-quadruplex and i-motif-forming DNA by recombinase polymerase amplification. Anal Bioanal Chem 2022; 414:6223-6231. [PMID: 35788871 DOI: 10.1007/s00216-022-04192-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2022] [Revised: 06/13/2022] [Accepted: 06/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Abstract
Detection of CpG methylation levels holds immense potential for application in medical diagnosis of various diseases. In this study, we report the development of a recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA)-based CpG methylation level sensing system on G-quadruplex (G4) and intercalated motif (i-motif)-forming regions, which are stabilized by CpG methylation. This detection system is based on the principle that DNA polymerase is stalled at the methylated G4 and i-motif-forming region, which results in a decrease in the initial elongation efficiency of RPA. This reduction in turn affects the onset of amplification depending on the extent of CpG methylation; therefore, the methylation level is quantified by RPA. We demonstrate that the onset of amplification was delayed by CpG methylation when PCR products containing the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) G4 and i-motif-forming region were used as the template. Furthermore, onset of amplification was delayed with the increase in CpG methylation of the VEGF region on genomic DNA. These results demonstrate that the sensing system is capable of directly detecting the methylation level at a constant temperature (39 °C) within 30 min without performing bisulfite conversion or affinity capture of methylated DNA.
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4
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Lee JY, Park JW. Modified cytosines versus cytosine in a DNA polymerase: retrieving thermodynamic and kinetic constants at the single molecule level. Analyst 2021; 147:341-348. [PMID: 34935781 DOI: 10.1039/d1an02108g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
DNA methylation plays key roles in various areas, such as gene expression, regulation, epigenetics, and cancers. Since 5-methylcytosine (5mC) is commonly present in methylated DNA, characterizing the binding kinetics and thermodynamics of the nucleotide to the enzymatic pocket can help to understand the DNA replication process. Furthermore, 5-carboxycytosine (5caC) is a form that appears through the iterative oxidation of 5mC, and its effect on the DNA replication process is still not well known. Here, we immobilized a DNA polymerase (DNAP) with an orientation control on a tip of an atomic force microscope (AFM), and observed the interaction between the immobilized deoxyguanosine triphosphate (dGTP) on the surface and the DNAP in the presence of a DNA duplex. The interaction probability increased as the concentration of the DNA strand, and the affinity constant between the DNAP and DNA was obtained by fitting the change. Increasing the concentration of dGTP in solution diminished the interaction probability, and a fitting allowed us to retrieve the affinity constant between dGTP and the DNAP holding the DNA in the reaction pocket. Because the dissociation constant could be obtained through the loading rate dependence of the unbinding force value, both affinity and kinetic constants for cytosine (C), 5mC, and 5caC in the DNAP were compared in the light of the steric and electronic effect of the substituents at 5-position of cytosine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ji Yoon Lee
- Department of Chemistry, Pohang University of Science and Technology, 77 Cheongam-Ro, Nam-Gu, Pohang 37673, Republic of Korea.
| | - Joon Won Park
- Department of Chemistry, Pohang University of Science and Technology, 77 Cheongam-Ro, Nam-Gu, Pohang 37673, Republic of Korea. .,Institute of Convergence Science, Yonsei University, 50 Yonsei-ro Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, 03722, Republic of Korea
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5
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Zhu MH, Mu XM, Deng HM, Zhong X, Yuan R, Yuan YL. Ultrasensitive photoelectrochemical biosensor for MiRNA-21 assay based on target-catalyzed hairpin assembly coupled with distance-controllable multiple signal amplification. Chem Commun (Camb) 2019; 55:9622-9625. [PMID: 31342017 DOI: 10.1039/c9cc04987h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Here, with the target-catalyzed hairpin assembly generated dsDNA (HP1-HP2) to synchronously control the departure of quencher ferrocene and approach of sensitizer methylene blue, a distance-controllable multiple signal amplification based photoelectrochemical biosensor was proposed for MiRNA-21 assay.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming-Hui Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Luminescent and Real-Time Analytical Chemistry (Southwest University), Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, P. R. China.
| | - Xiao-Mei Mu
- Key Laboratory of Luminescent and Real-Time Analytical Chemistry (Southwest University), Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, P. R. China.
| | - Han-Mei Deng
- Key Laboratory of Luminescent and Real-Time Analytical Chemistry (Southwest University), Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, P. R. China.
| | - Xia Zhong
- Key Laboratory of Luminescent and Real-Time Analytical Chemistry (Southwest University), Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, P. R. China.
| | - Ruo Yuan
- Key Laboratory of Luminescent and Real-Time Analytical Chemistry (Southwest University), Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, P. R. China.
| | - Ya-Li Yuan
- Key Laboratory of Luminescent and Real-Time Analytical Chemistry (Southwest University), Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, P. R. China.
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6
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Engineering Polymerases for New Functions. Trends Biotechnol 2019; 37:1091-1103. [PMID: 31003719 DOI: 10.1016/j.tibtech.2019.03.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2018] [Revised: 03/08/2019] [Accepted: 03/19/2019] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
DNA polymerases are critical tools in biotechnology, enabling efficient and accurate amplification of DNA templates, yet many desired functions are not readily available in natural DNA polymerases. New or improved functions can be engineered in DNA polymerases by mutagenesis or through the creation of protein chimeras. Engineering often necessitates the development of new techniques, such as selections in water-in-oil emulsions that connect genotype to phenotype and allow more flexibility in engineering than phage display. Engineering efforts have led to DNA polymerases that can withstand extreme conditions or the presence of inhibitors, as well as polymerases with the ability to copy modified DNA templates. In this review we discuss polymerases for biotechnology that have been reported along with tools to enable further development.
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Identification of Thermus aquaticus DNA polymerase variants with increased mismatch discrimination and reverse transcriptase activity from a smart enzyme mutant library. Sci Rep 2019; 9:590. [PMID: 30679705 PMCID: PMC6345897 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-37233-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2018] [Accepted: 12/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
DNA polymerases the key enzymes for several biotechnological applications. Obviously, nature has not evolved these enzymes to be compatible with applications in biotechnology. Thus, engineering of a natural scaffold of DNA polymerases may lead to enzymes improved for several applications. Here, we investigated a two-step approach for the design and construction of a combinatorial library of mutants of KlenTaq DNA polymerase. First, we selected amino acid sites for saturation mutagenesis that interact with the primer/template strands or are evolutionarily conserved. From this library, we identified mutations that little interfere with DNA polymerase activity. Next, these functionally active mutants were combined randomly to construct a second library with enriched sequence diversity. We reasoned that the combination of mutants that have minuscule effect on enzyme activity and thermostability, will result in entities that have an increased mutation load but still retain activity. Besides activity and thermostability, we screened the library for entities with two distinct properties. Indeed, we identified two different KlenTaq DNA polymerase variants that either exhibit increased mismatch extension discrimination or increased reverse transcription PCR activity, respectively.
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8
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Hartstock K, Rentmeister A. MappingN6‐Methyladenosine (m6A) in RNA: Established Methods, Remaining Challenges, and Emerging Approaches. Chemistry 2019; 25:3455-3464. [DOI: 10.1002/chem.201804043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Katja Hartstock
- Institute of BiochemistryDepartment of ChemistryUniversity of Münster Wilhelm-Klemm-Straße 2 48149 Münster Germany
| | - Andrea Rentmeister
- Institute of BiochemistryDepartment of ChemistryUniversity of Münster Wilhelm-Klemm-Straße 2 48149 Münster Germany
- Cells-in-Motion Cluster of Excellence Germany
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9
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Schiefelbein SHH, Kamal A, She Z, Rentmeister A, Kraatz HB. Direct Bisulfite-Free Detection of 5-Methylcytosine by Using Electrochemical Measurements Aided by a Monoclonal Antibody. ChemElectroChem 2018. [DOI: 10.1002/celc.201800324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Stephan H. H. Schiefelbein
- University of Muenster; Department of Chemistry; Institute of Biochemistry; Wilhelm-Klemm-Straße 2, D- 48149 Münster Germany
| | - Ajar Kamal
- Department of Physical and Environmental Sciences; University of Toronto Scarborough; 1265 Military Trail Toronto ON M1C 1 A4 Canada
| | - Zhe She
- Department of Physical and Environmental Sciences; University of Toronto Scarborough; 1265 Military Trail Toronto ON M1C 1 A4 Canada
| | - Andrea Rentmeister
- University of Muenster; Department of Chemistry; Institute of Biochemistry; Wilhelm-Klemm-Straße 2, D- 48149 Münster Germany
- Cells-in-Motion Cluster of Excellence (EXC 1003-CiM); University of Muenster; Germany
| | - Heinz-Bernhard Kraatz
- Department of Physical and Environmental Sciences; University of Toronto Scarborough; 1265 Military Trail Toronto ON M1C 1 A4 Canada
- Department of Chemistry; University of Toronto; 80 St. George Street Toronto ON M5S 3H6 Canada
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10
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Kietrys AM, Velema WA, Kool ET. Fingerprints of Modified RNA Bases from Deep Sequencing Profiles. J Am Chem Soc 2017; 139:17074-17081. [PMID: 29111692 PMCID: PMC5819333 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.7b07914] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Posttranscriptional modifications of RNA bases are not only found in many noncoding RNAs but have also recently been identified in coding (messenger) RNAs as well. They require complex and laborious methods to locate, and many still lack methods for localized detection. Here we test the ability of next-generation sequencing (NGS) to detect and distinguish between ten modified bases in synthetic RNAs. We compare ultradeep sequencing patterns of modified bases, including miscoding, insertions and deletions (indels), and truncations, to unmodified bases in the same contexts. The data show widely varied responses to modification, ranging from no response, to high levels of mutations, insertions, deletions, and truncations. The patterns are distinct for several of the modifications, and suggest the future use of ultradeep sequencing as a fingerprinting strategy for locating and identifying modifications in cellular RNAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna M. Kietrys
- Department of Chemistry, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305, United States
| | - Willem A. Velema
- Department of Chemistry, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305, United States
| | - Eric T. Kool
- Department of Chemistry, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305, United States
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11
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Rathi P, Witte A, Summerer D. Engineering DNA Backbone Interactions Results in TALE Scaffolds with Enhanced 5-Methylcytosine Selectivity. Sci Rep 2017; 7:15067. [PMID: 29118409 PMCID: PMC5678105 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-15361-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2017] [Accepted: 09/25/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Transcription activator-like effectors (TALEs) are DNA major-groove binding proteins widely used for genome targeting. TALEs contain an N-terminal region (NTR) and a central repeat domain (CRD). Repeats of the CRD selectively recognize each one DNA nucleobase, offering programmability. Moreover, repeats with selectivity for 5-methylcytosine (5mC) and its oxidized derivatives can be designed for analytical applications. However, both TALE domains also nonspecifically interact with DNA phosphates via basic amino acids. To enhance the 5mC selectivity of TALEs, we aimed to decrease the nonselective binding energy of TALEs. We substituted basic amino acids with alanine in the NTR and identified TALE mutants with increased selectivity. We then analysed conserved, DNA phosphate-binding KQ diresidues in CRD repeats and identified further improved mutants. Combination of mutations in the NTR and CRD was highly synergetic and resulted in TALE scaffolds with up to 4.3-fold increased selectivity in genomic 5mC analysis via affinity enrichment. Moreover, transcriptional activation in HEK293T cells by a TALE-VP64 construct based on this scaffold design exhibited a 3.5-fold increased 5mC selectivity. This provides perspectives for improved 5mC analysis and for the 5mC-conditional control of TALE-based editing constructs in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Preeti Rathi
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Technical University of Dortmund, Otto-Hahn-Str. 4a, 44227, Dortmund, Germany
| | - Anna Witte
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Technical University of Dortmund, Otto-Hahn-Str. 4a, 44227, Dortmund, Germany
| | - Daniel Summerer
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Technical University of Dortmund, Otto-Hahn-Str. 4a, 44227, Dortmund, Germany.
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12
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Variants of sequence family B Thermococcus kodakaraensis DNA polymerase with increased mismatch extension selectivity. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0183623. [PMID: 28832623 PMCID: PMC5568139 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0183623] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2017] [Accepted: 08/08/2017] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Fidelity and selectivity of DNA polymerases are critical determinants for the biology of life, as well as important tools for biotechnological applications. DNA polymerases catalyze the formation of DNA strands by adding deoxynucleotides to a primer, which is complementarily bound to a template. To ensure the integrity of the genome, DNA polymerases select the correct nucleotide and further extend the nascent DNA strand. Thus, DNA polymerase fidelity is pivotal for ensuring that cells can replicate their genome with minimal error. DNA polymerases are, however, further optimized for more specific biotechnological or diagnostic applications. Here we report on the semi-rational design of mutant libraries derived by saturation mutagenesis at single sites of a 3’-5’-exonuclease deficient variant of Thermococcus kodakaraensis DNA polymerase (KOD pol) and the discovery for variants with enhanced mismatch extension selectivity by screening. Sites of potential interest for saturation mutagenesis were selected by their proximity to primer or template strands. The resulting libraries were screened via quantitative real-time PCR. We identified three variants with single amino acid exchanges—R501C, R606Q, and R606W—which exhibited increased mismatch extension selectivity. These variants were further characterized towards their potential in mismatch discrimination. Additionally, the identified enzymes were also able to differentiate between cytosine and 5-methylcytosine. Our results demonstrate the potential in characterizing and developing DNA polymerases for specific PCR based applications in DNA biotechnology and diagnostics.
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13
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DNA polymerases and biotechnological applications. Curr Opin Biotechnol 2017; 48:187-195. [PMID: 28618333 DOI: 10.1016/j.copbio.2017.04.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2017] [Accepted: 04/17/2017] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
A multitude of biotechnological techniques used in basic research as well as in clinical diagnostics on an everyday basis depend on DNA polymerases and their intrinsic capability to replicate DNA strands with astoundingly high fidelity. Applications with fundamental importance to modern molecular biology, including the polymerase chain reaction and DNA sequencing, would not be feasible without the advances made in characterizing these enzymes over the course of the last 60 years. Nonetheless, the still growing application scope of DNA polymerases necessitates the identification of novel enzymes with tailor-made properties. In the recent past, DNA polymerases optimized for diverse PCR and sequencing applications as well as enzymes that accept a variety of unnatural substrates for the synthesis and reverse transcription of modified nucleic acids have been developed.
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14
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Hong T, Yuan Y, Wang T, Ma J, Yao Q, Hua X, Xia Y, Zhou X. Selective detection of N6-methyladenine in DNA via metal ion-mediated replication and rolling circle amplification. Chem Sci 2017; 8:200-205. [PMID: 28451166 PMCID: PMC5308289 DOI: 10.1039/c6sc02271e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2016] [Accepted: 08/09/2016] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
N6-methyladenine (6mA) is reported as a potential epigenetic marker in eukaryotic genomes. However, accurate identification of the location of 6mA in DNA remains a challenging task. Here, we show that Ag+ can selectively stabilize the A-C mismatch and efficiently promote primer extension. In contrast, the complex of 6mA-Ag+-C is instable and therefore cannot be recognized by DNA polymerases, resulting in the termination of primer extension. Based on this finding, we successfully identified and quantified 6mA at the single-base level through the analysis of gel bands of extended primers and fluorescence measurements combined with rolling circle amplification. The high selectivity and sensitivity of this strategy may provide a new platform for the efficient analysis of 6mA in DNA in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tingting Hong
- College of Chemistry and Molecular Sciences , Key Laboratory of Biomedical Polymers of Ministry of Education , The Institute for Advanced Studies , Wuhan University , Wuhan , Hubei 430072 , P. R. China . ; ; Tel: +86-27-68756663
| | - Yushu Yuan
- College of Chemistry and Molecular Sciences , Key Laboratory of Biomedical Polymers of Ministry of Education , The Institute for Advanced Studies , Wuhan University , Wuhan , Hubei 430072 , P. R. China . ; ; Tel: +86-27-68756663
| | - Tianlu Wang
- College of Chemistry and Molecular Sciences , Key Laboratory of Biomedical Polymers of Ministry of Education , The Institute for Advanced Studies , Wuhan University , Wuhan , Hubei 430072 , P. R. China . ; ; Tel: +86-27-68756663
| | - Jingwei Ma
- College of Chemistry and Molecular Sciences , Key Laboratory of Biomedical Polymers of Ministry of Education , The Institute for Advanced Studies , Wuhan University , Wuhan , Hubei 430072 , P. R. China . ; ; Tel: +86-27-68756663
| | - Qian Yao
- College of Chemistry and Molecular Sciences , Key Laboratory of Biomedical Polymers of Ministry of Education , The Institute for Advanced Studies , Wuhan University , Wuhan , Hubei 430072 , P. R. China . ; ; Tel: +86-27-68756663
| | - Xiaoluan Hua
- College of Chemistry and Molecular Sciences , Key Laboratory of Biomedical Polymers of Ministry of Education , The Institute for Advanced Studies , Wuhan University , Wuhan , Hubei 430072 , P. R. China . ; ; Tel: +86-27-68756663
| | - Yu Xia
- College of Chemistry and Molecular Sciences , Key Laboratory of Biomedical Polymers of Ministry of Education , The Institute for Advanced Studies , Wuhan University , Wuhan , Hubei 430072 , P. R. China . ; ; Tel: +86-27-68756663
| | - Xiang Zhou
- College of Chemistry and Molecular Sciences , Key Laboratory of Biomedical Polymers of Ministry of Education , The Institute for Advanced Studies , Wuhan University , Wuhan , Hubei 430072 , P. R. China . ; ; Tel: +86-27-68756663
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15
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Huber C, von Watzdorf J, Marx A. 5-methylcytosine-sensitive variants of Thermococcus kodakaraensis DNA polymerase. Nucleic Acids Res 2016; 44:9881-9890. [PMID: 27651460 PMCID: PMC5175357 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkw812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2016] [Revised: 09/03/2016] [Accepted: 09/05/2016] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
DNA methylation of cytosine in eukaryotic cells is a common epigenetic modification, which plays an important role in gene expression and thus affects various cellular processes like development and carcinogenesis. The occurrence of 5-methyl-2'-deoxycytosine (5mC) as well as the distribution pattern of this epigenetic marker were shown to be crucial for gene regulation and can serve as important biomarkers for diagnostics. DNA polymerases distinguish little, if any, between incorporation opposite C and 5mC, which is not surprising since the site of methylation is not involved in Watson-Crick recognition. Here, we describe the development of a DNA polymerase variant that incorporates the canonical 2'-deoxyguanosine 5'-monophosphate (dGMP) opposite C with higher efficiency compared to 5mC. The variant of Thermococcus kodakaraensis (KOD) exo- DNA polymerase was discovered by screening mutant libraries that were built by rational design. We discovered that an amino acid substitution at a single site that does not directly interact with the templating nucleobase, may alter the ability of the DNA polymerase in processing C in comparison to 5mC. Employing these findings in combination with a nucleotide, which is fluorescently labeled at the terminal phosphate, indicates the potential use of the mutant DNA polymerase in the detection of 5mC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Huber
- Department of Chemistry, Konstanz Research School Chemical Biology, University of Konstanz, Universitätsstraße 10, D-78457 Konstanz, Germany
| | - Janina von Watzdorf
- Department of Chemistry, Konstanz Research School Chemical Biology, University of Konstanz, Universitätsstraße 10, D-78457 Konstanz, Germany
| | - Andreas Marx
- Department of Chemistry, Konstanz Research School Chemical Biology, University of Konstanz, Universitätsstraße 10, D-78457 Konstanz, Germany
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16
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Yoshida W, Yoshioka H, Bay DH, Iida K, Ikebukuro K, Nagasawa K, Karube I. Detection of DNA Methylation of G-Quadruplex and i-Motif-Forming Sequences by Measuring the Initial Elongation Efficiency of Polymerase Chain Reaction. Anal Chem 2016; 88:7101-7. [PMID: 27351368 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.6b00982] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
DNA methylation has been proposed as one of the promising biomarkers for cancer diagnosis. In this study, we developed a DNA methylation detection system utilizing G-quadruplex and i-motif-forming sequences that requires neither sodium bisulfite treatment nor methylated DNA ligands. We hypothesized that G-quadruplex and i-motif structures would be stabilized by DNA methylation and arrest DNA polymerase activity during quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). The PCR products from VEGF, RET G-quadruplex, and i-motif-forming sequences were used as templates and analyzed by qPCR. Our results indicated that the initial elongation efficiency of PCR decreased with increasing DNA methylation levels in the G-quadruplex and i-motif-forming sequences. Moreover, we demonstrated that the initial elongation efficiency of PCR decreased with increased DNA methylation of the VEGF region on genomic DNA. These results indicated that DNA methylation of the G-quadruplex and i-motif-forming sequences on genomic DNA can be detected by qPCR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wataru Yoshida
- School of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Tokyo University of Technology , 1404-1 Katakuramachi, Hachioji, Tokyo, 192-0982, Japan
| | - Hitomi Yoshioka
- School of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Tokyo University of Technology , 1404-1 Katakuramachi, Hachioji, Tokyo, 192-0982, Japan
| | - Daniyah Habiballah Bay
- School of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Tokyo University of Technology , 1404-1 Katakuramachi, Hachioji, Tokyo, 192-0982, Japan.,Biology Department, Umm Al-Qura University , P.O. Box 715, Makkah, 21955, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Keisuke Iida
- Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Saitama University , Kitaadachi-gun, Saitama, 362-0806, Japan
| | - Kazunori Ikebukuro
- Department of Biotechnology and Life Science, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology , 2-24-16 Naka-cho, Koganei, Tokyo, 184-8588, Japan
| | - Kazuo Nagasawa
- Department of Biotechnology and Life Science, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology , 2-24-16 Naka-cho, Koganei, Tokyo, 184-8588, Japan
| | - Isao Karube
- School of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Tokyo University of Technology , 1404-1 Katakuramachi, Hachioji, Tokyo, 192-0982, Japan
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17
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Aschenbrenner J, Marx A. Direct and site-specific quantification of RNA 2'-O-methylation by PCR with an engineered DNA polymerase. Nucleic Acids Res 2016; 44:3495-502. [PMID: 27016740 PMCID: PMC4856998 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkw200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2016] [Accepted: 03/14/2016] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Methylation of the 2′-hydroxyl-group of ribonucleotides is found in all major classes of RNA in eukaryotes and is one of the most abundant posttranscriptional modifications of stable RNAs. In spite of intense studies, the multiple functions of RNA 2′-O-methylation are still not understood. One major obstacle in the field are the technical demanding detection methods, which are typically laborious and do not always deliver unambiguous results. We present a thermostable KlenTaq DNA polymerase variant with significant reverse transcription activity that is able to discriminate 2′-O-methylated from unmethylated RNAs. The engineered enzyme catalyzes DNA synthesis from DNA as well as RNA templates and enables expeditious quantification of 2′-O-methylation of individual nucleotides directly from total RNA extracts by a simple qRT-PCR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joos Aschenbrenner
- Department of Chemistry, Konstanz Research School Chemical Biology, University of Konstanz, Universitätsstraße 10, D-78457 Konstanz, Germany
| | - Andreas Marx
- Department of Chemistry, Konstanz Research School Chemical Biology, University of Konstanz, Universitätsstraße 10, D-78457 Konstanz, Germany
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18
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von Watzdorf J, Leitner K, Marx A. Modified Nucleotides for Discrimination between Cytosine and the Epigenetic Marker 5-Methylcytosine. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2016; 55:3229-32. [PMID: 26835661 PMCID: PMC4949677 DOI: 10.1002/anie.201511520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2015] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
5‐Methyl‐2′‐deoxycytosine, the most common epigenetic marker of DNA in eukaryotic cells, plays a key role in gene regulation and affects various cellular processes such as development and carcinogenesis. Therefore, the detection of 5mC can serve as an important biomarker for diagnostics. Here we describe that modified dGTP analogues as well as modified primers are able to sense the presence or absence of a single methylation of C, even though this modification does not interfere directly with Watson–Crick nucleobase pairing. By screening several modified nucleotide scaffolds, O6‐modified 2′‐deoxyguanosine analogues were identified as discriminating between C and 5mC. These modified nucleotides might find application in site‐specific 5mC detection, for example, through real‐time PCR approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janina von Watzdorf
- Fachbereich Chemie, Graduiertenschule Chemische, Biologie Konstanz, Universität Konstanz, Universitätsstrasse 10, 78457, Konstanz, Deutschland
| | - Kim Leitner
- Fachbereich Chemie, Graduiertenschule Chemische, Biologie Konstanz, Universität Konstanz, Universitätsstrasse 10, 78457, Konstanz, Deutschland
| | - Andreas Marx
- Fachbereich Chemie, Graduiertenschule Chemische, Biologie Konstanz, Universität Konstanz, Universitätsstrasse 10, 78457, Konstanz, Deutschland.
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19
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von Watzdorf J, Leitner K, Marx A. Modifizierte Nukleotide für die Diskriminierung zwischen Cytosin und dem epigenetischen Marker 5-Methylcytosin. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2016. [DOI: 10.1002/ange.201511520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Janina von Watzdorf
- Fachbereich Chemie, Graduiertenschule Chemische Biologie Konstanz; Universität Konstanz; Universitätsstraße 10 78457 Konstanz Deutschland
| | - Kim Leitner
- Fachbereich Chemie, Graduiertenschule Chemische Biologie Konstanz; Universität Konstanz; Universitätsstraße 10 78457 Konstanz Deutschland
| | - Andreas Marx
- Fachbereich Chemie, Graduiertenschule Chemische Biologie Konstanz; Universität Konstanz; Universitätsstraße 10 78457 Konstanz Deutschland
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20
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Kubik G, Summerer D. Deciphering Epigenetic Cytosine Modifications by Direct Molecular Recognition. ACS Chem Biol 2015; 10:1580-9. [PMID: 25897631 DOI: 10.1021/acschembio.5b00158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Epigenetic modification at the 5-position of cytosine is a key regulatory element of mammalian gene expression with important roles in genome stability, development, and disease. The repertoire of cytosine modifications has long been confined to only 5-methylcytosine (mC) but has recently been expanded by the discovery of 5-hydroxymethyl-, 5-formyl-, and 5-carboxylcytosine. These are key intermediates of active mC demethylation but may additionally represent new epigenetic marks with distinct biological roles. This leap in chemical complexity of epigenetic cytosine modifications has not only created a pressing need for analytical approaches that enable unraveling of their functions, it has also created new challenges for such analyses with respect to sensitivity and selectivity. The crucial step of any such approach that defines its analytic potential is the strategy used for the actual differentiation of the cytosine 5-modifications from one another, and this selectivity can in principle be provided either by chemoselective conversions or by selective, molecular recognition events. While the former strategy has been particularly successful for accurate genomic profiling of cytosine modifications in vitro, the latter strategy provides interesting perspectives for simplified profiling of natural, untreated DNA, as well as for emerging applications such as single cell analysis and the monitoring of cytosine modification in vivo. We here review analytical techniques for the deciphering of epigenetic cytosine modifications with an emphasis on approaches that are based on the direct molecular recognition of these modifications in DNA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grzegorz Kubik
- Department of Chemistry,
Zukunftskolleg, and Konstanz Research School Chemical Biology, University of Konstanz, Universitätsstraße 10, 78457 Konstanz, Germany
| | - Daniel Summerer
- Department of Chemistry,
Zukunftskolleg, and Konstanz Research School Chemical Biology, University of Konstanz, Universitätsstraße 10, 78457 Konstanz, Germany
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21
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DNA methylation as a potential diagnosis indicator for rapid discrimination of rare cancer cells and normal cells. Sci Rep 2015; 5:11882. [PMID: 26139010 PMCID: PMC5155617 DOI: 10.1038/srep11882] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2015] [Accepted: 06/08/2015] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The global DNA methylation degree may be a ubiquitous and early biomarker to distinguish cancer cells from benign cells. However, its usefulness in clinical diagnosis was scarcely demonstrated, because the cancer cells isolated from patients were usually very rare. Even if 10 mL of peripheral blood was sampled from a patient, only tens of cancer cells could be isolated. So a method to quantify DNA methylation from small number of cells was needed to apply DNA methylation in clinical environment. In this study, we found that normal breast cell line MCF10A and breast cancer cell line MCF7 cells present significantly different percentage of genomic 5-methylcytosine (p < 0.02, n = 8), it could be a potential indicator for rapid discrimination of rare cancer cells from normal cells. However, conventional mass spectrometry needs usually ~106 cells to quantify DNA methylation degree, which was too large to be applied in clinical diagnosis. Here we developed a fast mass spectrometry-based method capable of analyzing the DNA methylation degree from only ~100 human cells. Our method could reveal the different DNA methylation degree between MCF10A and MCF7 cells in less than two hours, having the potential to provide reliable information for clinical application.
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22
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Christopeit M. Epigenetic reprogramming and blood development. Epigenomics 2015; 7:9-11. [PMID: 25687461 DOI: 10.2217/epi.14.68] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Maximilian Christopeit
- Department of Stem Cell Transplantation, University Hospital Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistr. 52, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
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