Comparative studies on the template-initiator requirements of the chick-embryo DNA polymerase I and the avian-myeloblastosis-virus DNA polymerase

Displacement synthesis of globin complementary DNA: evidence for sequence amplification

We have examined a cDNA displacement synthesis procedure in which the extent of precursor incorporation and the unusual kinetics of displacement synthesis suggest a unique replicative form of DNA and the occurrence of multiple rounds of displacement synthesis, leading to amplification of mRNA sequences. Globin double-stranded DNA containing a hairpin loop was extended by the addition of a homopolymer to the 3' end. This was followed by displacement synthesis with the Klenow fragment of DNA polymerase I that was primed by an oligonucleotide hybridized to the homopolymer. Thus, the hairpin cDNA was copied to form an open duplex with an inverted repetition of globin sequences. These molecules can then serve as templates for additional synthesis which would be primed from oligomers bound the homopolymer. Globin cDNA sequences appear to be amplified 10-fold or more by this procedure. Globin cDNA obtained by displacement synthesis was similar in size to the original template. However, displaced molecules associate to the extent that they are not readily resolved by electrophoresis or sedimentation under nondenaturing conditions. Restriction endonuclease digests of 32P-labeled displaced strands gave fragment patterns similar to rabbit globin cDNA hairpin molecules. S1 nuclease studies demonstrated that displaced complexes and replication intermediates are partially single stranded, which might account for their aggregation properties.

Template-binding site of AMV reverse transcriptase and inactivation of the enzyme by N-ethylmaleimide

N-Ethylmaleimide, a sulfhydryl-specific reagent, strongly inhibits AMV reverse transcriptase by specifically interfering with the template-binding site of the enzyme. However, the kinetics of inhibition differ widely with the composition and structure of the templates employed. The copying of templates with multiple 3'-hydroxyl termini appeared to be more susceptible to N-ethylmaleimide treatment, suggesting that the reagent may interfere with initiation of DNA synthesis. The ability of a template bound to enzyme prior to N-ethylmaleimide treatment to protect against inactivation of copying of other templates also, implies a common binding site for the different templates. Template exchange experiments demonstrated competition between activated calf thymus DNA and rAn . dT12--18 for binding to the enzyme. Thus, templates varying widely in composition and conformation appear to bind at a common site on reverse transcriptase. The experimental data also show suggestive evidence for small but finite differences in the requirements for optimal binding for templates of different structures.

Variation of DNA polymerase activities in chick neural retina as a function of age

The activities of DNA polymerases alpha, beta, and gamma and of thymidine kinase were determined in the chick neural retina at different stages of embryonic development (starting at seven days) and after hatching (up to five years). Crude extracts of neural retinae were fractionated by centrifugation on sucrose gradients and the enzymatic activities measured using specific assays. The DNA polymerase alpha activity decreases greatly between 7 and 11 days of incubation. This decrease parallels the decline in mitotic activity. However, a constant residual activity remains after hatching, even in the oldest animals. DNA polymerase beta activity increases slightly between 7 and 14 days of incubation; it then decreases slowly until seven days after hatching and remains constant thereafter. DNA polymerase gamma activity is maximal between 7 and 14 days of incubation and then decreases until hatching. The activity of thymidine kinase increases slightly during the embryonic life until hatching and remains almost constant thereafter. The implication of these enzymes in DNA replication and repair processes is discussed.

Ribonucleotidyl transferase in preparations of partially purified DNA polymerase alpha of the sea urchin

Three ribonucleotidyl transferase types have been described in the sea urchin: riboadenylate trnasferase, the DNA dependent RNA polymerases, and a DNA polymerase associated ribonucleotidyl transferase (Biochemistry 15:3106-3113, 1976). In the present work this latter ribonucleotidyl transferase was found to purify with DNA polymerase alpha through phosphocellulose, DEAE-Sephadex and DNA cellulose and to cosediment at 6.5 S. This ribonucleotidyl transferase was active with Mn+2, but not Mg+2, on calf thymus DNA and poly(dC). Other synthetic templates elicited DNA polymerase alpha but no ribonucleotidyl transferase activity. From alkaline hydrolysates of the poly(dC) directed GTP polymerization, we found Goh and Gp in a ratio of 1:16 indicating an average chain length of 17 residues after a 20 min reaction. Co-polymerization of GTP (5 micrometer) and dGTP (10 micrometer) yielded a non-random distribution of the ribonucleotide in the deoxyribonucleotide. The properties of this urchin ribonucleotidyl transferase are unlike any previously described eukaryotic transferase and the data is discussed with reference to the known properties of E. coli DNA polymerase I and the primase.

The relationship between two murine DNA-dependent DNA polymerases from the cytosol and the low molecular weight DNA polymerase

After aqueous subcellular fractionation and partial purification by phosphocellulose chromatography, murine cells are found to contain a low molecular weight DNA-dependent DNA polymerase (beta) in the nuclear fraction and two distinguishable DNA-dependent DNA polymerases (C-I and C-II) in the cytosol. Both C-I and C-II are found in testis, liver, and regenerating liver; the amount of C-I being several fold increased in the regenerating liver and in immature testis. C-I and C-II are distinguishable by the criteria of salt sensitivity, inhibition by single-stranded DNA, elution from phosphocellulose, inhibition by 0.3 mM N-ethylmaleimide, template preference, and sedimentation coefficient. C-II is dissociated by 0.25 M KC1 to an active form of DNA polymerase of sedimentation coefficient 3.5 S while C-I is not dissociated, maintaining its sedimentation coefficient of 7.2 S. Many similar chemical and physical properties of C-II and the low molecular weight nuclear DNA polymerase (beta) suggest that C-II may represent an aggregate state of beta monomers, The size, reaction properties and the increase in enzyme activity under conditions of rapid cellular proliferation suggest C-I is analogous to the alpha DNA polymerase.

Marek's disease herpesvirus-induced DNA polymerase

Infection of duck embryo fibroblasts by Marek's disease herpesvirus (MDHV), strain GA, led to the induction of a novel DNA polymerase. This novel DNA polymerase, designated MDHV-induced DNA polymerase, could be distinguished from the DNA polymerase activities of uninfected duck embryo fibroblasts by its chromatographic behavior on phosphocellulose, by its sedimentation coefficient, and by its catalytic properties. The characteristics of MDHV-induced DNA polymerase which had been purified by phosphocellulose chromatography were investigated. The sedimentation coefficient of the enzyme, as determined by sucrose density gradient centrifugation in the presence of 0.25 M KCl, was 5.9S. From this sedimentation coefficient, the molecular weight of MDHV-induced DNA polymerase was estimated to be 100,000. MDHV-induced DNA polymerase could not effectively use either poly(dA).oligo(dT)(12-18) or poly(dC).oligo(dG)(12-18) as a template-primer. The DNA polymerases from uninfected duck embryo fibroblasts could use these synthetic template-primers. MDHV-induced DNA polymerase also could not use poly(rA).oligo(dT)(12-18) or poly(rC).oligo(dG)(12-18) as template-primers or oligo(dT)(12-18) as a primer, indicating that it was not a polymerase of the type R-DNA polymerase, reverse transcriptase, or a terminal nucleotidyl transferase. In vitro synthesis of DNA by MDHV-induced DNA polymerase was markedly inhibited by the addition of (NH(4))(2)SO(4) to the reaction mixture.