DNA Polymerase News and Research

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A DNA polymerase is an enzyme that catalyzes the polymerization of deoxyribonucleotides into a DNA strand. DNA polymerases are most well-known for their role in DNA replication, in which the polymerase "reads" an intact DNA strand as a template and uses it to synthesize the new strand. The newly-polymerized molecule is complementary to the template strand and identical to the template's original partner strand. DNA polymerases use a magnesium ion for catalytic activity.

A digital CRISPR-based method for quick detection and absolute quantification of SARS-CoV-2

In a recent medRxiv* preprint manuscript, researchers from Singapore and the United States report the development of a digital CRISPR method for the sensitive, specific, and rapid detection of viral nucleic acids at a constant temperature, which could be exploited for the detection of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2).

5 Nov 2020

PCR Biosystems introduces RiboShield RNase Inhibitor for use in RNA-sensitive applications

PCR Biosystems has today launched RiboShield RNase Inhibitor. Already an important component of several PCR Biosystems kits, this robust and reliable RNase inhibitor is, for the first time, available as a standalone product.

From PCR Biosystems Ltd. 10 Sep 2020

New bivalent vaccine delivers robust cell-mediated and humoral immunity against SARS-CoV-2

In a groundbreaking bioRxiv study, US researchers demonstrate the capability of next-generation bivalent human adenovirus serotype 5 (hAd5) vaccine for inducing both cellular and humoral immunity against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) – using both an S protein sequence optimized for cell surface expression and a conserved nucleocapsid antigen designed to be transported to the endosomal subcellular compartment.

2 Aug 2020

New technique helps measure dNTP concentrations with greater sensitivity

A highly sensitive and easy-to-use technique applicable for tissue samples can be useful, for example, to researchers specialised in mitochondrial diseases and cancer.

24 Jun 2020

PCR Biosystems launches new kit for ultra-sensitive, high-throughput detection of SARS-CoV-2

PCR Biosystems, the UK-based PCR experts, today announced the launch of qPCRBIO Probe 1-Step Virus Detect, a high-concentration 4x RT-qPCR kit designed specifically for ultra-sensitive, high-throughput detection of viral RNA sequences, including SARS-CoV-2.

12 Jun 2020

Researchers create more crucial reagents for use in COVID-19 tests

Researchers in Warwick Medical School at the University of Warwick have developed a way to create more crucial reagents for use in COVID-19 tests that could also provide enhancements to the use of, and production of, future tests.

19 May 2020

Researchers elucidate new mechanism for controlling DNA methylation in cells

Why normal cells turn into cancer cells One of the factors is deeply related to the failure of the cell differentiation mechanism called DNA methylation.

17 Mar 2020

New discovery may be useful for developing novel cancer treatments

Researchers from the University of Copenhagen have discovered that our cells replicate their DNA much more loosely than previously thought.

28 Feb 2020

Meridian launches High-Specificity Pfu HS Mix to increase customers’ testing capabilities

Meridian Bioscience, Inc. today announced the launch of a High-Specificity Pfu HS Mix that not only provides high-fidelity amplification, but also offers market-leading amplification for companion diagnostic (CDx) and clinical testing.

From Meridian Bioscience, Inc. 24 Jan 2020

The atomic-level structure of DNA polymerase delta – the enzyme behind DNA replication

A new study has revealed how the fundamental enzyme called DNA polymerase delta operates during DNA replication, making a copy of the genetic code that can be transmitted through the generations.

4 Oct 2019

Mount Sinai researchers discover how DNA polymerase delta duplicates the genome

Mount Sinai researchers have discovered how the enzyme DNA polymerase delta works to duplicate the genome that cells hand down from one generation to the next. In a study published in Nature Structural & Molecular Biology, the team also reported how certain mutations can modulate the activity of this enzyme, leading to cancers and other diseases.

3 Oct 2019

Study reveals the complexities of viral evolution

Comparing a living cell to a virus is a bit like comparing the Sistine Chapel to a backyard dog house. Lacking the intricate machinery of living cells, viruses represent biology stripped down to an extreme level. They are the true minimalists of the biological world.

31 Jul 2019

Yeast species thrives, despite losing DNA repair genes years ago

Researchers have discovered an ancient species of budding yeast that has lost dozens of DNA repair genes, without any adverse effects.

22 May 2019

Sussex scientists discover new genetic defect that causes intellectual disability

Researchers at the University of Sussex have discovered a new genetic defect which causes a form of intellectual disability; a finding that will improve screening programmes and help to end a 'diagnostic odyssey' for families across the globe.

1 May 2019

Researchers acquire new insights into DNA polymerases

Complex biological systems can be described as a network of chemical processes that take place in molecules. The scientists of the "ChemLife" research initiative at the University of Konstanz are working together in an equally active network with dynamic interconnections - both subject-specific and interdisciplinary.

19 Sep 2018

Innovative 'EvolvR' system lets scientists shuffle genes until they get right variation

Scientists at the Innovative Genomics Institute have concocted a transformative new way to harness the power of evolution.

2 Aug 2018

Study reveals the mechanism of common DNA mutations

Researchers at The Ohio University have uncovered the mechanism by which thymine and guanine, the most commonly mutated bases in DNA, become damaged.

2 Feb 2018

TSRI scientists demonstrate repurposing of DNA to create new substances

DNA evolved to store genetic information, but in principle this special, chain-like molecule can also be adapted to make new materials. Chemists at The Scripps Research Institute have now published an important demonstration of this repurposing of DNA to create new substances with possible medical applications.

12 Oct 2017

Defect in DNA repair machinery causes underdevelopment of neural network

DNA is the computer code that programs every event in the body. Despite the importance of DNA fidelity, as the body develops, cells grow and replicate, DNA is constantly turned over. This repeated process can compromise the DNA, which is why the body has many DNA repair machineries.

30 Aug 2017

Fluorescent proteins found in jellyfish shed new light on DNA copying

Using these proteins, originally found in jellyfish to make them glow, the team where able to focus laser beams on the brightly lit proteins and track them inside a bacteria that normally lives inside the human gut.

28 Jun 2017