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 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.

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.

At least 5 trillion cell divisions are required for a fertilized egg to develop into an adult human, resulting in the production of more than 20 trillion meters of DNA! And yet, with only two exceptions, the genome is replicated once and only once each time a cell divides. How is this feat accomplished? What happens when errors occur? This book addresses these questions by presenting a thorough analysis of the molecular events that govern DNA replication in eukaryotic cells. The association between genome replication and cell proliferation, disease pathogenesis, and the development of targeted therapeutics is also addressed. At least 160 proteins are involved in replicating the human genome, and at least 40 diseases are caused by aberrant DNA replication, 35 by mutations in genes required for DNA replication or repair, 7 by mutations generated during mitochondrial DNA replication, and more than 40 by DNA viruses. Consequently, a growing number of therapeutic drugs are targeted to DNA replication proteins. This authoritative volume provides a rich source of information for researchers, physicians, and teachers, and will stimulate thinking about the relevance of DNA replication to human disease.

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.

"A subject collection from Cold Spring Harbor perspectives in biology."