Delta-type DNA polymerase characterized from Drosophila melanogaster embryos

Nucleic Acids Res. 1992 Nov 11;20(21):5779-84. doi: 10.1093/nar/20.21.5779.

Abstract

Genetic and biochemical evidence suggests there are at least three DNA polymerases required for replication in eukaryotic cells. However, Drosophila embryonic cells have a very short duration S phase which is regulated differently. To address the question of whether embryos utilize different DNA polymerases, we employed Mono Q anion exchange chromatography to resolve the DNA polymerase activities. Two types of DNA polymerase, DNA polymerase delta and DNA polymerase alpha, were distinguished by: 1. copurification of DNA primase or 3'-5'exonuclease activities; 2. immunoblot analysis with alpha-specific polyclonal antisera; 3. sensitivity to aphidicolin and BuPdGTP; and 4. processivity measurements with and without Proliferating Cell Nuclear Antigen. These observations suggest that Drosophila embryos, similar to nonembryonic cells, have both alpha- and delta-type DNA polymerases.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • DNA Polymerase III
  • DNA Replication
  • DNA-Directed DNA Polymerase / genetics
  • DNA-Directed DNA Polymerase / isolation & purification
  • DNA-Directed DNA Polymerase / metabolism*
  • Drosophila melanogaster / embryology
  • Drosophila melanogaster / enzymology*
  • Drosophila melanogaster / genetics
  • Immunoblotting
  • Nuclear Proteins / pharmacology
  • Nucleic Acid Synthesis Inhibitors
  • Proliferating Cell Nuclear Antigen

Substances

  • Nuclear Proteins
  • Nucleic Acid Synthesis Inhibitors
  • Proliferating Cell Nuclear Antigen
  • DNA Polymerase III
  • DNA-Directed DNA Polymerase