Extended DNA amplification with thermostable chaperons

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): The goal of this project is to develop a general method of improving the stability and durability of enzymes used in DNA and RNA amplification, sequencing, restriction analysis and ligation. The enzymes to be improved include DNA polymerases, topoisomerases, reverse transcriptases and ligases. In the event this goal can be achieved, broad impacts may result in the areas of clinical, forensic and basic science that rely on DNA sequencing, amplification and RT-PCR processes. To do this, extrinsic stabilization and refolding of proteins mediated by chaperones from hyperthermophiles will be adapted for incorporation into reaction mixtures with DNA modifying enzymes.