MMLV RT
Description
Product Specs
Product Science Overview
Reverse transcriptase (RT) was first discovered in 1970 and is a key enzyme in the life cycle of retroviruses. It enables these viruses to replicate by converting their RNA genomes into DNA, a process known as reverse transcription . MMLV-RT is an RNA-dependent DNA polymerase that synthesizes cDNA from single-stranded RNA templates . This enzyme is widely used in techniques such as reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), which is essential for detecting and quantifying RNA molecules .
The recombinant production of MMLV-RT involves cloning the gene encoding the enzyme into an expression vector, which is then introduced into a host organism, typically Escherichia coli . This allows for the large-scale production of the enzyme. Advances in codon optimization and culture conditions have significantly improved the yield and activity of recombinant MMLV-RT .
MMLV-RT is extensively used in various molecular biology applications, including:
- cDNA Synthesis: Essential for converting RNA into cDNA, which can then be amplified and analyzed.
- RT-PCR: Widely used for detecting and quantifying RNA, including in diagnostic tests for viruses such as SARS-CoV-2 .
- Gene Expression Studies: Facilitates the study of gene expression patterns by converting mRNA into cDNA for further analysis.
Research has focused on improving the properties of MMLV-RT, such as its thermostability and enzymatic activity. For example, introducing a disulfide bridge in the ribonuclease H region has been shown to enhance the thermostability of the enzyme . These improvements make the enzyme more efficient and reliable for various applications.
