The recombinant form of DNA Polymerase Lambda is typically produced in Escherichia coli (E. coli). It is a single, non-glycosylated polypeptide chain containing 320 amino acids, with a molecular mass of approximately 36.0 kDa . The recombinant enzyme is often fused to a 20 amino acid His-tag at the N-terminus to facilitate purification through chromatographic techniques .
DNA Polymerase Lambda plays a crucial role in several DNA repair pathways, including:
Base Excision Repair (BER): This pathway is responsible for repairing lesions that give rise to abasic (AP) sites in DNA . Pol λ has both template-dependent and template-independent (terminal transferase) DNA polymerase activities, which are essential for filling in the gaps left after the removal of damaged bases .
Non-Homologous End Joining (NHEJ): Pol λ contributes to the repair of DNA double-strand breaks by NHEJ, a process that directly ligates the broken ends without the need for a homologous template .
Homologous Recombination (HR): In addition to NHEJ, Pol λ is also involved in HR, a more accurate repair mechanism that uses a homologous sequence as a template for repair .
5’-Deoxyribose-5-Phosphate Lyase (dRP Lyase) Activity: Pol λ possesses dRP lyase activity, which is crucial for the removal of the 5’-deoxyribose phosphate group during BER .
Mutations or deficiencies in the POLL gene can lead to various genetic disorders. For instance, Split-Hand/Foot Malformation 1 and Adams-Oliver Syndrome have been associated with mutations in this gene . Additionally, the enzyme’s role in DNA repair pathways makes it a potential target for cancer therapy, as defects in these pathways are often linked to cancer development .
Recombinant DNA Polymerase Lambda is widely used in research to study DNA repair mechanisms and to develop potential therapeutic interventions. Its ability to perform both template-dependent and template-independent DNA synthesis makes it a valuable tool in molecular biology and genetic engineering .
In summary, Polymerase (DNA directed), Lambda (Human Recombinant) is a versatile and essential enzyme involved in maintaining genomic stability through its roles in various DNA repair pathways. Its recombinant form provides a valuable resource for scientific research and potential therapeutic applications.