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Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase in human brain.
M V Viola1, M L Cole, P Norton
1Department of Medicine, University of Connecticut School of Medicine, Farmington, CT 06032, USA.
Journal of Neurochemistry
|November 1, 1976
Summary
A novel DNA polymerase was found in human brain, similar to terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase (TdT) found in the thymus. This enzyme
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Enzymology
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase (TdT) is an enzyme typically found in the thymus.
- DNA polymerases play crucial roles in DNA replication and repair.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence and properties of DNA polymerases in human brain tissue.
- To compare the characteristics of a novel brain DNA polymerase with known enzymes like TdT.
Main Methods:
- Partial purification of a DNA polymerase from human brain.
- Characterization of the enzyme's molecular size, optimal reaction conditions, initiator preferences, and inhibitor profiles.
- Comparison of these properties with calf thymus terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase (TdT).
Main Results:
- A DNA polymerase lacking template-directed base selection was successfully purified from human brain.
- The brain enzyme exhibited similarities in molecular size, reaction conditions, initiator preferences, and inhibitor sensitivity to calf thymus TdT.
Conclusions:
- Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase (TdT) activity has been identified in human brain, in addition to its known presence in the thymus.
- The presence of TdT in both brain and thymus suggests a potential shared or unique biological function related to these organs.