Affinity chromatography of viral DNA polymerases on pyran-sepharose

Pyran covalently linked to cyanogen bromide-activated Sepharose has been shown to be an effective affinity matrix for several viral DNA polymerases. Differential salt elution of viral compared with cellular polymerases, as well as substrate elution, suggests the affinity nature for the matrix. Unlike some other affinity systems described, pyran-Sepharose is totally resistant to nuclease digestion and is stable at 4 degrees for several months. DNA polymerases isolated from several viruses by detergent treatment were recovered in good yield. Analysis of iodinated proteins by sodium dodecyl sulfate-gel electrophoresis revealed that the DNA polymerase of avian myeloblastosis virus found in crude preparations of the virus could be purified nearly to homogeneity by a single passage through the column. These results suggest that pyran-Sepharose is an effective affinity column that is potentially adaptable as part of a general purification procedure for viral DNA polymerases.