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Bst DNA Polymerase: Structure, Properties and Engineering Strategies in LAMP
Ekaterina Tikhonova1, Anna Popinako1, Aleksey Sazonov1
1Scientific Center of Genetics and Life Sciences, Sirius University of Science and Technology, 354340 Sirius, Russia.
International Journal of Molecular Sciences
|May 27, 2026
Summary
Bst DNA polymerase, a thermostable enzyme, enhances loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) for efficient diagnostics. Engineering efforts focus on improving its stability and specificity for reliable test systems.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Molecular Biology
- Enzyme Engineering
Background:
- Bst DNA polymerase is a thermostable enzyme derived from *Geobacillus stearothermophilus*.
- Its unique structure confers thermal stability, strand displacement ability, and high specificity.
- This enzyme is crucial for the efficiency and sensitivity of loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) in biotechnology.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the structural and functional characteristics of Bst DNA polymerase.
- To explore its applications in LAMP and methods for enhancing thermal stability.
- To discuss challenges and solutions related to terminal transferase activity and ab initio synthesis for expanded diagnostic capabilities.
Main Methods:
- Directed evolution
- Site-directed mutagenesis
- Fusion constructs
- Chemical modifications
Main Results:
- Bst DNA polymerase exhibits high specificity, leading to efficient, sensitive, and rapid LAMP.
- Various engineering strategies can improve the enzyme's thermal stability.
- Addressing terminal transferase activity and ab initio synthesis issues enhances enzyme performance.
- Incorporating modified nucleotides and primers expands LAMP's diagnostic potential.
Conclusions:
- Engineering Bst DNA polymerase advances the development of robust and highly specific diagnostic systems.
- Improved thermostability and specificity are key for widespread diagnostic applications.
- Further research into modified nucleotides and primers will broaden LAMP's utility.
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