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Related Experiment Videos

DNA polymerase associated with human hepatitis B antigen.

P M Kaplan, R L Greenman, J L Gerin

    Journal of Virology
    |November 1, 1973
    PubMed
    Summary

    Human hepatitis B antigen (HBAg) preparations containing Dane particles show DNA polymerase activity. This enzyme activity is associated with Dane core particles, suggesting a role in hepatitis B virus replication.

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    Area of Science:

    • Virology
    • Molecular Biology
    • Biochemistry

    Background:

    • Human hepatitis B antigen (HBAg) is associated with Dane particles, the infectious form of the hepatitis B virus.
    • The presence and function of enzymes within Dane particles are crucial for understanding viral replication.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To investigate the presence and characteristics of DNA polymerase activity in HBAg preparations.
    • To determine the association of this enzymatic activity with specific viral components.

    Main Methods:

    • Concentration of HBAg from human plasma using high-speed centrifugation.
    • Assay of DNA polymerase activity via (3)H-thymidine-methyl-5'-triphosphate incorporation.
    • Enzyme activity enhancement using Nonidet P-40 (NP40) detergent.
    • Sucrose density gradient centrifugation and electron microscopy for particle analysis.

    Main Results:

    • DNA polymerase activity was detected in HBAg-positive plasma preparations but not in controls.
    • NP40 treatment significantly increased enzyme activity.
    • The activity localized to Dane core antigen fractions, specifically associated with 28-nm core particles.
    • No polymerase activity was found in 20-nm HBAg particles.
    • The DNA product remained associated with the core and was DNase resistant, indicating a DNA template dependence.

    Conclusions:

    • Dane particles possess intrinsic DNA polymerase activity.
    • This activity is likely associated with a subpopulation of Dane core particles.
    • The findings suggest a role for this DNA polymerase in the hepatitis B virus life cycle, potentially involving viral DNA replication.

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