Codon optimization of a gene encoding DNA polymerase from Pyrococcus furiosus and its expression in Escherichia coli
Background
DNA polymeraseis an essential component inPCRassay forDNA synthesis. ImprovingDNA polymerasewith characteristics indispensable for a powerful assay is crucial because it can be used in wide-range applications. Derived fromPyrococcus furiosus,PfuDNA polymerase(Pfupol) is one of the excellentpolymerasesdue to its high fidelity. Therefore, we aimed to developPfupol from asynthetic genewith codon optimization to increase its protein yield inEscherichia coli.
Results
RecombinantPfupol was successfully expressed and purified with a two-steppurificationprocess using nickelaffinity chromatography, followed byanion exchange chromatography. Subsequently, the purifiedPfupol was confirmed byWestern blot analysis, resulting in a molecular weight of approximately 90 kDa. In the final purification process, we successfully obtained a large amount of purifiedenzyme(26.8 mg/L). Furthermore, the purifiedPfupol showed its functionality and efficiency when tested forDNA amplificationusing the standardPCR.
Conclusions
Overall, a high-level expression of recombinantPfupol was achieved by employing our approach in the present study. In the future, our findings will be useful for studies on synthesizingrecombinant DNApolymerase inE. coliexpression system.