The Protein Man's Blog | A Discussion of Protein Research

The polymerase chain reaction is a widely used technique for amplification of DNA products for genetic studies, DNA fingerprinting, clinical diagnostics, forensics and many more. Non-specific amplification of PCR products and the formation of primer dimers are the major problems during a PCR reaction. The main reason is due to the mild activity of polymerases at low temperatures and the binding of primers at nonspecific sites. As a result, even before the start of PCR amplification non-specific gene products and primer dimers are formed. The yield of target DNA is reduced as the polymerase, nucleotides, and primers are consumed. Hot start PCR methods are used to avoid this problem. 

Proteins that form complexes tend to form aggregates during recombinant expression. So the best method is to co-express proteins with suitable partner protein. Chaperones are one of those proteins that help insoluble protein formation. Researchers observed the enhanced solubility of some proteins when co-expressed with chaperones. However, the choice of suitable chaperone for a particular protein is difficult to assume and only with trial and error methods one can achieve a soluble protein. Chaperones act as catalysts that prevent aggregation of nascent chains and unfolding aggregate proteins. Co-expression of recombinant proteins with chaperones help in improved solubility, enhanced specific activity and yield of target proteins.

Genomic DNA extraction is an important part of the process when it comes to studying DNA. Pure DNA, separated from the proteins and fluid of cells, is needed on its own in order to be used for various molecular applications. These analyses can include cloning, sequencing, electrophoresis, and fingerprinting.