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Terminal Deoxynucleotidyl Transferase in the Synthesis and Modification of Nucleic Acids
Author(s) -
Sarac Ivo,
Hollenstein Marcel
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
chembiochem
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.05
H-Index - 126
eISSN - 1439-7633
pISSN - 1439-4227
DOI - 10.1002/cbic.201800658
Subject(s) - terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase , oligonucleotide , polymerase , nucleotide , transferase , nucleic acid , biochemistry , dna polymerase , nucleoside , biology , chemistry , dna , microbiology and biotechnology , tunel assay , enzyme , gene , apoptosis
The terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase (TdT) belongs to the X family of DNA polymerases. This unusual polymerase catalyzes the template‐independent addition of random nucleotides on 3′‐overhangs during V(D)J recombination. The biological function and intrinsic biochemical properties of the TdT have spurred the development of numerous oligonucleotide‐based tools and methods, especially if combined with modified nucleoside triphosphates. Herein, we summarize the different applications stemming from the incorporation of modified nucleotides by the TdT. The structural, mechanistic, and biochemical properties of this polymerase are also discussed.