Abstract: The invention features a novel isolated Family B DNA polymerase, a Thermococcus polymerase JDF-3, and mutant recombinant forms thereof Mutant polymerases of the invention are deficient in 3′ to 5′ exonuclease activity and/or exhibit reduced discrimination against non-conventional nucleotides relative to the wild-type form of the polymerase.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and kits comprising a mutant DNA polymerase with increased reverse transcriptase activity. The invention also relates to methods for using the subject compositions and kits.

Abstract: The subject invention relates to compositions comprising an enzyme mixture which comprises a first enzyme and a second enzyme, where the first enzyme comprises a DNA polymerization activity and the second enzyme comprises an 3′-5′ exonuclease activity and a reduced DNA polymerization activity. The invention also relates to the above compositions in kit format and methods for high fidelity DNA synthesis using the subject compositions of the invention.

Abstract: The invention features a novel isolated Family B DNA polymerase, a Thermococcus polymerase JDF-3, and mutant recombinant forms thereof. Mutant polymerases of the invention are deficient in 3′ to 5′ exonuclease activity and/or exhibit reduced discrimination against non-conventional nucleotides relative to the wild-type form of the polymerase.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for identifying a nucleotide at a predetermined location on a target polynucleotide. The method involves single nucleotide extension reaction comprising an oligonucleotide primer comprising a first sequence and a second sequence or a tag. The method may further comprises a probe which hybridizes to the second sequence or an anti-tag molecule which interacts with the tag, where the hybridization or interaction causes a detectable signal transfer which is indicative of the identity of the nucleotide base at the predetermined location. The invention further provides compositions and kits for performing the subject method of the invention.

Abstract: The subject invention relates to compositions comprising an enzyme mixture which comprises a first enzyme and a second enzyme, where the first enzyme comprises a DNA polymerization activity and the second enzyme comprises an 3′-5′ exonuclease activity and a reduced DNA polymerization activity. The invention also relates to the above compositions in kit format and methods for high fidelity DNA synthesis using the subject compositions of the invention.

Abstract: Methods are provided for enhancing nucleic acid polymerase reactions. The methods comprise use of a polymerase and a polymerase enhancing composition.

Abstract: Novel extracts, proteins, and complexes are identified, purified, and analyzed, which improve the polymerization activity of nucleic acid polymerases. Included within the aspects of the invention are methods for identifying compositions with a polymerase enhancing activity, methods for purifying and using these compositions, and specific extracts, proteins, and complexes that function to enhance polymerase activity. Implications for numerous assays and techniques are described. For example, the invention can be used to enhance polymerase activity in a PCR process and to increase the sensitivity of a PCR-based assay.

Abstract: Methods are provided for identifying the presence or absence of compositions with polymerase-enhancing activity.

Abstract: Novel extracts, proteins, and complexes are identified, purified, and analyzed, which improve the polymerization activity of nucleic acid polymerases. Included within the aspects of the invention are methods for identifying compositions with a polymerase enhancing activity, methods for purifying and using these compositions, and specific extracts, proteins, and complexes that function to enhance polymerase activity. Implications for numerous assays and techniques are described. For example, the invention can be used to enhance polymerase activity in a PCR process and to increase the sensitivity of a PCR-based assay.