BACKGROUND

Thermostable enzymes are useful to amplify existing nucleic acid sequences in amounts that are large compared to the amount initially present. Primers, template, nucleotide triphosphates, the appropriate buffer and reaction conditions, and polymerase are used in the PCR process, which involves denaturation of target DNA, hybridization of primers, and synthesis of complementary strands. The extension product of each primer becomes a template for the production of the desired nucleic acid sequence. If the polymerase employed is a thermostable enzyme, then polymerase need not be added after every denaturation step, because heat will not destroy the polymerase activity.

Prior work has demonstrated the isolation of thermostable DNA polymerase from Thermus aquaticus and the use of that polymerase in PCR. Although T. aquaticus DNA polymerase is especially preferred for use in PCR and other recombinant DNA techniques, there remains a need for other thermostable polymerases.

Accordingly, there is a desire in the art to produce a purified, thermostable DNA polymerase that may be used to improve the PCR process described above and to improve the results obtained when using a thermostable DNA polymerase in other recombinant techniques such as DNA sequencing, nick-translation, and even reverse transcription.

SEQUENCE LISTING

The present application is being filed along with a Sequence Listing in electronic format. The Sequence Listing is provided as a file entitled IP1289.TXT, created November 13, 2015, which is 466Kb in size. The information in the electronic format of the Sequence Listing is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BRIEF SUMMARY

Presented herein are methods and compositions for thermostable DNA polymerases that may be used to improve the PCR process and to improve the results obtained when using a thermostable DNA polymerase in other recombinant techniques such as DNA sequencing, nick-translation, and even reverse transcription.

Accordingly, one embodiment presented herein is a recombinant DNA polymerase comprising the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOs: 1-66.

Also presented herein is a recombinant DNA polymerase comprising an amino acid sequence that is at least 60%, 70%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 99% identical to any one of SEQ ID NOs: 1-66, and which recombinant DNA polymerase exhibits polymerase activity.

Also presented herein is a fusion protein comprising a recombinant DNA polymerase as defined in any the above embodiments fused to an additional polypeptide. In some embodiments, the polypeptide domain fused to the polymerase can comprise a purification tag, an expression tag, a solubility tag, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the polypeptide domain fused to the polymerase can comprise, for example, Maltose Binding Protein (MBP). In some embodiments, the polypeptide domain fused to the polymerase can comprise, for example, a leader peptide having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 72.

Also presented herein is a nucleic acid molecule encoding a recombinant polymerase as defined in any the above embodiments. Also presented herein is an expression vector comprising the nucleic acid molecule described above. Also presented herein is a host cell comprising the vector described above.

Also presented herein is a method for incorporating nucleotides into DNA comprising allowing the following components to interact: (i) a polymerase according to any the above embodiments, (ii) a DNA template; and (iii) a nucleotide solution.

The details of one or more embodiments are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features, objects, and advantages will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Figure 1 is a graph showing polymerase fidelity and performance, compared to Vent polymerase. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Presented herein are thermostable DNA polymerases that may be used to improve the PCR process and to improve the results obtained when using a thermostable DNA polymerase in other recombinant techniques such as DNA sequencing, nick-translation, and even reverse transcription. The present inventors have surprisingly identified certain thermostable polymerases which exhibit improved properties. The amino acid sequence of each of the thermostable polymerases is set forth in SEQ ID NOs: 1-66.

Accordingly, one embodiment presented herein is a recombinant DNA polymerase comprising the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOs: 1-66.

Also presented herein is a recombinant DNA polymerase comprising an amino acid sequence that is at least 60%, 70%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 99% identical to any one of SEQ ID NOs: 1-66, and which recombinant DNA polymerase exhibits polymerase activity. It will be appreciated by one of skill in the art that one or more residues in a polymerase may be modified by substitution, deletion, or addition, while preserving polymerase activity. As such, any one of the polymerase sequences set forth as SEQ ID NOs: 1-66 may be modified by addition, deletion, or substitution of one or more residues and still retain polymerase activity. Polymerase activity of thermostable polymerase enzymes may be measured according to any one of a number of methodologies known in the art, as exemplified by the disclosures of U.S. Patent No. 5,614,365; U.S. Patent No. 7,598,032; U.S. Patent No. 7,312,059; U.S. Patent No. 6,395,524; U.S. Patent No. 5,455,170; U.S. Patent No. 5,405,774; U.S. Patent No.5,795, 762; each of which is incorporated by reference in its entirety.

In some embodiments, the polymerase activity of one or more of the polymerases exhibits high performance in amplification conditions, such as those used for PCR. As used herein, performance can refer to affinity for primed template and/or high extension rate, also called processivity. As used herein, the term "high processivity" refers to a processivity higher than 20 nts (e. g., higher than 40 nts, 60 nts, 80 nts, 100 nts, 120 nts, 140 nts, 160 nts, 180 nts, 200 nts, 220 nts, 240 nts, 260 nts, 280 nts, 300 nts, 320 nts, 340 nts, 360 nts, 380 nts, 400 nts, or higher) per association/disassociation with the template. Processivity can be measured, for example, according the methods in WO 01/92501A1, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety.

Performance under PCR conditions can be measured according to the methods described in Elshawadfy et al. (2014) Front. Microbio. 5 :224, or those described in Arezi et al. (2014) Front. Microbio. 5:408, each of which is incorporated by reference in its entirety. Briefly, as described by Elshawadfy et al, qPCR can be performed using a Rotor-Gene 6000 thermocycler (Corbett Research, Qiagen). Genomic DNA from S. cerevesiae can be used as the template, with the DNA Pol 2 gene targeted for amplification. A common forward primer and one or more reverse primers can be used used to amplify lengths ranging from 145, to 1040 base pairs. Reactions are carried out in 25 containing 30 ng S. cerevesiae genomic DNA (Novagen), 1 μΜ of each primer, 400 μΜ of each dNTP, and 2.5 μ 1 of SYBR green (10,000 stock in dimethlysulfoxide, Invitrogen; initially diluted 1000-fold with water). The reactions are initiated by adding the polymerase (final concentration 20 nM) in the same buffer used for primer-template extensions. The PCR consists of 1 x 95°C for 2 min followed by 40 cycles of: 95°C (10 s)/58°C (20 s)/72°C (the time used for the 72°C extension step is variable). On completion of the PCR a melt curve analysis, consisting of a 90 s pre-melt step at 67°C followed by a temperature increase to 95°C at 0.2°C per second, is carried out. 20 μΐ of the real time PCR mixtures are run on a 1% agarose gel (detection with ethidium bromide) in order to verify that amplification resulted in a product of the correct size.

In some embodiments, performance can be measured using PCR under high and low salt concentrations. For example, performance in salt can be tested as exemplified by the disclosure of, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety.

In some embodiments, the polymerase activity of one or more of the polymerases exhibits high fidelity. As described in U.S. Patent No. 8,481,685, and as used herein, the term "fidelity" refers to the accuracy of DNA polymerization by template-dependent DNA polymerase. The fidelity of a DNA polymerase is typically measured by the error rate (the frequency of incorporating an inaccurate nucleotide, i.e., a nucleotide that is not incorporated at a template-dependent manner). The accuracy or fidelity of DNA polymerization is maintained by both the polymerase activity and the 3 '-5' exonuclease activity of a DNA polymerase. The term "high fidelity" refers to an error rate less than 4.45x l(T ⁶ (e.g., less than 4.0x l(T ⁶ , 3.5x l(T ⁶ , 3.0x l(T ⁶ , 2.5x l(T ⁶ , 2.0x 1 (Γ ⁶ , 1.5x 1 (Γ ⁶ , 1.0x 10 ^~6 , 0.5x 10 ^~6 ) mutations/nt/doubling. The fidelity or error rate of a DNA polymerase may be measured using assays known to the art. For example, the error rates of DNA polymerases can be tested using the lacl PCR fidelity assay described in Cline, J. et al. (96) NAR 24: 3546-3551. Briefly, a 1.9 kb fragment encoding the lacIOlacZa target gene is amplified from pPRIAZ plasmid DNA using 2.5 U DNA polymerase (i.e. amount of enzyme necessary to incorporate 25 nmoles of total dNTPs in 30 min at 72° C.) in the appropriate PCR buffer. The lacl-containing PCR products are then cloned into lambda GT10 arms, and the percentage of lacl mutants (MF, mutation frequency) is determined in a color screening assay, as described (Lundberg, K. S., Shoemaker, D. D., Adams, M. W. W., Short, J. M., Sorge, J. A., and Mathur, E. J. (1991) Gene 180: 1-8). Error rates are expressed as mutation frequency per bp per duplication (MF/bp/d), where bp is the number of detectable sites in the lad gene sequence (349) and d is the number of effective target doublings. Similar to the above, any plasmid containing the lacIOlacZa target gene can be used as template for the PCR. The PCR product may be cloned into a vector different from lambda GT (e.g., plasmid) that allows for blue/white color screening.

A variety of polymerase fidelity assays have been described in the literature over the years, perhaps the most famous being that of Thomas Kunkel (Kunkel, T.A. and Tindall, K.R. (1988) Biochemistry, 27, 6008-6013). The Kunkel method uses portions of the lacZagene in Ml 3 bacteriophage to correlate host bacterial colony color changes with errors in DNA synthesis. Wayne Barnes built upon this assay and utilized PCR to copy the entire lacZ gene and portions of two drug resistance genes with subsequent ligation, cloning, transformation and blue/white colony color determination (Barnes, W.M. (1992) Gene, 112, 29-35). In both assays, errors incorporated in the lacZ gene cause a disruption in β-galactosidase activity leading to a white colony phenotype. With these lacZ-based experimental approaches, the percentage of white colonies must be converted to the number of errors per base incorporated. As a more direct read-out of fidelity, Sanger sequencing of individual cloned PCR products can also score DNA polymerase fidelity and offers the advantage that all mutations will be detected. Using this method, the entire mutational spectrum of a polymerase can be determined and there is no need to correct for nonphenotypic changes. Other methods of measuring fidelity can directly monitor misincorporation of bases. For example, using high- throughput sequencing systems, fidelity can also be measured by measuring errors accumulated during amplification by reading the sequence of amplicons and comparing to the template sequence.

The properties of the one or more polymerases presented herein can be compared to one or more other enzymes, which are known in the art. For example, in some embodiments, the fidelity of the polymerase can be compared to that of a known polymerase, such as a thermostable polymerase. In some embodiments, the processivity of the polymerase can be compared to that of a known polymerase, such as a thermostable polymerase. In some embodiments, the polymerase exhibits increased fidelity compared to a known polymerase. In some embodiments, the polymerase exhibits increased processivity compared to a known polymerase. In some embodiments, the polymerase exhibits increased fidelity and processivity compared to a known polymerase. In some embodiments, the polymerase exhibits increased fidelity but lower processivity compared to a known polymerase. In some embodiments, the polymerase exhibits increased processivity but lower fidelity compared to a known polymerase. Known DNA polymerases include, for example, Pyrococcus furiosus (Pfu) DNA polymerase (Lundberg et al, 1991, Gene, 108: 1), E. coli DNA polymerase I (Lecomte and Doubleday, 1983, Nucleic Acids Res. 11 :7505), T7 DNA polymerase (Nordstrom et al, 1981, J. Biol. Chem. 256:3112), Thermus thermophilus (Tth) DNA polymerase (Myers and Gelfand 1991, Biochemistry 30:7661), Bacillus stearothermophilus DNA polymerase (Stenesh and McGowan, 1977, Biochim Biophys Acta 475:32), Thermococcus litoralis (Tli) DNA polymerase (also referred to as Vent DNA polymerase, Cariello et al, 1991, Nucleic Acids Res, 19: 4193), 9° Nm DNA polymerase (discontinued product from New England Biolabs), Thermotoga maritima (Tma) DNA polymerase (Diaz and Sabino, 1998 Braz J. Med. Res, 31 : 1239), Thermus aquaticus (Taq) DNA polymerase (Chien et al, 1976, J. Bacteoriol, 127: 1550), Thermococcus kodakaraensis KOD DNA polymerase (Takagi et al, 1997, Appl. Environ. Microbiol. 63:4504), JDF-3 DNA polymerase (Patent application WO 0132887), and Pyrococcus GB-D (PGB-D) DNA polymerase (Juncosa-Ginesta et al, 1994, Biotechniques, 16:820).

In some embodiments, the polymerase exhibits increased fidelity and/or processivity compared to a Thermococcus litoralis (Tli) DNA polymerase (also referred to as Vent DNA polymerase, Cariello et al, 1991, Nucleic Acids Res, 19: 4193). Vent DNA polymerase is available commercially and can be used in the activity assays described herein as a baseline measure of polymerase activity, such as fidelity and/or processivity. In some embodiments, the polymerase exhibits increased processivity compared to Vent DNA polymerase. In some embodiments, the polymerase exhibits increased fidelity and processivity compared to Vent DNA polymerase. In some embodiments, the polymerase exhibits increased fidelity but lower processivity compared to Vent DNA polymerase. In some embodiments, the polymerase exhibits increased processivity but lower fidelity compared to Vent DNA polymerase.

Making and Isolating Recombinant Polymerases

Generally, nucleic acids encoding a polymerase as presented herein can be made by cloning, recombination, in vitro synthesis, in vitro amplification and/or other available methods. A variety of recombinant methods can be used for expressing an expression vector that encodes a polymerase as presented herein. Methods for making recombinant nucleic acids, expression and isolation of expressed products are well known and described in the art. A number of exemplary mutations and combinations of mutations, as well as strategies for design of desirable mutations, are described herein. Methods for making and selecting mutations in the active site of polymerases, including for modifying steric features in or near the active site to permit improved access by nucleotide analogs are found hereinabove and, e.g., in WO 2007/076057 and PCT/US2007/022459, which are incorporated by reference in their entireties. Additional useful references for mutation, recombinant and in vitro nucleic acid manipulation methods (including cloning, expression, PCR, and the like) include Berger and Kimmel, Guide to Molecular Cloning Techniques, Methods in Enzymology volume 152 Academic Press, Inc., San Diego, Calif. (Berger); Kaufman et al. (2003) Handbook of Molecular and Cellular Methods in Biology and Medicine Second Edition Ceske (ed) CRC Press (Kaufman); and The Nucleic Acid Protocols Handbook Ralph Rapley (ed) (2000) Cold Spring Harbor, Humana Press Inc (Rapley); Chen et al. (ed) PCR Cloning Protocols, Second Edition (Methods in Molecular Biology, volume 192) Humana Press; and in Viljoen et al. (2005)Molecular Diagnostic PCR Handbook Springer, ISBN 1402034032.

In addition, a plethora of kits are commercially available for the purification of plasmids or other relevant nucleic acids from cells, (see, e.g., EasyPrep.TM., FlexiPrep.TM. both from Pharmacia Biotech; StrataClean.TM., from Stratagene; and, QIAprep.TM. from Qiagen). Any isolated and/or purified nucleic acid can be further manipulated to produce other nucleic acids, used to transfect cells, incorporated into related vectors to infect organisms for expression, and/or the like. Typical cloning vectors contain transcription and translation terminators, transcription and translation initiation sequences, and promoters useful for regulation of the expression of the particular target nucleic acid. The vectors optionally comprise generic expression cassettes containing at least one independent terminator sequence, sequences permitting replication of the cassette in eukaryotes, or prokaryotes, or both, (e.g., shuttle vectors) and selection markers for both prokaryotic and eukaryotic systems. Vectors are suitable for replication and integration in prokaryotes, eukaryotes, or both.

Other useful references, e.g. for cell isolation and culture (e.g., for subsequent nucleic acid isolation) include Freshney (1994) Culture of Animal Cells, a Manual of Basic Technique, third edition, Wiley-Liss, New York and the references cited therein; Payne et al. (1992) Plant Cell and Tissue Culture in Liquid Systems John Wiley & Sons, Inc. New York, N.Y.; Gamborg and Phillips (eds) (1995) Plant Cell, Tissue and Organ Culture; Fundamental Methods Springer Lab Manual, Springer-Verlag (Berlin Heidelberg New York) and Atlas and Parks (eds) The Handbook of Microbiological Media (1993) CRC Press, Boca Raton, Fla.

Nucleic acids encoding the recombinant polymerases disclosed herein are also a feature of embodiments presented herein. A particular amino acid can be encoded by multiple codons, and certain translation systems (e.g., prokaryotic or eukaryotic cells) often exhibit codon bias, e.g., different organisms often prefer one of the several synonymous codons that encode the same amino acid. As such, nucleic acids presented herein are optionally "codon optimized," meaning that the nucleic acids are synthesized to include codons that are preferred by the particular translation system being employed to express the polymerase. For example, when it is desirable to express the polymerase in a bacterial cell (or even a particular strain of bacteria), the nucleic acid can be synthesized to include codons most frequently found in the genome of that bacterial cell, for efficient expression of the polymerase. A similar strategy can be employed when it is desirable to express the polymerase in a eukaryotic cell, e.g., the nucleic acid can include codons preferred by that eukaryotic cell.

In some embodiments, one or more polypeptide domains can be fused to the polymerase. In some embodiments, the domain is fused to the C-terminus of the polymerase. In some embodiments, the domain is fused to the N-terminus of the polymerase. In some embodiments, the domain is internal to the polymerase sequence. In some embodiments, the polypeptide domain comprises a purification tag. The term "purification tag" as used herein refers to any peptide sequence suitable for purification or identification of a polypeptide. The purification tag specifically binds to another moiety with affinity for the purification tag. Such moieties which specifically bind to a purification tag are usually attached to a matrix or a resin, such as agarose beads. Moieties which specifically bind to purification tags include antibodies, other proteins (e.g. Protein A or Streptavidin), nickel or cobalt ions or resins, biotin, amylose, maltose, and cyclodextrin. Exemplary purification tags include histidine (HIS) tags (such as a hexahistidine peptide), which will bind to metal ions such as nickel or cobalt ions. Other exemplary purification tags are the myc tag (EQKLISEEDL), the Strep tag (WSHPQFEK), the Flag tag (DYKDDDDK) and the V5 tag (GKPIPNPLLGLDST). The term "purification tag" also includes "epitope tags", i.e. peptide sequences which are specifically recognized by antibodies. Exemplary epitope tags include the FLAG tag, which is specifically recognized by a monoclonal anti-FLAG antibody. The peptide sequence recognized by the anti-FLAG antibody consists of the sequence DYKDDDDK or a substantially identical variant thereof. In some embodiments, the polypeptide domain fused to the polymerase comprises two or more tags, such as a SUMO tag and a STREP tag. The term "purification tag" also includes substantially identical variants of purification tags. "Substantially identical variant" as used herein refers to derivatives or fragments of purification tags which are modified compared to the original purification tag (e.g. via amino acid substitutions, deletions or insertions), but which retain the property of the purification tag of specifically binding to a moiety which specifically recognizes the purification tag.

In some embodiments, the polypeptide domain fused to the polymerase comprises an expression tag. The term "expression tag" as used herein refers to any peptide or polypeptide that can be attached to a second polypeptide and is supposed to support the solubility, stability and/or the expression of a recombinant polypeptide of interest. Exemplary expression tags include Fc-tag and SUMO-tag. In principle, any peptide, polypeptide or protein can be used as an expression tag.

In some embodiments, the polypeptide domain fused to the polymerase comprises the leader peptide set forth in SEQ ID NO: 72.

A variety of protein isolation and detection methods are known and can be used to isolate polymerases, e.g., from recombinant cultures of cells expressing the recombinant polymerases presented herein. A variety of protein isolation and detection methods are well known in the art, including, e.g., those set forth in R. Scopes, Protein Purification, Springer-Verlag, N.Y. (1982); Deutscher, Methods in Enzymology Vol. 182: Guide to Protein Purification, Academic Press, Inc. N.Y. (1990); Sandana (1997) Bioseparation of Proteins, Academic Press, Inc.; Bollag et al. (1996) Protein Methods, 2.sup.nd Edition Wiley-Liss, NY; Walker (1996) The Protein Protocols Handbook Humana Press, NJ, Harris and Angal (1990) Protein Purification Applications: A Practical Approach IRL Press at Oxford, Oxford, England; Harris and Angal Protein Purification Methods: A Practical Approach IRL Press at Oxford, Oxford, England; Scopes (1993) Protein Purification: Principles and Practice 3.sup.rd Edition Springer Verlag, NY; Janson and Ryden (1998) Protein Purification: Principles, High Resolution Methods and Applications, Second Edition Wiley-VCH, NY; and Walker (1998) Protein Protocols on CD-ROM Humana Press, NJ; and the references cited therein. Additional details regarding protein purification and detection methods can be found in Satinder Ahuja ed., Handbook of Bioseparations, Academic Press (2000).

Sequence Comparison, Identity, and Homology

The terms "identical" or "percent identity," in the context of two or more nucleic acid or polypeptide sequences, refer to two or more sequences or subsequences that are the same or have a specified percentage of amino acid residues or nucleotides that are the same, when compared and aligned for maximum correspondence, as measured using one of the sequence comparison algorithms described below (or other algorithms available to persons of skill) or by visual inspection.

The phrase "substantially identical," in the context of two nucleic acids or polypeptides (e.g., DNAs encoding a polymerase, or the amino acid sequence of a polymerase) refers to two or more sequences or subsequences that have at least about 60%, about 80%, about 90-95%>, about 98%>, about 99% or more nucleotide or amino acid residue identity, when compared and aligned for maximum correspondence, as measured using a sequence comparison algorithm or by visual inspection. Such "substantially identical" sequences are typically considered to be "homologous," without reference to actual ancestry. Preferably, the "substantial identity" exists over a region of the sequences that is at least about 50 residues in length, more preferably over a region of at least about 100 residues, and most preferably, the sequences are substantially identical over at least about 150 residues, or over the full length of the two sequences to be compared.

Proteins and/or protein sequences are "homologous" when they are derived, naturally or artificially, from a common ancestral protein or protein sequence. Similarly, nucleic acids and/or nucleic acid sequences are homologous when they are derived, naturally or artificially, from a common ancestral nucleic acid or nucleic acid sequence. Homology is generally inferred from sequence similarity between two or more nucleic acids or proteins (or sequences thereof). The precise percentage of similarity between sequences that is useful in establishing homology varies with the nucleic acid and protein at issue, but as little as 25% sequence similarity over 50, 100, 150 or more residues is routinely used to establish homology. Higher levels of sequence similarity, e.g., 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, 95%, or 99% or more, can also be used to establish homology. Methods for determining sequence similarity percentages (e.g., BLASTP and BLASTN using default parameters) are described herein and are generally available.

For sequence comparison and homology determination, typically one sequence acts as a reference sequence to which test sequences are compared. When using a sequence comparison algorithm, test and reference sequences are input into a computer, subsequence coordinates are designated, if necessary, and sequence algorithm program parameters are designated. The sequence comparison algorithm then calculates the percent sequence identity for the test sequence(s) relative to the reference sequence, based on the designated program parameters.

Optimal alignment of sequences for comparison can be conducted, e.g., by the local homology algorithm of Smith & Waterman, Adv. Appl. Math. 2:482 (1981), by the homology alignment algorithm of Needleman & Wunsch, J. Mol. Biol. 48:443 (1970), by the search for similarity method of Pearson & Lipman, Proc. Nat'l. Acad. Sci. USA 85:2444 (1988), by computerized implementations of these algorithms (GAP, BESTFIT, FASTA, and TFASTA in the Wisconsin Genetics Software Package, Genetics Computer Group, 575 Science Dr., Madison, Wis.), or by visual inspection (see generally Current Protocols in Molecular Biology, Ausubel et al, eds., Current Protocols, a joint venture between Greene Publishing Associates, Inc. and John Wiley & Sons, Inc., supplemented through 2004).

One example of an algorithm that is suitable for determining percent sequence identity and sequence similarity is the BLAST algorithm, which is described in Altschul et al, J. Mol. Biol. 215:403-410 (1990). Software for performing BLAST analyses is publicly available through the National Center for Biotechnology Information. This algorithm involves first identifying high scoring sequence pairs (HSPs) by identifying short words of length W in the query sequence, which either match or satisfy some positive-valued threshold score T when aligned with a word of the same length in a database sequence. T is referred to as the neighborhood word score threshold (Altschul et al, supra). These initial neighborhood word hits act as seeds for initiating searches to find longer HSPs containing them. The word hits are then extended in both directions along each sequence for as far as the cumulative alignment score can be increased. Cumulative scores are calculated using, for nucleotide sequences, the parameters M (reward score for a pair of matching residues; always >0) and N (penalty score for mismatching residues; always <0). For amino acid sequences, a scoring matrix is used to calculate the cumulative score. Extension of the word hits in each direction are halted when: the cumulative alignment score falls off by the quantity X from its maximum achieved value; the cumulative score goes to zero or below, due to the accumulation of one or more negative-scoring residue alignments; or the end of either sequence is reached. The BLAST algorithm parameters W, T, and X determine the sensitivity and speed of the alignment. The BLASTN program (for nucleotide sequences) uses as defaults a wordlength (W) of 11 , an expectation (E) of 10, a cutoff of 100, M=5, N=-4, and a comparison of both strands. For amino acid sequences, the BLASTP program uses as defaults a wordlength (W) of 3, an expectation (E) of 10, and the BLOSUM62 scoring matrix (see Henikoff & Henikoff (1989) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 89: 10915).

In addition to calculating percent sequence identity, the BLAST algorithm also performs a statistical analysis of the similarity between two sequences (see, e.g., Karlin & Altschul, Proc. Nafl. Acad. Sci. USA 90:5873-5787 (1993)). One measure of similarity provided by the BLAST algorithm is the smallest sum probability (P(N)), which provides an indication of the probability by which a match between two nucleotide or amino acid sequences would occur by chance. For example, a nucleic acid is considered similar to a reference sequence if the smallest sum probability in a comparison of the test nucleic acid to the reference nucleic acid is less than about 0.1, more preferably less than about 0.01, and most preferably less than about 0.001. Nucleic acids encoding altered polymerases

Further presented herein are nucleic acid molecules encoding the altered polymerase enzymes presented herein. For any given altered polymerase which is a mutant version of a polymerase for which the amino acid sequence and preferably also the wild type nucleotide sequence encoding the polymerase is known, it is possible to obtain a nucleotide sequence encoding the mutant according to the basic principles of molecular biology. For example, given that the wild type nucleotide sequence encoding a polymerase is known, it is possible to deduce a nucleotide sequence encoding any given mutant version of the polymerase having one or more amino acid substitutions using the standard genetic code. Similarly, nucleotide sequences can readily be derived for mutant versions other polymerases such as, for example, Vent™, Pfu, T. sp. JDF-3, Taq, etc. Nucleic acid molecules having the required nucleotide sequence may then be constructed using standard molecular biology techniques known in the art.

In accordance with the embodiments presented herein, a defined nucleic acid includes not only the identical nucleic acid but also any minor base variations including, in particular, substitutions in cases which result in a synonymous codon (a different codon specifying the same amino acid residue) due to the degenerate code in conservative amino acid substitutions. The term "nucleic acid sequence" also includes the complementary sequence to any single stranded sequence given regarding base variations.

The nucleic acid molecules described herein may also, advantageously, be included in a suitable expression vector to express the polymerase proteins encoded therefrom in a suitable host. Incorporation of cloned DNA into a suitable expression vector for subsequent transformation of said cell and subsequent selection of the transformed cells is well known to those skilled in the art as provided in Sambrook et al. (1989), Molecular cloning: A Laboratory Manual, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety.

Such an expression vector includes a vector having a nucleic acid according to the embodiments presented herein operably linked to regulatory sequences, such as promoter regions, that are capable of effecting expression of said DNA fragments. The term "operably linked" refers to a juxtaposition wherein the components described are in a relationship permitting them to function in their intended manner. Such vectors may be transformed into a suitable host cell to provide for the expression of a protein according to the embodiments presented herein.

The nucleic acid molecule may encode a mature protein or a protein having a prosequence, including that encoding a leader sequence on the preprotein which is then cleaved by the host cell to form a mature protein. The vectors may be, for example, plasmid, virus or phage vectors provided with an origin of replication, and optionally a promoter for the expression of said nucleotide and optionally a regulator of the promoter. The vectors may contain one or more selectable markers, such as, for example, an antibiotic resistance gene.

Regulatory elements required for expression include promoter sequences to bind RNA polymerase and to direct an appropriate level of transcription initiation and also translation initiation sequences for ribosome binding. For example, a bacterial expression vector may include a promoter such as the lac promoter and for translation initiation the Shine -Dalgarno sequence and the start codon AUG. Similarly, a eukaryotic expression vector may include a heterologous or homologous promoter for RNA polymerase II, a downstream polyadenylation signal, the start codon AUG, and a termination codon for detachment of the ribosome. Such vectors may be obtained commercially or be assembled from the sequences described by methods well known in the art.

Transcription of DNA encoding the polymerase by higher eukaryotes may be optimised by including an enhancer sequence in the vector. Enhancers are cis-acting elements of DNA that act on a promoter to increase the level of transcription. Vectors will also generally include origins of replication in addition to the selectable markers. EXAMPLES

EXAMPLE 1

EXPRESSION AND PURIFICATION

Commercially available expression vectors (pD871) are obtained from DNA2.0 (Menlo Park, CA) for 5 synthetic parent sequences encoding amino acid sequences of SEQ ID Nos: 67-71. For expression of genes in other vectors, the genes are re-cloned into pD861 expression vectors (DNA2.0, Menlo Park, CA). 66 different expression vectors are then generated by combining portions of the parent vectors in various combinations to produce expression vectors encoding polymerase amino acid sequences of SEQ ID Nos: 1-66. The encoded enzymes also contain a leader peptide comprising the following sequence: MGS SHGHHHHHHHGVGG WSHPQ FEKGGTENLYFQGGH (SEQ ID NO: 72), which is used for purification.

Each of the expression plasmids is transformed into competent expression strain (Edge BioSystems, Gaithersburg, MD) and the transformants are cultured overnight and then diluted to a larger volume. Upon reaching induction density, expression is induced by addition of Rhamnose and allowed to continue to incubate for an additional time period. The induced cells are then harvested by centrifugation, followed by freezing at -20°C. The cells are incubated at 100°C to lyse the cells.

Cell lysates are then passed over spin columns containing Ni-NTA and heparin affinity resins to purify the expressed polymerases.

EXAMPLE 2

Expression vectors encoding 33 of the polymerase amino acid sequences of SEQ ID Nos: 1-66 were prepared according to the methods described in Example 1. The encoded enzymes also contained a leader peptide comprising the following sequence: MGSSHGHHHHHHHGVGGWSHPQFEKGGTENLYFQGGH (SEQ ID NO: 72), which was used for purification. The enzymes were expressed and purified as set forth above in Example 1 , and then were tested for polymerase activity and fidelity as set forth in the examples below. EXAMPLE 3

POLYMERASE FIDELITY ACTIVITY

28 of the polymerase enzymes expressed in Example 2 were tested for fidelity. All fidelity levels were compared to that of Vent DNA polymerase, which was used as a baseline. As set forth in Figure 1, all but 10 of the enzymes tested had fidelity levels that meet or exceed that of Vent.

EXAMPLE 4

POLYMERASE qPCR ACTIVITY

28 of the polymerase enzymes expressed in Example 2 were tested for robustness and speed using a qPCR assay. All activity levels were compared to that of Vent DNA polymerase, which was used as a baseline. As set forth in Fig. 1, at least 8 of the enzymes had activity levels that are near or in excess of that of Vent. The experiments were performed to test polymerases under a variety of conditions and extension times .

For qPCR data analysis, the polymerase rankings were derived from a combination of the metrics below.

1 ) Amp lification max

2) # of cycles to 50% amp max

3) Melt peak max temperature

4) Melt peak max intensity

The polymerase rankings were compared to that of Vent polymerase, as set forth in Figure 1.

Throughout this application various publications, patents and/or patent applications have been referenced. The disclosure of these publications in their entireties is hereby incorporated by reference in this application.

The term comprising is intended herein to be open-ended, including not only the recited elements, but further encompassing any additional elements. A number of embodiments have been described. Nevertheless, it will be understood that various modifications may be made. Accordingly, other embodiments are within the scope of the following claims.