DNA polymerase lambda and uses thereof

Abstract

The present invention relates to the identification and isolation of a DNA polymerase and uses of this polymerase. In particular, the present invention describes the nucleotide sequence of the human gene for DNA polymerase lambda (Pol λ), the amino acid sequence of Pol λ, and the amino acid sequence of several isoforms derived from alternative splicing of its mRNA. The association of some of these isoforms with tumour samples makes Pol λ a marker for the diagnosis, prognosis and evolution of tumoral processes.

1 . An isolated DNA polymerase λ (Pol λ) polypeptide comprising an amino acid sequence as set out in SEQ ID No: 1, 4, 7, 9, or 11. 
     
     
         2 . The Pol λ polypeptide of  claim 1 , wherein the arginine residue at position 436 of SEQ ID NO: 4 is substituted for tryptophan. 
     
     
         3 - 9 . (canceled) 
     
     
         10 . An isolated nucleic acid molecule comprising the Pol λ coding sequence as set out in SEQ ID No: 1 or 4. 
     
     
         11 . The nucleic acid molecule of  claim 10  which has a single nucleotide polymorphism (C to T) at position 1389 of Pol λ cDNA, resulting in a change of the amino acid residue 436 (Arg) to tryptophan (Trp). 
     
     
         12 . An isolated nucleic acid molecule comprising nucleic acid having a sequence as set out in SEQ ID Nos: 6, 8 or 10. 
     
     
         13 - 46 . (canceled)