Tailoring Functions of an Enzyme Used for research and diagnosis

Reverse transcriptase (RT) is an enzyme indispensable as a tool for research in molecular biology and clinical diagnosis. In cDNA synthesis, an elevated reaction temperature is highly desirable because it reduces secondary structure of template RNA and non-specific binding of primer. However, RT is thermally unstable. We are in process to improve the stability of Moloney murine leukemia virus reverse (MMLV) RT by site-directed mutagenesis. We are also developing  novel nucleic acid-amplification method using the thermostable MMLV RT we generated, aiming its use in industry.

a) Tailoring Function of an Enzyme Used for research and diagnosis
b) Screening of enzyme inhibitors from foodstuffs
c) Control of Reactions by an Enzyme Used for Producing Food Materials
d) Basic Research Aimed at Designing Useful Enzymes