Phi29 DNA polymerase-based methods for genomics applications

The DNA polymerase from Bacillus subtilis phage phi29 is unique in that, in addition to DNA polymerase and proofreading exonuclease activities, this single subunit enzyme has extremely high processivity and strand displacement activities. Recently, a number of techniques have been developed which utilize this enzyme to perform novel isothermal DNA amplifications that are not possible with other enzymes. Two methods, one designed to produce DNA sequencing templates from bacterial colonies or cultures and the other designed to representatively amplify entire genomic DNA samples for genetic testing, have recently emerged as novel technologies which will have a significant impact in the genomics community. Other potential applications that may utilize this enzyme are discussed.