PCR 增强因子(PCR Enhancers)是一类能够优化聚合酶链式反应(PCR)效率、特异性和产量的辅助物质。它们通过改善反应体系的化学环境、稳定 DNA 结构或保护酶活性,解决复杂模板(如高 GC 含量、重复序列)扩增困难或非特异性产物过多等问题。
常见类型与作用机制
化学试剂类
蛋白质与生物分子类
离子与缓冲成分
应用场景
重要意义
PCR 增强因子通过针对性解决反应体系中的技术瓶颈,显著提升 PCR 的可靠性和适用性,成为基因克隆、突变检测、病原体诊断(如新冠病毒检测)等分子生物学技术的关键工具。其合理组合与浓度优化是实验成功的重要前提。
英文介绍
Definition
PCR Enhancers are auxiliary substances that optimize the efficiency, specificity, and yield of Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). They address challenges such as difficult amplification of complex templates (e.g., high GC content, repetitive sequences) or excessive nonspecific products by improving the chemical environment of the reaction system, stabilizing DNA structure, or protecting enzyme activity.
Common Types and Mechanisms
Chemical Reagents
Dimethyl Sulfoxide (DMSO):Lowers the melting temperature (Tm) of DNA, reducing strong interactions between GC base pairs to facilitate primer-template binding, especially for high GC-content templates.
Betaine:Disrupts intramolecular hydrogen bonds in DNA, reducing template secondary structure stability to enhance primer binding and elongation efficiency, particularly effective for templates with hairpin structures.
Proteins and Biomolecules
Bovine Serum Albumin (BSA):Binds inhibitors (e.g., metal ions, polysaccharides in nucleic acid samples) to protect DNA polymerase activity, suitable for complex samples (e.g., clinical specimens, soil DNA).
Ions and Buffer Components
Applications
Amplification of Difficult Templates:DNA with high GC content (>60%), repetitive sequences, or hairpin structures (e.g., viral genomes, fungal DNA).
Processing Inhibitory Samples:Direct amplification of target genes from samples containing inhibitors (e.g., blood, soil, plant tissues).
Significance
PCR enhancers significantly improve the reliability and applicability of PCR by addressing technical bottlenecks in reaction systems. They have become key tools in molecular biology techniques such as gene cloning, mutation detection, and pathogen diagnosis (e.g., COVID-19 testing). Rational combination and concentration optimization are essential for experimental success.