Potential of omics workflows for harnessing molecular-grade DNA polymerase and DNA-binding protein isoforms from African thermophilic microbiomes

Abstract

Since its inception in 1983 by Kary Banks Mullis, polymerase chain reaction (PCR), has been relevant in molecular biology laboratories for detection, identifying and modifying genetic material, diagnostic research to cloning, sequencing, and mutagenesis. DNA polymerase from Thermus aquaticus (Taq), also known as Taq polymerase, has been the most common enzyme used globally to amplify DNA in molecular laboratories. This has leaped economies of laboratories that have successfully purified and chemically optimized the Taq polymerase. On the other hand, single-strand DNA-binding protein (SSB) is useful in holding one of the melted (denatured) DNA strands apart from the complementary counterpart. This allows effective DNA amplification by promoting primer annealing and preventing DNA strand rehybridization and rewinding. While these experiments work better at higher temperatures, the most reliable DNA polymerase and SSB isoforms should be sourced from similarly high temperature organisms, the thermophiles. Although Africa harbors many hot springs, African laboratories remain dependent on advanced multinational companies for Taq polymerase and other molecular reagents. Here we discuss the potential of omics workflows for effective bioprospecting of thermophilic microbiomes for PCR-grade DNA polymerase and SSB isoforms. We pinpoint the most recent advances in omics workflows and their relevance to the African setting. Additionally, we highlight essential conditions for molecular laboratories with capacity to utilize omics for sustainable experiments and mass production of proteins. Finally, we discuss the most forefront opportunities and challenges related to efforts to combine interdisciplinary bioinformatics to transition from basic science to innovative initiatives under the low-resource setting of Africa.