Evidence for a direct role of the DNA polymerase gamma in the replication of the human mitochondrial DNA in vitro.

Indirect experiments suggest that DNA polymerase gamma is involved in the mitochondrial DNA replication process. This report describes an in vitro mitochondrial DNA replication assay directed by the origin of replication of the Heavy strand mt DNA. The assay requires all four dNTP, rNTP and an ATP regenerating system. Nuclease digestion experiments show that specific events occur at the mt origin of replication. Antibodies raised against the purified DNA polymerase gamma inhibit the DNA replication reaction.