DNA replication in short-time organ cultures of human epidermis. Inhibition by aphidicolin, and detection of DNA polymerases alpha, beta, and gamma.

Human epidermis uncontaminated by fibroblasts was isolated by a suction blister method. DNA synthesis in short-time organ cultures of isolated epidermis was strongly inhibited by aphidicolin, suggesting that DNA polymerase alpha is involved in DNA replication in human epidermis. On the basis of their responses to inhibitors, primer-template requirements, and chromatographic properties, DNA polymerases alpha, beta, and gamma were all identified in epidermal extracts.