Detection and Analysis of a Possible DNA Polymerase λ Gene in Zea mays L.

X family DNA polymerases are single polypeptide enzymes essential for short patch DNA synthesis and repair. DNA polymerase λ is the only member of the family reported in plants. It is involved in base excision repair and translesion DNA synthesis. Objective of this study was to search for and analysis of DNA polymerase λ (pol λ) in Zea mays. The protein sequence of DNA polymerase λ from Japonica rice (Oryza sativa) was used for BLAST algorithm with maize reference protein sequences to find out orthologous protein. It indicated presence of one uncharacterised protein of maize (LOC100383279) which was found to have high homology with rice pol λ. Conserved domain search showed presence of BRCT (Breast cancer susceptibility protein A-1 C-terminal domain), dRP (5′-deoxyribosephosphate) lyase domain in addition to polymerase domain in the uncharacterised enzyme of maize. Homology of DNA sequence between rice and maize DNA polymerase was found in Southern blot. Variable expression of the protein was detected during seed development by Western blot. Result suggested presence of 61 kDa DNA polymerase λ protein in maize plant.