Mutant of Moloney murine leukemia virus reverse transcriptase exhibits higher resistance to common RT-qPCR inhibitors

摘要

Inhibitor resistance of several commercial Moloney murine leukemia virus reverse transcriptase (MMLV RT) enzymes was investigated. IC_(50) values were determined for potential RNA contaminants, including guanidine thiocyanate, ethanol, formamide, ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), and plant-related acidic polysaccharides. Sensitivity (as judged by MMLV RT IC_(50) values) was directly correlated to the outcome of " mock" reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) assays carried out with exogenous inhibitors. MMLV RT enzymes lacking RNase H activity were shown to be more sensitive to RT-qPCR inhibitors. In contrast, a thermal-resistant MMLV RT pentuple mutant (E69K/E302R/W313F/L435G/N454K) showed higher tolerance to these substances than the wild type. Increased resistance was also noted in RT-qPCR comparisons employing crude cell lysates.