Sensitive non-radioactive PCR detection of clonal T-cell receptor-gamma gene rearrangements in childhood acute lymphoblastic leukaemia.
Rearrangement of the T-cell receptor gamma (TCRgamma) gene potentially provides a valuable target for monitoring minimal residual leukaemia by the Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). However, existing strategies directed at this locus frequently lack sensitivity or specificity. We describe a novel PCR strategy for improved detection of clonal TCRgamma gene rearrangements based on the design of two overlapping clone-specific reverse PCR primers spanning the TCRgamma junctional region, which are used sequentially in conjunction with forward V-region specific primers. Unlike other strategies, specificity is generated from the initial and subsequent round of PCR amplification. This non-radioactive technique is highly specific and sensitive, and should prove effective for monitoring minimal residual leukaemia.
Haber
M
M
Children's Cancer Research Institute, Sydney Children's Hospital, N.S.W., Australia.
Kwan
E
E
Zhu
L
L
Marshall
G M
GM
Norris
M D
MD
D001483:Base Sequence; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D015329:Gene Rearrangement, T-Lymphocyte; D019672:Genes, T-Cell Receptor / Q000235:genetics*; D006801:Humans; D008969:Molecular Sequence Data; D018365:Neoplasm, Residual; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction; D054198:Precursor Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia-Lymphoma / Q000235:genetics*; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity