Multiplex PCR for screening of microdeletions on the Y chromosome.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to develop a multiplex PCR protocol, which could be suitable for screening of microdeletions in the three azoospermia factor (AZF) regions on the Y chromosome.


METHODS
In the screening protocol, 36 known sequence tagged site (STS) primer pairs were first tested in single PCR reactions and thereafter combined in multiplex PCR to test for specificity and sensitivity in order to develop a stable and reliable multiplex PCR assay to detect Y microdeletions.


RESULTS
Of the 36 primers tested, 11 turned out not to be specific or produced PCR products that were too weak, and they were therefore not used in the multiplex PCR. The remaining 25 STSs were selected on the basis of their ability to be reproducibly amplified with each other using identical amplification conditions. Five multiplex sets, each consisting of five primer pairs, were established in the multiplex PCR setup.


CONCLUSIONS
The multiplex PCR protocol presented in this study is an easy and reliable method for detection of Y chromosome microdeletions and could be used for screening of infertile men to allow genetic counseling about the risk of transmitting infertility from father to son.
Bor
P
P
Department of Gynecology Fertility Clinic, University Hospital of Aarhus, Aarhus, Denmark. prbor@hotmail.com
Hindkjaer
J
J
Ingerslev
H J
HJ
Kølvraa
S
S
D004259:DNA-Directed DNA Polymerase / Q000378:metabolism; D004121:Dimethyl Sulfoxide / Q000494:pharmacology; D005260:Female; D005559:Formamides / Q000494:pharmacology; D017353:Gene Deletion; D006801:Humans; D007248:Infertility, Male; D008297:Male; D009845:Oligospermia / Q000235:genetics; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction / Q000379:methods*; D011786:Quality Control; D012307:Risk Factors; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D016324:Sequence Tagged Sites; D012997:Solvents / Q000494:pharmacology; D014998:Y Chromosome
D005559:Formamides; D012997:Solvents; C031066:formamide; D004259:DNA-Directed DNA Polymerase; D004121:Dimethyl Sulfoxide