Screening for mutations in a genetically heterogeneous disorder: DHPLC versus DNA sequence for mutation detection in multiple genes causing Charcot-Marie-Tooth neuropathy.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the efficacy of denaturing high-performance liquid chromatography (DHPLC) for mutation detection in genetically heterogeneous diseases using Charcot-Marie-Tooth neuropathy as a model.


METHODS
(1) Identification of the optimal conditions for mutation scanning by DHPLC using 50 known variants of PMP22, MPZ, GJB1 and EGR2. (2) Comparison of DHPLC with DNA sequencing for mutation detection in 168 patient DNA samples.


RESULTS
We established the optimal conditions for screening PMP22, MPZ, GJB1, and EGR2 for mutations. Under optimized conditions, DHPLC was as sensitive as DNA sequencing and detected two mutations that were not identified by automated DNA sequence.


CONCLUSIONS
DHPLC increases the efficiency and sensitivity of mutation screening in genetically heterogeneous diseases.
Takashima
H
H
Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030, USA.
Boerkoel
C F
CF
Lupski
J R
JR
D000328:Adult; D001483:Base Sequence; D002607:Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease / Q000235:genetics*; D002851:Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid / Q000379:methods*; D017630:Connexins / Q000235:genetics; D004252:DNA Mutational Analysis / Q000379:methods*; D004268:DNA-Binding Proteins / Q000235:genetics; D051767:Early Growth Response Protein 2; D005091:Exons / Q000235:genetics; D005260:Female; D018740:Genetic Heterogeneity; D005820:Genetic Testing / Q000379:methods*; D020180:Heteroduplex Analysis; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009154:Mutation / Q000235:genetics*; D009185:Myelin Proteins / Q000235:genetics; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D014157:Transcription Factors / Q000235:genetics
D017630:Connexins; D004268:DNA-Binding Proteins; C497326:EGR2 protein, human; D051767:Early Growth Response Protein 2; D009185:Myelin Proteins; D014157:Transcription Factors