Miniaturized sealed-tube allele-specific PCR.
DNA diagnostics has been progressively moving from expensive, low-throughput, multi-step methods towards inexpensive, robust, and high-throughput methods. Here we describe the further validation and refinement of a recently described novel genotyping method that has the latter characteristics. An evolved form of allele-specific PCR, the method generates a fluorescent signal through the use of universal labeled primers, which can be quantified directly from microplates using standard plate readers. We have applied the method successfully to a test set of 12 novel single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) on a panel of 47 individuals using low reaction volumes. We demonstrate that the method is extremely accurate, robust, and can be optimized in a simple and predictable manner. By conducting the assay in closed-tube format, the potential for contamination is reduced to a minimum. By virtue of its simplicity, the method is versatile and cost-effective with potential for use in industrial-scale genetic studies or in the clinical diagnostic setting.
Hawkins
J Ross
JR
Incyte Genomics Ltd., Cambridge, UK. jhawkins@hgmp.mrc.ac.uk
Khripin
Yuri
Y
Valdes
Ana M
AM
Weaver
Thomas A
TA
D000483:Alleles; D004247:DNA; D017931:DNA Primers / Q000235:genetics; D005838:Genotype; D006801:Humans; D008904:Miniaturization / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods*; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods*; D020641:Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide / Q000235:genetics
D017931:DNA Primers; D004247:DNA