Analysis of LDLR mutations in familial hypercholesterolemia patients in Greece by use of the NanoChip microelectronic array technology.
BACKGROUND
Three mutations in the low density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) gene account for 49% of familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) cases in Greece.


METHODS
We used the microelectronic array technology of the NanoChip Molecular Biology Workstation to develop a multiplex method to analyze these single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). Primer pairs amplified the region encompassing each SNP. The biotinylated PCR amplicon was electronically addressed to streptavidin-coated microarray sites. Allele-specific fluorescently labeled oligonucleotide reporters were designed and used for detection of wild-type and SNP sequences. Genotypes were compared to PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP).


RESULTS
We developed three monoplex assays (1 SNP/site) and an optimized multiplex assay (3SNPs/site). We performed 92 Greece II, 100 Genoa, and 98 Afrikaner-2 NanoChip monoplex assays (addressed to duplicate sites and analyzed separately). Of the 580 monoplex genotypings (290 samples), 579 agreed with RFLP. Duplicate sites of one sample were not in agreement with each other. Of the 580 multiplex genotypings, 576 agreed with the monoplex results. Duplicate sites of three samples were not in agreement with each other, indicating requirement for repetition upon which discrepancies were resolved.


CONCLUSIONS
The multiplex assay detects common LDLR mutations in Greek FH patients and can be extended to accommodate additional mutations.
Laios
Eleftheria
E
Unit on Metabolic Diseases, Choremio Research Laboratory, University of Athens, 1st Department of Pediatrics, Aghia Sophia Children's Hospital, Athens 11527, Greece. elaiou@med.uoa.gr
Drogari
Euridiki
E
D005820:Genetic Testing / Q000379:methods; D006115:Greece; D006801:Humans; D006938:Hyperlipoproteinemia Type II / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000235:genetics*; D046228:Microarray Analysis / Q000379:methods*; D009154:Mutation; D036103:Nanotechnology / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D020641:Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide / Q000235:genetics; D011973:Receptors, LDL / Q000097:blood / Q000235:genetics*; D013997:Time Factors
D011973:Receptors, LDL