title: Heat-activatable primers for hot-start PCR and hot-start one-step RT-PCR: endpoint and real-time experiments.
abstract: Hot-start PCR is a technique that improves PCR performance by reducing nonspecific amplification during the initial setup stages of the PCR. This unit describes hot-start PCR protocols which utilize primers containing temperature-sensitive modifications. The introduction of 4-oxo-tetradecyl (OXT) phosphotriester groups onto the 3' end of the primer allows for primer-based hot-start PCR that is amenable for use in a number of PCR-based applications. The protocols described in this unit utilize OXT-modified primers in applications such as standard thermal cycling PCR, fast thermal cycling PCR, multiplex PCR, and one-step reverse-transcription PCR. This method is also advantageous for instances where improved PCR specificity is desired and a hot-start polymerase suitable for your application is not available.
authors.affiliation: TriLink BioTechnologies, Inc., San Diego, California, USA.
authors.forename: Elena Hidalgo
authors.initials: EH
authors.lastname: Ashrafi
authors.forename: Natasha
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Paul
mesh_terms: D017931:DNA Primers / Q000737:chemistry*; D006358:Hot Temperature; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction / Q000379:methods*; D020133:Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction / Q000379:methods*
chemical_list: D017931:DNA Primers