title: Using PCR-RFLP technology to teach single nucleotide polymorphism for undergraduates.
abstract: Recent studies indicated that the aberrant gene expression of peroxiredoxin-6 (prdx6) was found in various kinds of cancers. Because of its biochemical function and gene expression pattern in cancer cells, the association between genetic polymorphism of Prdx6 and cancer onset is interesting. In this report, we have developed and implemented a serial experiment in molecular biology laboratory course to teach single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) to undergraduate students majoring in molecular biology or genetics. The flanking sequence of rs4382766 was located in Prdx6 gene, which contained a restriction site of SspI, and was used as a target in this lab course. The students could mimic real research by integrating different techniques, such as database retrieving, genomic DNA isolation, PCR, and restriction enzyme assay. This serial experiment of PCR-RFLP helps students set up intact idea of molecular biology and understand the relation among individual experiments. Students were found to be more enthusiastic during the laboratory classes than those in the former curriculum.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medical Genetics, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China.
authors.forename: Bo
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Zhang
authors.forename: Yan
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Wang
authors.forename: Xiaofeng
authors.initials: X
authors.lastname: Xu
authors.forename: Xingying
authors.initials: X
authors.lastname: Guan
authors.forename: Yun
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Bai
mesh_terms: D003479:Curriculum; D004247:DNA / Q000737:chemistry / Q000302:isolation & purification; D004262:DNA Restriction Enzymes; D018961:Educational Technology / Q000379:methods*; D005838:Genotype; D006801:Humans; D008967:Molecular Biology / Q000193:education*; D054465:Peroxiredoxin VI / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction / Q000379:methods*; D012150:Polymorphism, Restriction Fragment Length; D020641:Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide; D012106:Research / Q000193:education / Q000295:instrumentation; D013334:Students
chemical_list: D004247:DNA; C515977:PRDX6 protein, human; D054465:Peroxiredoxin VI; D004262:DNA Restriction Enzymes
keywords: PCR-RFLP; SNP; education; lab course