A multiplex SNP genotyping by allele‐specificspecific PCR based on stem‐loop and universal fluorescent primers of Chr1daxin mice

Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) are one of the most common markers in mammals. Rapid, accurate, and multiplex typing of SNPs is critical for subsequent biological and genetic research. In this study, we have developed a novel method for multiplex genotyping SNPs in mice. The method involves allele‐specific PCR amplification of genomic DNA with two stem‐loop primers accompanied by two different universal fluorescent primers. Blue and green fluorescent signals were conveniently detected on a DNA sequencer. We verified four SNPs of 65 mice based on the novel method, and it is well suited for multiplex genotyping as it requires only one reaction per sample in a single tube with multiplex PCR. The use of universal fluorescent primers greatly reduces the cost of designing different fluorescent probes for each SNP. Therefore, this method can be applied to many biological and genetic studies, such as multiple candidate gene testing, genome‐wide association study, pharmacogenetics, and medical diagnostics.     

Multiple-primer DNA sequencing method.

A multiple-primer DNA sequencing approach suitable for genotyping, detection and identification of microorganisms and viruses has been developed. In this new method two or more sequencing primers, combined in a pool, are added to a DNA sample of interest. The oligonucleotide that hybridizes to the DNA sample will function as a primer during the subsequent DNA sequencing procedure. This strategy is suited for selective detection and genotyping of relevant microorganisms and samples harboring different DNA targets such as multiple variant/infected samples as well as unspecific amplification products. This method is used here in a model system for detection and typing of high-risk oncogenic human papilloma viruses (HPVs) in samples containing multiple infections/variants or unspecific amplification products. Type-specific sequencing primers were designed for four of the most oncogenic (high-risk) HPV types (HPV-16, HPV-18, HPV-33, and HPV-45). The primers were combined and added to a sample containing a mixture of one high-risk (16, 18, 33, or 45) and one or two low-risk types. The DNA samples were sequenced by the Pyrosequencing technology and the Sanger dideoxy sequencing method. Correct genotyping was achieved in all tested combinations. This multiple-sequencing primer approach also improved the sequence data quality for samples containing unspecific amplification products. The new strategy is highly suitable for diagnostic typing of relevant species/genotypes of microorganisms.     

Multiple genotyping based on multiplex PCR and microarray

The genetic variability has obtained more and more attention in the process of diagnosis and treatment of tumors.Herein,we have described a multiple genotyping method based on magnetic enrichmentmultiplex PCR (MEM-PCR) and microarray technology.Monodisperse magnetic beads were fabricated and modified with streptavidin.Four loci on two genes (M235T and A-6G loci on AGT gene,A1298C and C677T loci on MTHFR gene) were selected to study single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP).Target sequences of these SNP loci were amplified using Cy3-labeled primers through multiplex PCR in one tube after the templates were enriched and purified by functional magnetic beads (MB).Four pairs of NH₂-labeled probes,corresponding to each locus,were fixed on CHO-modified glass slide by covalent binding.Hybridization between target sequences and probes was performed under suitable conditions.The spotting locations on microarray and the ratio of fluorescence intensity,produced by different loci,were used to distinguish the SNP genotypes.Finally,three of gastric cancer samples were collected and genotyping analysis for these four SNP loci was carried out successfully simultaneously by this method.     

Label-free genotyping of cytochrome P450 2D6*10 using ligation-mediated strand displacement amplification with DNAzyme-based chemiluminescence detection

Genotyping of cytochrome P450 monooxygenase 2D6*10 (CYP2D6*10) plays an important role in pharmacogenomics, especially in clinical drug therapy of Asian populations. This work reported a novel label-free technique for genotyping of CYP2D6*10 based on ligation-mediated strand displacement amplification (SDA) with DNAzyme-based chemiluminescence detection. Discrimination of single-base mismatch is firstly accomplished using DNA ligase to generate a ligation product. The ligated product then initiates a SDA reaction to produce aptamer sequences against hemin, which can be probed by chemiluminescence detection. The proposed strategy is used for the assay of CYP2D6*10 target and the genomic DNA. The results reveal that the proposed technique displays chemiluminescence responses in linear correlation to the concentrations of DNA target within the range from 1 pM to 1 nM. A detection limit of 0.1 pM and a signal-to-background ratio of 57 are achieved. Besides such high sensitivity, the proposed CYP2D6*10 genotyping strategy also offers superb selectivity, great robustness, low cost and simplified operations due to its label-free, homogeneous, and chemiluminescence-based detection format. These advantages suggest this technique may hold considerable potential for clinical CYP2D6*10 genotyping and association studies.     

Rapid genotyping of factor V Leiden mutation using single-tube bidirectional allele-specific amplification and automated ultrathin-layer agarose gel electrophoresis

We report a novel, high-throughput genotyping method by single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) analysis using bidirectional allele-specific amplification with polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in a single-step/single-tube format. Blood coagulation factor V G1691A (also referred to as Leiden) mutation was chosen as a model system for SNP detection, as this is one of the most common inherited risk factors of thrombosis, effecting 2-5% of the human population. The rationale of our method is the production of allele-specific PCR fragments, different in size, which was achieved by bidirectional amplification, starting from the position of the mutation. Thus, both homozygosity and heterozygosity were readily identified from a single reaction by simply determining the sizes of the resulting PCR products. The advantage of our assay, compared to other single-tube systems, is that this method did not require the use of pre-PCR labeled (fluorophore) primers or probes. Preferential production of the allele-specific products was achieved by a hot-start, time release PCR system. Specificity was increased by introducing a mismatch in the 3'-antepenultimate position of the allele-specific primers. This method made possible the large-scale screening for the factor V Leiden mutation using single-tube PCR followed by automated ultrathin-layer agarose gel electrophoresis, with real-time detection of the "in migratio" ethidium-bromide-labeled fragments.     

Detection of cell-free fetal DNA in maternal plasma using two types of compound markers

With the discovery of circulating cell-free fetal DNA (cffDNA) in maternal plasma, noninvasive prenatal testing became possible. However, analysis of low-level cffDNA against high background maternal DNA remains complicated and challenging. To circumvent this limitation, selective amplification of cffDNA was used in this study. Two kinds of compound markers (namely DIP-STR and SNP-STR), both based on selective amplification, were used here for targeting fetal DNA. By designing two allele-specific forward primers for DIP-STR and SNP-STR, DNA fragments with different DIP/SNP alleles can be selectively amplified. When analyzing maternal plasma DNA, these markers can selectively target paternally inherited fetal alleles whose DIP/SNP allele was not shared with the mother. In this study, 21 families were studied with six DIP-STRs and 11 SNP-STRs. Fetal DNA was successfully detected across plasma samples for at least one marker. Detection rate varied between DIP-STR and SNP-STR markers, and DIP-STR outperforms SNP-STR. Fetal alleles obtained from maternal plasma were double confirmed by genotyping paternal genomic DNA and fetal genomic DNA from amniocentesis. This study demonstrated that selective amplification strategy can be used to target cffDNA in maternal plasma, which will be a promising method for noninvasive prenatal paternity testing.     

Visual SNP genotyping using asymmetric PCR and split DNA enzymes

Harnessing and applying genomic technologies in resource limited environments demand a next generation of platforms, which are convenient, quick and easy to apply. We describe here a visual colour change assay that can be applied to SNP genotyping, which unlike traditional methods, does not adopt complicated procedures or expensive instrumentation, desirable features in bringing genetic capabilities outside the laboratory. Our strategy involved a two-step method that first enriched target genomic regions using asymmetric PCR, followed by direct in situ application of split DNA probes. In the presence of target sequences that perfectly matched the complementary probes, the split probes reassembled active DNAzymes, which catalysed a colour change reaction. A single-base mismatch (indicative of a polymorphism) prevented this reassembly and colour change, providing the means for accurate SNP calling. This is the first report, to our knowledge, that demonstrates successful visual SNP genotyping of actual human DNA samples using DNAzymes.     

PCR-free MDR1 polymorphism identification by gold nanoparticle probes

Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) represent the most abundant source of genetic variation in the human genome, and they can be linked to genetic susceptibilities or varied pharmaceutical responses. Established SNP detection techniques are mainly PCR-based, which means that they involve complex, labor-intensive procedures, are easy contaminated, and can give false-positive results. Therefore, we have developed a simple and rapid MS-based disulfide barcode methodology that relies on magnifying the signal from a dual-modified gold nanoparticle. This approach permits direct SNP genotyping of total human genomic DNA without the need for primer-mediated enzymatic amplification. Disulfides that are attached to the gold nanoparticle serve as a “barcode” that allows different sequences to be discerned using MS detection. Specificity is based on two sequential oligonucleotide hybridizations, which include two steps: the first is the capture of the target by gene-specific probes immobilized onto magnetic beads; the second is the recognition of gold nanoparticles functionalized with allele-specific oligonucleotides. The sensitivity of this new method reaches down to the 0.1 fM range, thus approaching that of PCR. The feasability of this SNP identification methodology based on an MS-based disulfide barcode assay was demonstrated by applying it to genomic DNA samples representing all possible genotypes of the SNPs G2677T and C3435T in the human MDR1 gene. Due to its great advantage—the ability to perform SNP typing without the use of PCR—the assay was found to be simple, rapid and robust, and so may be highly suited to routine clinical detection as well as basic medical research.     

Non‐hybridization single nucleotide polymorphism detection and genotyping assay through direct discrimination of single base mutation by capillary electrophoretic separation of single‐stranded DNA

The significant demands for single nucleotide polymorphism detection and genotyping assays have grown. Most common assays are based on the recognition of the target sequence by the hybridization with its specific probe having the complementary sequence of the target. Herein, a simple, label‐free, and economical non‐hybridization assay was developed for single nucleotide polymorphism detection and genotyping, based on the direct discrimination of single base mutation by simple capillary electrophoresis separation for single‐stranded DNA in an acidic electrophoretic buffer solution containing urea. Capillary electrophoresis separation of single‐base sequential isomers of DNA was achieved due to charge differences resulting from the different protonation properties of the DNA bases. Single nucleotide polymorphism detection and genotyping were achieved by discriminating the electropherogram pattern change, that is, peak number in the electropherogram, obtained by the proposed method. The successful practical application of the proposed method was demonstrated through single nucleotide polymorphism detection and genotyping on a known gene region of 84‐mer, in which guanine to adenine single‐base mutation is commonly observed, using a human hair sample in combination with genomic DNA extraction, polymerase chain reaction amplification, DNA purification from polymerase chain reaction products, and capillary electrophoresis separation.     

Determining restriction digest efficiency using the SNaPshot single-base extension method and CE

Incomplete restriction endonuclease digestion may cause complications during particular applications, where any undigested product may interfere with genotyping accuracy, cloning efficiency or PCR amplification. In some instances it may be useful to measure the amount of undigested DNA remaining in the sample, allowing redigestion or elimination of unsuitable samples. A single-base extension SNP genotyping method (SNaPshot, Applied Biosytems) was adapted to interrogate restriction sites and their digestibility. The digested DNA was amplified by nested PCR to specifically amplify sections containing the restriction sites of interest. Single interrogation primers, terminating immediately 5' of the cleavage site, were used in conjunction with the SNaPshot multiplex system and CE to detect intact, amplifiable product remaining in the digest. This method detected as little as 10 pg of intact DNA, within a larger proportion of digested DNA. Across two different restriction enzymes, the amount remaining undigested was found to be dependent on the amount of DNA, ranging from 0.08% with 200 ng to 1.25% with 600 ng.     

Improved adapter-ligation-mediated allele-specific amplification for multiplex genotyping by using software

Adapter-ligation-mediated allele-specific amplification (ALM-ASA) is a potential method for multiplex SNPs typing at an ultra low cost. Here, we describe a kind of software, which designs allele-specific primers for ALM-ASA assay on multiplex SNPs. DNA sequences containing SNPs of interest are submitted into the software which contains various endonucleases for options. Based on the SNP sequence information and the selected endonucleases, the software is capable of automatically generating sets of information needed to perform genotyping experiments. Each set contains a suitable endonuclease, qualified allele-specific primers with orientations and melting temperatures, sizes of allele-specific amplicons, and gel electropherograms simulated according to the sizes of the allele-specific amplicons and the mobility of DNA fragments in 2% agarose gel. Seven SNPs in the arylamines N-acetyltransferase 2 (NAT2) gene, five SNPs in the BRCA1 gene, five SNPs in the COMT gene, six SNPs in the CYP2E1 gene, five SNPs in the MPO gene, and six SNPs in the NRG1 gene were selected for evaluating the software. Without extra optimization, seven SNPs in the NAT2 gene were successfully genotyped for genomic DNA samples from 127 individuals by using the first set of allele-specific primers yielded by the software. Although several steps are used in the ALM-ASA assay, the whole genotyping process can be completed within 3 h by optimizing each step. Profiting from the software, the ALM-ASA assay is easy-to-perform, labor-saving, and accurate.     

A novel technique for detecting single nucleotide polymorphisms by analyzing consumed allele-specific primers

We present a simple and rapid polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based technique, termed consumed allele-specific primer analysis (CASPA), as a new strategy for single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) analysis. The method involves the use of labeled allele-specific primers, differing in length, with several noncomplementary nucleotides added in the 5'-terminal region. After PCR amplification, the amounts of the remaining primers not incorporated into the PCR products are determined. Thus, nucleotide substitutions are identified by measuring the consumption of primers. In this study, the CASPA method was successfully applied to ABO genotyping. In the present method, the allele-specific primer only anneals with the target polymorphic site on the DNA, so it is not necessary to analyze the PCR products. Therefore, this method is only little affected by modification of the PCR products. The CASPA method is expected to be a useful tool for typing of SNPs.     

A Novel Real-time Fluorescence Mutant-allele-specific Amplification Method for Rapid Single Nucleotide Polymorphism Analysis

Current methods for single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) analysis are time-consuming and complicated. We aimed at development of one-step real-time fluorescence mutant-allele-specific amplification (MASA) method for rapid SNP analysis. The method is a marriage of two technologies: MASA primers for target DNA and a double-stranded DNA-selective fluorescent dye, SYBR Green I. Genotypes are separated according to the different threshold cycles of the wild-type and mutant primers. K-rar oncogene was used as a target to validate the feasibility of the method. The experimental results showed that the different genotypes can be clearly discriminated by the assay. The real-time fluorescence MASA method will have an enormous potential for fast and reliable SNP analysis due to its simplicity and low cost.     

Detection of single nucleotide polymorphisms using electrospray ionization mass spectrometry: validation of a one-well assay and quantitative pooling studies

Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) are currently being mapped and databased at a remarkable pace, providing a viable means for understanding disease susceptibility, differential drug response and human evolution. Consequently, there is an increasing demand for SNP genotyping technologies that are simple, rapid, cost effective and readily amenable to automation for high-throughput analyses. In this study, we improved the Survivor Assay, a SNP detection method based on electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS), with several developments. One improvement is the development of a one-well assay, requiring no off-line purification of the polymerase chain reaction product, achieved by simple addition of reagent solution into a single well. Another is the on-line separation of magnesium and dideoxynucleotides using an in-house made monolithic metal chelating column, eliminating any off-line sample preparation prior to mass spectrometric analysis. Here the Survivor Assay is extended from a proof-of-principle concept to a validated method by genotyping six SNPs from five different regions of human genomic DNA in 55 individual samples with 100% accuracy. This improved Survivor Assay eliminates the tedious and time-consuming steps of sample preparation, minimizes sample handing and offers a high-throughput analysis of SNPs by ESI-MS. The current combined preparation and analysis time is 2 min per sample. The simplicity of this method has potential for full automation and parallel chromatography and, thus, reduced analysis time. In addition, we have adapted the Survivor Assay for quantitative SNP analysis in pooled DNA samples. The capabilities and sensitivity of this approach were evaluated. We demonstrate that an allele occurring at a frequency of 2% can consistently be quantitated.     

Lateral flow dipstick test for genotyping of 15 beta-globin gene (HBB) mutations with naked-eye detection

For definitive diagnosis of thalassemia carriers and patients, as well as for prenatal diagnosis, genotype analysis is of fundamental importance. We report a dry-reagent, lateral flow dipstick test that enables visual genotyping (detection by naked eye) of 15 mutations common in Mediterranean populations in the beta-globin gene (HBB). The method comprises 3 simple steps: (i) PCR amplification of a single 1896 bp segment of the beta globin gene flanking all 15 mutations; (ii) a multiplex (10-plex and/or 30-plex) primer extension reaction of the unpurified amplification product using allele-specific primers. Biotin is incorporated in the extended product; (iii) a dry-reagent multi-allele (10-plex) dipstick assay for visual detection of the primer extension reaction products within minutes. The total time required for PCR, primer extension reaction and the dipstick assay is ∼2 h. The method was evaluated by genotyping 45 DNA samples of known genotypes and 54 blind samples. The results were fully concordant with reference methods. The method is simple, rapid, and cost-effective. Detection by the dipstick assay does not require specialized instrumentation or highly qualified personnel. The proposed method could be a particularly useful tool in laboratories with limited resources and a basis for point-of-care diagnostics especially in combination with PCR amplification from whole blood.     

Genotyping of single nucleotide polymorphisms by primer extension reaction and a dual-analyte bio/chemiluminometric assay

Primer extension reaction (PEXT) is the most widely used approach to genotyping of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP). It is based on the high accuracy of nucleotide incorporation by the DNA polymerase. We propose a dual-analyte bio/chemiluminometric method for the simultaneous detection of the PEXT reaction products of the normal and mutant allele in a high sample-throughput format. PCR-amplified DNA fragments that span the SNP of interest are subjected to two PEXT reactions using normal and mutant primers in the presence of digoxigenin-dUTP and biotin-dUTP. Both primers contain a d(A)₃₀ segment at the 5′-end but differ in the final nucleotide at the 3′-end. Under optimized conditions only the primer that is perfectly complementary with the interrogated DNA will be extended by DNA polymerase and lead to a digoxigenin- or biotin-labeled product. The products of the PEXT reactions are mixed, denatured, and captured in microtiter wells through hybridization with immobilized oligo(dT) strands. Detection is performed by adding a mixture of antidigoxigenin–alkaline phosphatase (ALP) conjugate and a streptavidin–aequorin conjugate. The flash-type bioluminescent reaction of aequorin is triggered by the addition of Ca²⁺. ALP is then measured by adding the appropriate chemiluminogenic substrate. The method was evaluated by genotyping two SNPs of the human mannose-binding lectin gene (MBL2) and one SNP of the cytochrome P450 gene CYP2D6. Patient genotypes showed 100% concordance with direct DNA sequencing data.     

基于微流控芯片的72重单核苷酸多态性族群推断系统的构建

建立了常染色体单核苷酸多态性（SNPs）复合检测芯片体系,用于未知个体的族群来源推断。基于前期筛选的74-SNPs组合,采用竞争性等位基因特异性聚合酶链式反应（PCR）的原理构建SNPs的扩增体系,在微流控芯片的每个反应孔内完成一个SNP的检测,通过高通量PCR微流控芯片实现了其中72个SNPs的同步检测。芯片的扩增由平板PCR仪完成,反应孔的荧光信号通过激光共聚焦扫描仪检测,最终通过提取的荧光值进行结果分析。使用该芯片检测获得52份样本的SNPs分型,分型结果的准确率为100%。以57个人群的3628个样本为参考人群数据库,进行20份样本的族群来源推断,推断结果与样本的实际来源一致。本研究建立的常染色体72个SNPs微流控芯片体系可以有效地进行SNP多态性分析检测,基于参考数据库,20份检测样本族群推断的准确性为100%。     

Universal fluorescent labeling of amplification products using locked nucleic acids

Amplification/hybridization‐based genetic analyses using primers containing locked nucleic acids (LNAs) present many benefits. Here, we developed a novel design for universal fluorescent PCR using LNAs. Universal fluorescent PCR generates intermediate nonlabeled fragments and final fluorescent fragments in a two‐step amplification process that uses locus‐specific primers with universal tails and universal fluorescent primers. In this study, a few standard nucleotides were replaced with LNAs only in the fluorescent universal primers. The sequence of the fluorescent universal primer significantly affected the amplification efficiency. For primers with three LNAs, the fluorescent primers with stable M13(‐47) sequences provided the most efficient signal (approximately tenfold higher than the primers with M13(‐21) sequences at lower Tm values). Moreover, AT‐rich LNA substitutions in the fluorescent primers produced much lower amplification efficiencies than GC‐rich substitutions. GC‐rich LNAs produced greater differences in Tm values among primers, and resulted in the preferential production of fluorescently labeled amplicons. The specificity and sensitivity of LNA‐containing fluorescent primers were assessed by genotyping eight STRs in Japanese individuals, and full STR profiles could be generated using as little as 0.25 ng of genomic DNA. The method permitted clear discrimination of alleles and represents sensitive STR genotyping at a reduced cost.     

Direct fluorescence detection of point mutations in human genomic DNA using microbead-based ligase chain reaction

This report has described a convenient genotyping method capable of detecting point mutations directly in human genomic DNA based on the combination of ligase chain reaction (LCR) and microbead-enrichment technique. LCR primers, including a biotin-labeled common primer and two fluorescence-labeled allele-specific primers, are designed for two alleles of a mutated site. When genomic DNA carries the mutated site, the common primer and allele-specific primer are ligated to form exponential amplified biotin-labeled fluorescence ligation products. These ligated products are enriched by streptavidin-coated microbeads, and genotypes are identified conveniently according to the fluorescence color of microbeads using fluorescent microscopy. Due to amplification of LCR process and enrichment of microbeads, the detection limit of the proposed method is as low as 10⁻¹⁵ mol/L templates. The method provides a convenient and simple strategy to detect point mutation directly in human genome. We have confirmed the efficiency of this approach with the identification of β-globin gene point mutation, which results in the reduced production of globin in an inherited hemoglobin disorder thalassemia disease.