Single-tube genotyping without oligonucleotide probes

Genome Res. 1999 Jan;9(1):72-8.

Abstract

We report the development of a self-contained (homogeneous), single-tube assay for the genotyping of single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), which does not rely on fluorescent oligonucleotide probes. The method, which we call Tm-shift genotyping, combines allele-specific PCR with the discrimination between amplification products by their melting temperatures (Tm). Two distinct forward primers, each of which contains a 3'-terminal base that corresponds to one of the two SNP allelic variants, are combined with a common reverse primer in a single-tube reaction. A GC-tail is attached to one of the forward allele-specific primers to increase the Tm of the amplification product from the corresponding allele. PCR amplification, Tm analysis, and allele determination of genomic template DNA are carried out on a fluorescence-detecting thermocycler with a dye that fluoresces when bound to dsDNA. We demonstrate the accuracy and reliability of Tm-shift genotyping on 100 samples typed for two SNPs, and recommend it both as a simple and inexpensive diagnostic tool for genotyping medically relevant SNPs and as a high-throughput SNP genotyping method for gene mapping.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Genotype*
  • Humans
  • Oligonucleotide Probes / genetics*
  • Polymerase Chain Reaction
  • Polymorphism, Genetic / genetics*
  • Reproducibility of Results
  • Sequence Analysis, DNA / methods

Substances

  • Oligonucleotide Probes