Rapid genotyping of alpha 1 antitrypsin deletion mutation (PI*Mmalton) using bi-directional PCR allele-specific amplification

Mol Biotechnol. 2010 Jun;45(2):111-5. doi: 10.1007/s12033-010-9246-9.

Abstract

Alpha 1 antitrypsin deficiency (AATD) is a well recognized genetic risk factor for pulmonary disease and less common liver disease. The two most common deficiency alleles worldwide PI*S and PI*Z can be easily detected using several molecular methods. However, there are at least 30 other AATD variants, which are only detectable by alpha 1 antitrypsin (AAT) gene sequencing and, therefore, seem to be more under-recognized than the PI*S and PI*Z alleles. PI*Mmalton is the most frequent AATD variant in different regions of the Southern Mediterranean basin countries, where its prevalence seems to prevail over PI*S and PI*Z. In this work, we report the development of a simple PCR-based analysis designed for the detection of the PI*Mmalton deficiency alleles using two specific primers. A one-tube reaction enables the distinction between the different genotypes. This reliable, easy, fast, and low-cost technique might be useful for laboratories involved in the study of AATD-related diseases, especially those of the Southern Mediterranean basin area with modest budget or where sophisticated equipment is not available. This will allow larger targeted screening for PI*Mmalton in order to better understand this mutation epidemiology and its origin.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Alleles*
  • Base Sequence
  • Genotype
  • Humans
  • Molecular Sequence Data
  • Polymerase Chain Reaction / methods*
  • Sequence Deletion*
  • alpha 1-Antitrypsin / genetics*
  • alpha 1-Antitrypsin Deficiency / genetics*

Substances

  • alpha 1-Antitrypsin