Strand specific PCR amplification of low copy number DNA.

A method for the amplification of a single DNA strand at low copy number is described. It is a wholly PCR based approach which involves an initial linear amplification of the target using a tagged strand specific primer. This is followed by classical PCR amplification of the progeny using a pair of primers, one specific for the sequence tagged onto the 5' end of the first round primer, the second specific for the target sequence. Given the protocol used the ratio of the two strands in the final amplification product was 50:1.     

In situ amplification using universal energy transfer-labeled primers.

We developed an amplification detection system in which a universal energy transfer-labeled primer (UniPrimer) is used in combination with any target-specific primer pair. The target specific primers each have a 5' tail sequence, which is homologous to the 3' end of the UniPrimer which, in turn, has a hairpin structure on the 5' end. The hairpin structure brings the fluorophore and quencher into close proximity when the primer is free in solution, providing efficient quenching. When the primer is incorporated into the PCR product, the hairpin structure is unfolded and a fluorescent signal can be detected. Using hepatitis C and human papillomavirus as model systems, this study demonstrates several advantages in the hot-start in situ PCR technique with the UniPrimer system, including target specific detection of one DNA copy per cell without a separate in situ hybridization step and detection of an RNA target by RT in situ PCR without overnight DNase digestion. The UniPrimer-based in situ PCR allows rapid and simple detection of any DNA or RNA target without concern for the background from DNA repair invariably evident in paraffin-embedded tissue when a labeled nucleotide is used.     

Detection of differential gene copy number using denaturing high performance liquid chromatography

Genomic rearrangements leading to deletion or duplication of gene(s) resulting in alterations in gene copy number underlie the molecular lesion in several genetic disorders. Methods currently used to determine gene copy number including real time PCR, southern hybridization, fluorescence in situ hybridization, densitometric scanning of PCR product etc. have certain disadvantages and are also expensive and time consuming. Herein, we describe a simple and rapid method to assess gene copy number using denaturing high performance liquid chromatography (dHPLC). We used X chromosome genes as model to compare the gene copy numbers present on this chromosome in males and females. DNA from these samples were amplified by biplex PCR using primer pairs specific for X chromosome genes only (target gene) and for genes present on both X and Y chromosomes (internal control). Amplified products were analyzed using HPLC under non-denaturing conditions. The ratio of peak areas (target gene/internal control) of the amplified products was approximately twice in female samples than male samples (p < 0.001) demonstrating that the differential gene copy number can be easily detected using this method. This method can potentially be used for diagnostic purpose where the need is to distinguish samples based on the differential gene copy numbers.     

Potential influence of the first PCR cycles in real-time comparative gene quantifications

There is an underlying assumption in real-time PCR that the amplification efficiency is equal from the first cycles until a signal can be detected. In this study, we evaluated this assumption by analyzing genes with known gene copy number using real-time PCR comparative gene quantifications. Listeria monocytogenes has six 23S rRNA gene copies and one copy of the hlyA gene. We determined 23S rRNA gene copy numbers between 0.9 and 1.6 relative to hlyA when applying the comparative gene quantification approach. This paper focuses on the first cycles of PCR to explain the difference between known and determined gene copy numbers. Both theoretical and experimental evaluations were done. There are three different products (types 1-3) dominating in the first cycles. Type 1 is the original target, type 2 are undefined long products, while type 3 are products that accumulate during PCR. We evaluated the effects of type 1 and 2 products during the first cycles by cutting the target DNA with a restriction enzyme that cuts outside the boundaries of the PCR products. The digestion resulted in a presumed increased amplification efficiency for type 1 and 2 products. Differences in the amplification efficiencies between type 1, 2, and 3 products may explain part of the error in the gene copy number determinations using real-time PCR comparative gene quantifications. Future applications of real-time PCR quantifications should account for the effect of the first few PCR cycles on the conclusions drawn.     

猪FGL2基因cDNA末端序列检测及结构分析

检测猪FGL2基因cDNA末端序列并对该基因结构初步分析。α-32P dCTP放射性同位素标记cDNA探针筛选猪基因组DNA文库;cDNA末端快速扩增(rapid amplification of cDNA end,RACE)。以猪正常小肠及心脏组织提取新鲜总RNA,反转录后作为模板,设计基因特异性引物,采用Advantage 2 聚合酶混合物进行PCR扩增;依据猪与人FGL2基因3′端已知同源序列设计PCR上游引物,以人FGL2基因3′末端序列设计下游引物,以猪基因组DNA为模板采用Advantage 2 聚合酶混合物进行PCR反应;PCR载体重组质粒DNA亚克隆扩增。同位素探针未能筛选到特异阳性克隆,RACE反应检测到特异性转录起始位置及第一个转录终止位置,但仍未检测到第二个转录终止位置。猪基因组DNA行PCR扩增成功检测到猪FGL2基因3′末端未知序列及第二个转录终止位置。     

简单、快速、高效扩增和标记目的基因技术的研究

从固体平板挑取转化带有目的基因的单菌落 ,用特异引物通过聚合酶链式反应可直接扩增和标记目的基因 ,不需经过菌的液体培养、质粒提取和酶解反应等复杂过程 ,能快速获得目的基因扩增产物和进行目的基因探针的标记。     

Effect of primer mismatch, annealing temperature and PCR cycle number on 16S rRNA gene-targetting bacterial community analysis

In the attempt to explore complex bacterial communities of environmental samples, primers hybridizing to phylogenetically highly conserved regions of 16S rRNA genes are widely used, but differential amplification is a recognized problem. The biases associated with preferential amplification of multitemplate PCR were investigated using 'universal' bacteria-specific primers, focusing on the effect of primer mismatch, annealing temperature and PCR cycle number. The distortion of the template-to-product ratio was measured using predefined template mixtures and environmental samples by terminal restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis. When a 1 : 1 genomic DNA template mixture of two strains was used, primer mismatches inherent in the 63F primer presented a serious bias, showing preferential amplification of the template containing the perfectly matching sequence. The extent of the preferential amplification showed an almost exponential relation with increasing annealing temperature from 47 to 61 degrees C. No negative effect of the various annealing temperatures was observed with the 27F primer, with no mismatches with the target sequences. The number of PCR cycles had little influence on the template-to-product ratios. As a result of additional tests on environmental samples, the use of a low annealing temperature is recommended in order to significantly reduce preferential amplification while maintaining the specificity of PCR.     

Comparison of different labeling methods for the production of labeled target DNA for microarray hybridization

Different labeling methods were studied to compare various approaches to the preparation of labeled target DNA for microarray experiments. The methods under investigation included a post-PCR labeling method using the Klenow fragment and a DecaLabel DNA labeling kit, the use of a Cy3-labeled forward primer in the PCR, generating either double-stranded or single-stranded PCR products, and the incorporation of Cy3-labeled dCTPs in the PCR. A microarray that had already been designed and used for the detection of microorganisms in compost was used in the study. PCR products from the organisms Burkholderia cepacia and Staphylococcus aureus were used in the comparison study, and the signals from the probes for these organisms analyzed. The highest signals were obtained when using the post-PCR labeling method, although with this method, more non-specific hybridizations were found. Single-stranded PCR products that had been labeled by the incorporation of a Cy3-labeled forward primer in the PCR were found to give the next highest signals upon hybridization for a majority of the tested probes, with less non-specific hybridizations. Hybridization with double-stranded PCR product labeled with a Cy3-labeled forward primer, or labeled by the incorporation of Cy3-labeled dCTPs resulted in acceptable signal to noise ratios for all probes except the UNIV 1389a and Burkholderia genus probes, both located toward the 3' end of the 16S rRNA gene. The comparison of the different DNA labeling methods revealed that labeling via the Cy3-forward primer approach is the most appropriate of the studied methods for the preparation of labeled target DNA for our purposes.     

Synthesis and application of circularizable ligation probes

We describe a PCR-based approach for the synthesis of circularizable ligation probes (CLiPs). CLiPs are single-stranded probes that consist of target-specific ends separated by a noncomplementary "linker" sequence. When hybridized to a target, the CLiP forms a nicked circle that may be sealed by DNA ligase only if the 5' and 3' ends show perfect Watson-Crick base pairing, thus enabling the discrimination of single nucleotide polymorphisms. Primers incorporating target sequence at their 5' end and plasmid sequence at the 3' end were used in a PCR amplification. In addition, the antisense primer was 5' labeled with biotin, and the amplification was performed in the presence of fluorescently labeled dUTP. The resulting PCR product was captured with streptavidin-coated paramagnetic beads, and the top strand, which forms the CLiP, was alkali eluted. This PCR-based method has allowed the synthesis of CLiPs that are larger and more highly labeled than has previously been possible, with ligation efficiencies similar to those of the purest chemically synthesized padlock probes. Ligations performed in the presence of cognate or mismatched sequence were analyzed by denaturing PAGE using a fluorescent DNA sequencer. Genotyping using target immobilized to nylon membranes was also performed. The CLiPs were readily able to distinguish between mutant and wild-type alleles for the common genetic disorder, 21-hydroxylase deficiency. Additionally, CLiPs of different lengths were synthesized and compared.     

Electrophoretic detection of single-nucleotide polymorphisms

Single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) represent the most prevalent class of genetic markers available for linkage disequilibrium or cladistic analyses. PCR primers may be labeled with fluorescent dyes and used to rapidly and accurately differentiate among alleles that are defined by a single-nucleotide differences. Here, we describe the primer-mediated detection of SNPs based on primer mismatch during allele-specific amplification of preamplified target sequences. Primers are labeled with different fluors at their 5' nucleotides, with their 3' termini at the transition mutation that defines allelic variation at the target locus. Each primer perfectly matches one of the two available alleles for each locus. Electrophoretic detection permits characterization of the product both by size and fluor. This report demonstrates some of the capabilities of this assay, including heterozygote determination and multiplexed analysis.     

Detection and enumeration of aromatic oxygenase genes by multiplex and real-time PCR

Our abilities to detect and enumerate pollutant-biodegrading microorganisms in the environment are rapidly advancing with the development of molecular genetic techniques. Techniques based on multiplex and real-time PCR amplification of aromatic oxygenase genes were developed to detect and quantify aromatic catabolic pathways, respectively. PCR primer sets were identified for the large subunits of aromatic oxygenases from alignments of known gene sequences and tested with genetically well-characterized strains. In all, primer sets which allowed amplification of naphthalene dioxygenase, biphenyl dioxygenase, toluene dioxygenase, xylene monooxygenase, phenol monooxygenase, and ring-hydroxylating toluene monooxygenase genes were identified. For each primer set, the length of the observed amplification product matched the length predicted from published sequences, and specificity was confirmed by hybridization. Primer sets were grouped according to the annealing temperature for multiplex PCR permitting simultaneous detection of various genotypes responsible for aromatic hydrocarbon biodegradation. Real-time PCR using SYBR green I was employed with the individual primer sets to determine the gene copy number. Optimum polymerization temperatures for real-time PCR were determined on the basis of the observed melting temperatures of the desired products. When a polymerization temperature of 4 to 5 degrees C below the melting temperature was used, background fluorescence signals were greatly reduced, allowing detection limits of 2 x 10(2) copies per reaction mixture. Improved in situ microbial characterization will provide more accurate assessment of pollutant biodegradation, enhance studies of the ecology of contaminated sites, and facilitate assessment of the impact of remediation technologies on indigenous microbial populations.     

Amplification ratio control system for copy number variation genotyping

We describe a generic design for ratiometric analysis suitable for determination of copy number variation (CNV) class of a gene. Following two initial sequence-specific PCR priming cycles, both ends of both amplicons (one test and one reference) in a duplex reaction, are all primed by the same universal primer (UP). Following each amplification denaturation step, the UP target and its reverse complement (UP') in each strand form a hairpin. The bases immediately beyond the 3'-end of the UP and 5' of UP' are chosen such as not to base pair in the hairpin (otherwise priming is ablated). This hairpin creates a single constant environment for priming events and chaperones free 3'-ends of amplicon strands. The resultant 'amplification ratio control system' (ARCS) permits ratiometric representation of amplicons relative to the original template into PCR plateau phase. These advantages circumvent the need for real-time PCR for quantitation. Choice of different %(G+C) content for the target and reference amplicons allows liquid phase thermal melt discrimination and quantitation of amplicons. The design is generic, simple to set up and economical. Comparisons with real-time PCR and other techniques are made and CNV assays demonstrated for haptoglobin duplicon and 'chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 3-like 1' gene.     

Construction of tandem repeats of DNA fragments by a polymerase chain reaction-based method

We describe a new application of megaprimer polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for constructing a tandemly repeated DNA sequence using the drought responsive element (DRE) from Arabidopsis thaliana as an example. The key feature in the procedure was PCR primers with partial complementarity but differing melting temperatures (T(m)). The reverse primer had a higher T(m), a 3' end complementary to the DRE sequence and a 5' region complementary to the forward primer. The initial cycles of the PCR were conducted at a lower primer annealing temperature to generate products that served as megaprimers in the later cycles conducted at a higher temperature to prevent annealing of the forward primer. The region of overlap between the megaprimers was extended for generating products with a variable copy number (one to four copies) of tandem DRE sequence repeats (71?bp). The PCR product with four tandem repeats (4× DRE) was used as a template to generate tandem repeats with higher copies (copy number large than four) or demonstrated to bind DRE-binding protein in an yeast one-hybrid assay using promotorless reporter genes (HIS and lacZ). This PCR protocol has numerous applications for generating DNA fragments of repeated sequences.     

Development of a real-time PCR method for quantification of the three genera Dehalobacter, Dehalococcoides, and Desulfitobacterium in microbial communities

We developed standard curves based on plasmids containing a 16S rRNA gene of a member of one of the three genera Dehalobacter, Desulfitobacterium, and Dehalococcoides. A large difference in amplification efficiency between the standard curves was observed ranging from 1.5 to 2.0. The total eubacterial 16S rRNA gene copy number determined in a sample DNA by using eubacterial primers and the three standard curves led to differences in the estimated copy numbers of a factor up to 73. However, the amplification efficiencies for one specific standard curve were the same independent of the PCR primer pair used. This allowed the determination of the abundance of a population expressed as fractional number, hence, the percentage of genus-specific copy numbers within the total eubacterial 16S rRNA gene copy numbers. Determination of the fractional numbers in DNA mixtures of known composition showed the accuracy of this approach. The average difference in threshold value between two 10-fold dilutions of DNA of pure cultures, mixtures thereof and of environmental samples was -3.45+/-0.34, corresponding to an average almost optimal amplification efficiency of 1.95. This indicated that the low amplification efficiency of certain standard curves seemed to be mainly a problem of the plasmid DNA used and not of the 16S rRNA gene of the target genera.     

Detection and Enumeration of Aromatic Oxygenase Genes by Multiplex and Real-Time PCR

Our abilities to detect and enumerate pollutant-biodegrading microorganisms in the environment are rapidly advancing with the development of molecular genetic techniques. Techniques based on multiplex and real-time PCR amplification of aromatic oxygenase genes were developed to detect and quantify aromatic catabolic pathways, respectively. PCR primer sets were identified for the large subunits of aromatic oxygenases from alignments of known gene sequences and tested with genetically well-characterized strains. In all, primer sets which allowed amplification of naphthalene dioxygenase, biphenyl dioxygenase, toluene dioxygenase, xylene monooxygenase, phenol monooxygenase, and ring-hydroxylating toluene monooxygenase genes were identified. For each primer set, the length of the observed amplification product matched the length predicted from published sequences, and specificity was confirmed by hybridization. Primer sets were grouped according to the annealing temperature for multiplex PCR permitting simultaneous detection of various genotypes responsible for aromatic hydrocarbon biodegradation. Real-time PCR using SYBR green I was employed with the individual primer sets to determine the gene copy number. Optimum polymerization temperatures for real-time PCR were determined on the basis of the observed melting temperatures of the desired products. When a polymerization temperature of 4 to 5°C below the melting temperature was used, background fluorescence signals were greatly reduced, allowing detection limits of 2 × 10² copies per reaction mixture. Improved in situ microbial characterization will provide more accurate assessment of pollutant biodegradation, enhance studies of the ecology of contaminated sites, and facilitate assessment of the impact of remediation technologies on indigenous microbial populations.     

Bias caused by template annealing in the amplification of mixtures of 16S rRNA genes by PCR.

The PCR is used widely for the study of rRNA genes amplified from mixed microbial populations. These studies resemble quantitative applications of PCR in that the templates are mixtures of homologs and the relative abundance of amplicons is thought to provide some measure of the gene ratios in the starting mixture. Although such studies have established the presence of novel rRNA genes in many natural ecosystems, inferences about gene abundance have been limited by uncertainties about the relative efficiency of gene amplification in the PCR. To address this question, three rRNA gene standards were prepared by PCR, mixed in known proportions, and amplified a second time by using primer pairs in which one primer was labeled with a fluorescent nucleotide derivative. The PCR products were digested with restriction endonucleases, and the frequencies of genes in the products were determined by electrophoresis on an Applied Biosystems 373A automated DNA sequencer in Genescan mode. Mixtures of two templates amplified with the 519F-1406R primer pair yielded products in the predicted proportions. A second primer pair (27F-338R) resulted in strong bias towards 1:1 mixtures of genes in final products, regardless of the initial proportions of the templates. This bias was strongly dependent on the number of cycles of replication. The results fit a kinetic model in which the reannealing of genes progressively inhibits the formation of template-primer hybrids.     

一种基于PCR技术鉴定单拷贝转基因烟草的方法

为了鉴定携带单拷贝外源基因的转基因烟草植株,以烟草核基因组上已知的单拷贝内源基因（RNR2）为内参,转基因烟草植株基因组DNA为模板,在同一PCR反应体系中扩增内源基因（RNR2）和外源目的基因（NPTⅡ）。反应产物在琼脂糖凝胶上电泳,获得了预期大小的两条特异性扩增条带。经ImageJ软件捕捉分析两条目的条带的灰度比,当T1代转基因烟草植株中外源基因与内源基因的扩增条带灰度比为1时,所检测植株即为单拷贝外源基因的转基因烟草植株。孟德尔经典遗传学方法证实了上述检测结果高度可信。     

A modified overlap extension PCR method to create chimeric genes in the absence of restriction enzymes

A modified overlap extension technique for the creation of chimeric genes is described: the method consists in three PCR steps. The first step is a conventional PCR reaction, in which oligonucleotide primers are partially complementary at their 5' ends to the adjacent fragments that are fused to create the chimer. The second PCR step consists in the fusion of the PCR fragments generated in the first step using the complementary extremities of the primers. The third step corresponds to the PCR amplification of the fusion product. The final PCR product is a chimeric gene built up with the different amplified PCR fragments. The technique is illustrated by the construction of a chimeric 5- hydroxytryptamine (5-HT, serotonin)1B/D receptor by combining one part of the human 5-HT1B (h5-HT1B) and two parts of the h5-HT1D receptor gene. The chimeric gene expressed in Cos-7 cells yielded similar binding properties as the wild type h5-HT1D receptor. © Rapid Science Ltd. 1998