Automated DNA Extraction,Quantification, Dilution,and PCR Preparation for Genotyping by High-Resolution Melting

Genotyping by high-resolution amplicon melting uses only two PCR primers per locus and a generic, saturating DNA dye that detects heteroduplexes as well as homoduplexes. Heterozygous genotypes have a characteristic melting curve shape and a broader width than homozygous genotypes, which are usually differentiated by their melting temperature (T_m). The H63D mutation, associated with hemochromatosis, is a single nucleotide polymorphism, which is impossible to genotype based on T_m, as the homozygous WT and mutant amplicons melt at the same temperature. To distinguish such homozygous variants, WT DNA can be added to controls and unknown samples to create artificial heterozygotes with all genotypes distinguished by quantitative heteroduplex analysis. By automating DNA extraction, quantification, and PCR preparation, a hands-off integrated solution for genotyping is possible. A custom Biomek® NX robot with an onboard spectrophotometer and custom programming was used to extract DNA from whole blood, dilute the DNA to appropriate concentrations, and add the sample DNA to preprepared PCR plates. Agencourt® Genfind™ v.2 chemistry was used for DNA extraction. PCR was performed on a plate thermocycler, high-resolution melting data collected on a LightScanner-96, followed by analysis and automatic genotyping using custom software. In a blinded study of 42 H63D samples, 41 of the 42 sample genotypes were concordant with dual hybridization probe genotyping. The incorrectly assigned genotype was a heterozygote that appeared to be a homozygous mutant as a result of a low sample DNA concentration. Automated DNA extraction from whole blood with quantification, dilution, and PCR preparation was demonstrated using quantitative heteroduplex analysis. Accuracy is critically dependent on DNA quantification.     

一种快速检测CLN6模型小鼠基因型的方法——高分辨率熔解曲线分析法

目的建立利用高分辨率熔解曲线（HRM）分析快速鉴定CLN6（神经元蜡样脂褐质沉积症,ceroid—lipofuscinosis,neurona16）小鼠（c2硒基因移码突变）基因型的方法。方法根据NCBI公布的小鼠cln6序列（NC00075）设计HRM引物和测序引物,然后采用HRM技术获得高分辨熔解曲线鉴定实验小鼠基因型,同时通过直接测序法进行验证,评价其灵敏性和准确性。结果181只实验小鼠经HRM检测,共有野生型11只、Cln6基因突变杂合子73只和纯合子97只,HRM结果和直接测序结果完全一致,准确性为100％。结论HRM方法检测DNA微小突变时具有操作简便、快速、灵敏,单管避免污染以及准确度高等优点,值得推广。     

In silico single nucleotide polymorphism discovery and application to marker-assisted selection in soybean

The general approach to discovering single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) requires locus-specific PCR amplification. To enhance the efficiency of SNP discovery in soybean, we used in silico analysis prior to re-sequencing as it is both rapid and inexpensive. In silico analysis was performed to detect putative SNPs in expressed sequence tag (EST) contigs assembled using publicly available ESTs from 18 different soybean genotypes. SNP validation by direct sequencing of six soybean cultivars and a wild soybean genotype was performed with PCR primers designed from EST contigs aligned with at least 5 out of 18 soybean genotypes. The efficiency of SNP discovery among the confirmation genotypes was 81.2%. Furthermore, the efficiency of SNP discovery between Pureunkong and Jinpumkong 2 genotypes was 47.4%, a great improvement on our previous finding based on direct sequencing (22.3%). Using SNPs between Pureunkong and Jinpumkong 2 in EST contigs, which were linked to target traits, we were able to genotype 90 recombinant inbred lines by high-resolution melting (HRM) analysis. These SNPs were mapped onto the expected locations near quantitative trait loci for water-logging tolerance and seed pectin concentration. Thus, our protocol for HRM analysis can be applied successfully not only to genetic diversity studies, but also to marker-assisted selection (MAS). Our study suggests that a combination of in silico analysis and HRM can reduce the cost and labor involved in developing SNP markers and genotyping SNPs. The markers developed in this study can also easily be applied to MAS if the markers are associated with the target traits.     

Identification of ryanodine receptor 1 single-nucleotide polymorphisms by high-resolution melting using the LightCycler 480 System

High-resolution melting (HRM) allows single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) detection/typing using inexpensive generic heteroduplex-detecting double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) binding dyes. Until recently HRM has been a post-PCR process. With the LightCycler 480 System, however, the entire mutation screening process, including post-PCR analysis, can be performed using a single instrument. HRM assays were developed to allow screening of the ryanodine receptor gene (RYR1) for potential mutations causing malignant hyperthermia (MH) and/or central core disease (CCD) using the LightCycler 480 System. The assays were validated using engineered plasmids and/or genomic DNA samples that are either homozygous wild type or heterozygous for one of three SNPs that lead to the RyR1 amino acid substitutions T4826I, H4833Y, and/or R4861H. The HRM analyses were conducted using two different heteroduplex-detecting dsDNA binding dyes: LightCycler 480 HRM dye and LCGreen Plus. Heterozygous samples for each of the HRM assays were readily distinguished from homozygous samples with both dyes. By using engineered plasmids, it was shown that even homozygous sequence variations can be identified by using either small amplicons or the addition of exogenous DNA after PCR. Thus, the LightCycler 480 System provides a novel, integrated, real-time PCR/HRM platform that allows high throughput, inexpensive SNP detection, and genotyping based on high-resolution amplicon melting.     

Closed-tube genotyping of apolipoprotein E by isolated-probe PCR with multiple unlabeled probes and high-resolution DNA melting analysis

Isolated-probe PCR (IP-PCR) is a method that combines asymmetric PCR, unlabeled probes, and high-resolution DNA melting while maintaining a closed tube system. A double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) dye LCGreen I was used to detect the unlabeled probes. LCGreen I is also used to detect the 277-base pair PCR product peak as an internal amplification control. To accomplish this, IP-PCR separates the asymmetric PCR amplification step and the detection step of the unlabeled probes. This prevents the probes from interfering with the amplification of the DNA target. The samples are then melted using a high-resolution DNA melting instrument: the HR-1. The closed tube system virtually eliminates PCR product contamination or sample carryover The target apolipoprotein E (APOE) was chosen to test the IP-PCR technique. APOE contains two single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) located 139 base pairs apart in a GC-rich region of the human genome. The results from this study show that the IP-PCR technique was able to determine the correct APOE genotype for each of the 101 samples. The IP-PCR technique should also be useful in detecting SNPs in other high-GC regions of the human genome.     

Optimizing high-resolution melting analysis for the detection of mutations of GPR30/GPER-1 in breast cancer

G protein-coupled receptor 30/G protein estrogen receptor-1 (GPR30/GPER-1) is a novel membrane receptor for estrogen whose mRNA is expressed at high levels in estrogen-dependent cells such as breast cancer cell lines. However, mutations in GRP30 related to diseases remain unreported. To detect unknown mutations in the GPR30 open reading frame (ORF) quickly, the experimental conditions for high-resolution melting (HRM) analysis were examined for PCR primers, Taq polymerases, saturation DNA binding dyes, Mg(2+) concentration, and normalized temperatures. Nine known SNPs and 13 artificial point mutations within the GPR30 ORF, as well as single nucleotide variants in DNA extracted from subjects with breast cancers were tested under the optimal experimental conditions. The combination of Expand High Fidelity(PLUS) and SYTO9 in the presence of 2.0 mM MgCl(2) produced the best separation in melting curves of mutations in all regions of the GPR30 ORF. Under these experimental conditions, the mutations were clearly detected in both heterozygotes and homozygotes. HRM analysis of GPR30 using genomic DNA from subjects with breast cancers showed a novel single nucleotide variant, 111C>T in GPR30 and 4 known SNPs. The experimental conditions determined in this study for HRM analysis are useful for high throughput assays to detect unknown mutations within the GPR30 ORF.     

高分辨率熔解曲线法的非标记探针基因分型技术

PCR反应中利用荧光检测技术对已知位点进行基因分型时常采用荧光标记的寡核苷酸做探针。近年来新兴起的高分辨率熔解曲线技术可以采用非标记的探针对已知位点的SNP(single nucleotide polymorphism)或突变进行基因分型研究。采用非标记探针法对已知位点的基因分型研究具有廉价、快速、简便等特点,因此被大量应用在和疾病、形状等相关的一些多肽位点的研究中。本文较详细地介绍该技术的基本原理和实验中的注意事项。     

Optimized PCR fragments for heteroduplex analysis of the whole human mitochondrial genome with denaturing HPLC

Denaturing high pressure liquid chromatography (dHPLC) is an efficient method for discovery of unknown mutations by heteroduplex analysis of PCR fragments. For comprehensive mutation scanning of the whole 16.569 bp human mitochondrial genome, we developed a set of 67 primer pairs defining overlapping PCR fragments that are well suited for heteroduplex analysis. The aim of our optimization efforts was to ensure that point mutations are detectable at every nucleotide position of each amplicon. Some GC-rich regions of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) were found to have unfavourable melting profiles in all possible amplicons, therefore requiring GC-clamps at the end of one or both oligonucleotide PCR primers. Following detection of a heteroduplex pattern by dHPLC, our primers can also be employed for DNA sequencing to identify the underlying mutation. In case of heteroplasmic mutations with a low proportion of mutant mtDNA, a fragment collector is useful to recover the heteroduplex peak, which contains mutant and wildtype DNA molecules in a 1:1 ratio.     

SNP exploring in the middle and terminal regions of the IGF-1 gene and association with production and reproduction traits in Holstein cattle

Five primer sets were designed in order to identify single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in middle and terminal exons (2 to 6) and in some flanking intronic regions of the bovine insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) gene. Sequencing results of PCR products for 10% of animals showed no variant in exons but a SNP at intron 4 was occurred. Both polymerase chain reaction–restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR–RFLP) and high resolution melting (HRM) methods were developed to genotype samples. The PCR–RFLP results showed the presence of three fragments on agarose gel for the C allele due to two cleavage sites while two fragments for the T allele were observed. Melting curves of 123 bp fragments in HRM analysis showed a difference between temperature melting (T_m) of two homozygous genotypes as the CC genotypes had higher T_m than the TT genotypes. Melting curve of the CT genotype was different and crossed two parallel patterns of homozygous genotypes. The frequencies of the CC, CT and TT genotypes were 0.6, 0.37 and 0.03, respectively. Also, the estimated allele frequencies were 0.785 and 0.215 for the C and T alleles, respectively. Results showed higher accuracy of the HRM analysis compared to the PCR–RFLP method. Least square means (LSMs) comparison of the different genotypes in the SNP showed significant association with milk fat yield trait in the first lactation and open days after the second calving. The polymorphism did not have a significant effect on other milk production or reproduction traits. It seems that other variants or QTLs known in this region underlie genetic variation in the production and reproduction of dairy cattle.     

Rapid high resolution single nucleotide polymorphism-comparative genome hybridization mapping in Caenorhabditis elegans

We have developed a significantly improved and simplified method for high-resolution mapping of phenotypic traits in Caenorhabditis elegans using a combination of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and oligo array comparative genome hybridization (array CGH). We designed a custom oligonucleotide array using a subset of confirmed SNPs between the canonical wild-type Bristol strain N2 and the Hawaiian isolate CB4856, populated with densely overlapping 50-mer probes corresponding to both N2 and CB4856 SNP sequences. Using this method a mutation can be mapped to a resolution of ~200 kb in a single genetic cross. Six mutations representing each of the C. elegans chromosomes were detected unambiguously and at high resolution using genomic DNA from populations derived from as few as 100 homozygous mutant segregants of mutant N2/CB4856 heterozygotes. Our method completely dispenses with the PCR, restriction digest, and gel analysis of standard SNP mapping and should be easy to extend to any organism with interbreeding strains. This method will be particularly powerful when applied to difficult or hard-to-map low-penetrance phenotypes. It should also be possible to map polygenic traits using this method.     

The Use of EGFR Exon 19 and 21 Unlabeled DNA Probes to Screen for Activating Mutations in Non–Small Cell Lung Cancer

Activating mutations in epidermal growth factor receptor-1 (EGFR) are found in 10–15% of Caucasian patients with non–small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC). Approximately 90% of the mutations are deletions of several amino acids in exon 19 or point mutations in exon 21. Some studies suggest that these mutations identify patients that might benefit from targeted EGFR inhibitor therapy. DNA melting analysis of polymerase chain reaction products can screen for these mutations to identify this patient population. However, amplicon DNA melting analysis, although easily capable of detecting heterozygous mutations by heterodimer formation, becomes more difficult if mutations are homozygous or if the mutant allele is selectively amplified over wild type. Amplification of EGFR is common in NSCLC and this could compromise mutation detection by amplicon melting analysis. To overcome this potential limitation, we developed unlabeled, single-stranded DNA probes, complimentary to EGFR exon 19 and exon 21 where the common activating mutations occur. The unlabeled probes are incorporated into a standard polymerase chain reaction during the amplification of EGFR exons 19 and 21. The probe melting peak is easily distinguished from the amplicon melting peak, and probe melting is altered if mutations are present. This allows for easy identification of activating mutations even in homozygous or amplified states and is useful in the screening of NSCLC for the common EGFR activating mutations.     

Development of a Melting Curve-Based Allele-Specific PCR of Apolipoprotein E (APOE) Genotyping Method for Genomic DNA,Guthrie Blood Spot,and Whole Blood

Genetic polymorphisms of apolipoprotein E (APOE) are associated with various health conditions and diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease, cardiovascular diseases, type 2 diabetes, etc. Hence, genotyping of APOE has broad applications in biomedical research and clinical settings, particularly in the era of precision medicine. The study aimed to develop a convenient and accurate method with flexible throughput to genotype the APOE polymorphisms. A melting curve-based allele-specific PCR method was developed to genotype two single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of APOE, i.e. rs429358 at codon 112 and rs7412 at codon 158. These two SNPs determine the genotype of APOE2, E3, and E4. PCR-based Sanger sequencing was used as the reference method for APOE genotyping. A 100% concordance rate was obtained in 300 subjects between the melting curve-based allele-specific PCR method and the Sanger sequencing method. This method was applied to a genetic association analysis of APOE and schizophrenia consisting of 711 patients with schizophrenia and 665 control subjects from Taiwan. However, no significant differences in the allele and genotype frequencies were detected between these two groups. Further experiments showed that DNA dissolved from blood collected on Guthrie filter paper and total blood cell lysate without DNA extraction can be used in the melting curve-based allele-specific PCR method. Thus, we suggest that this is a fast, accurate and robust APOE genotyping method with a flexible throughput and suitable for DNA template from different preparations. This convenient method shall meet the different needs of various research and clinical laboratories.     

Investigation on BRCA1 SNPs and its effects on mastitis in Chinese commercial cattle

The main objective of this study was to investigate whether the bovine breast cancer 1 (BRCA1) gene was associated with mastitis resistance in Chinese commercial cattle. A total of 51 SNPs were screened from public data resources and DNA sequencing. Three SNPs (c.5682G>C,c.26198C>T and c.46126G>T) were genotyped by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) and created restriction site PCR (CRS-PCR) methods and 21 combinations of these SNPs were observed. The single SNP and their genetic effects on somatic cell score (SCS) were evaluated and a significant association with SCS was found in c.46126G>T. The mean SCS of individuals with genotype KK was significantly lower than those of genotypes KL and LL. The results of combined genotypes analysis of three SNPs showed that HHLLNN genotype with the highest SCS was easily for the mastitis susceptibility, whereas GGKKMM genotype with the lowest SCS was favorable for the mastitis resistance. The information provided in the present study will be very useful for improving mastitis resistance in dairy cattle by marker-assisted selection (MAS).     

“Blind” mapping of genic DNA sequence polymorphisms in Lolium perenne L. by high resolution melting curve analysis

High resolution melting curve analysis (HRM) measures dissociation of double stranded DNA of a PCR product amplified in the presence of a saturating fluorescence dye. Recently, HRM proved successful to genotype DNA sequence polymorphisms such as SSRs and SNPs based on the shape of the melting curves. In this study, HRM was used for simultaneous screening and genotyping of genic DNA sequence polymorphisms identified in the Lolium perenne F2 mapping population VrnA. Melting profiles of PCR products amplified from previously published gene loci and from a novel gene putatively involved in vernalization response successfully discriminated genotypes in absence of allelic sequence information, and allowed to determine allele segregation in VrnA. Here we introduce the concept of “blind” mapping based on HRM as a powerful, fast and cheap method to map any DNA sequence polymorphisms without prior knowledge of allelic sequences in the key grassland species perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.).     

Homozygosity for multiple contiguous single-nucleotide polymorphisms as an indicator of large heterozygous deletions: identification of a novel heterozygous 8-kb intragenic deletion (IVS7-19 to IVS15-17) in a patient with glycogen storage disease type II

Current methods for detection of mutations by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and sequence analysis frequently are not able to detect heterozygous large deletions. We report the successful use of a novel approach to identify such deletions, based on detection of apparent homozygosity of contiguous single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). The sequence analysis of genomic DNA PCR products containing all coding exons and flanking introns identified only a single heterozygous mutation (IVS18+2t-->a) in a patient with classic infantile-onset autosomal recessive glycogen storage disease type II (GSDII). Apparent homozygosity for multiple contiguous SNPs detected by this sequencing suggested presence of a large deletion as the second mutation; primers flanking the region of homozygous SNPs permitted identification and characterization by PCR of a large genomic deletion (8.26 kb) extending from IVS7 to IVS15. The data clearly demonstrate the utility of SNPs as markers for large deletions in autosomal recessive diseases when only a single mutation is found, thus complementing currently standard DNA PCR sequence methods for identifying the molecular basis of disease.     

Identification of Pummelo Cultivars by Using a Panel of 25 Selected SNPs and 12 DNA Segments

Pummelo cultivars are usually difficult to identify morphologically, especially when fruits are unavailable. The problem was addressed in this study with the use of two methods: high resolution melting analysis of SNPs and sequencing of DNA segments. In the first method, a set of 25 SNPs with high polymorphic information content were selected from SNPs predicted by analyzing ESTs and sequenced DNA segments. High resolution melting analysis was then used to genotype 260 accessions including 55 from Myanmar, and 178 different genotypes were thus identified. A total of 99 cultivars were assigned to 86 different genotypes since the known somatic mutants were identical to their original genotypes at the analyzed SNP loci. The Myanmar samples were genotypically different from each other and from all other samples, indicating they were derived from sexual propagation. Statistical analysis showed that the set of SNPs was powerful enough for identifying at least 1000 pummelo genotypes, though the discrimination power varied in different pummelo groups and populations. In the second method, 12 genomic DNA segments of 24 representative pummelo accessions were sequenced. Analysis of the sequences revealed the existence of a high haplotype polymorphism in pummelo, and statistical analysis showed that the segments could be used as genetic barcodes that should be informative enough to allow reliable identification of 1200 pummelo cultivars. The high level of haplotype diversity and an apparent population structure shown by DNA segments and by SNP genotypes, respectively, were discussed in relation to the origin and domestication of the pummelo species.     

Tag/anti-tag liquid-phase primer extension array: a flexible and versatile genotyping platform

This study demonstrates an array-based platform to genotype simultaneously single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and some short insertions/deletions (indels) by the integration of the universal tag/anti-tag (TAT) system, liquid-phase primer extension (LIPEX), and a novel two-color detection strategy on an array format (TATLIPEXA). The TAT system permits a universal chip to be used for many applications, and the LIPEX simplifies the sample preparation but improves the sensitivity significantly. More importantly, all SNPs and some short indels can be interrogated in a single reaction with only two fluorescent ddNTPs. The concept of TATLIPEXA is demonstrated for nine SNPs (eight point mutations and one single-base insertion), and genotypes obtained show a remarkable concordance rate of 100% with both DNA sequencing and restriction fragment length polymorphism. Moreover, TATLIPEXA is able to provide quantitative information on allele frequency in pooled DNA samples, which could serve as a rapid screening tool for SNPs associated with diseases.     

Relative quantitation of restriction fragment length polymorphic DNAs via DNA melting analysis provides an effective way to determine allele frequencies

To accurately and precisely estimate the allele frequencies in DNA pools for a cost-effective approach to correlate genetic variations to phenotypic traits, we exploited differential melting kinetics between restriction fragment length polymorphic DNAs. The allele frequencies of two SNPs in a series of DNA mixtures with known allelic compositions of the SNPs were determined by analyzing the meltings of restricted PCR amplicons, yielding a result with a root mean square error (RMSE) of 0.014 relative to the expected values and a standard deviation (SD) of 0.018 from triplicate measurements. This method was then applied in the measurement of genotype frequencies in DNA pools in which varying numbers of genomic DNAs were intermingled while maintaining uniform quantitative contribution. Analyses of 10 SNPs demonstrated the feasibility of this method in an economical and highly accurate manner as the results yielded an RMSE value of 0.027 and a SD of 0.019.