High-throughput SNP genotyping by single-tube PCR with Tm-shift primers

Despite many recent advances in high-throughput single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) genotyping technologies, there is still a great need for inexpensive and flexible methods with a reasonable throughput. Here we report substantial modifications and improvements to an existing homogenous allele-specific PCR-based SNP genotyping method, making it an attractive new option for researchers engaging in candidate gene studies or following up on genome-wide scans. In this advanced version of the melting temperature (Tm)-shift SNP genotyping method, we attach two GC-rich tails of different lengths to allele-specific PCR primers, such that SNP alleles in genomic DNA samples can be discriminated by the Tms of the PCR products. We have validated 306 SNP assays using this method and achieved a success rate in assay development of greater than 83% under uniform PCR conditions. We have developed a standalone software application to automatically assign genotypes directly from melting curve data. To demonstrate the accuracy of this method, we typed 592 individuals for 6 SNPs and showed a high call rate (>98%) and high accuracy (>99.9%). With this method, 6-10,000 samples can be genotyped per day using a single 384-well real-time thermal cycler with 2-4 standard 384-well PCR instruments.     

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.     

Proofreading genotyping assays mediated by high fidelity exo+ DNA polymerases

DNA polymerases with 3'-5' proofreading function mediate high fidelity DNA replication but their application for mutation detection was almost completely neglected before 1998. The obstacle facing the use of exo(+) polymerases for mutation detection could be overcome by primer-3'-termini modification, which has been tested using allele-specific primers with 3' labeling, 3' exonuclease-resistance and 3' dehydroxylation modifications. Accordingly, three new types of single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) assays have been developed to carry out genome-wide genotyping making use of the fidelity advantage of exo(+) polymerases. Such SNP assays might also provide a novel approach for re-sequencing and de novo sequencing. These new mutation detection assays are widely adaptable to a variety of platforms, including real-time PCR, multi-well plate and microarray technologies. Application of exo(+) polymerases to genetic analysis could accelerate the pace of personalized medicine.     

A rapid, microplate SNP genotype assay for the leptinob allele

A nonsense mutation in the mouse leptin gene causes genetic obesity. As a result of extensive research in the field of obesity, the use of leptinob mice is widespread. This mutation renders mice sterile, creating the need to breed heterozygous mice. For this reason, leptinob genotyping is necessary. To date, gel-based assays have been used for genotyping. Using the Invader Plus assay for single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) detection, we have developed a gel-free microplate SNP assay for genotyping leptinwt and leptinob alleles.     

Allele-specific PCR amplification due to sequence identity between a PCR primer and an amplicon : is direct sequencing so reliable?

PCR-direct sequencing (DS) is thought to be a very reliable method of determining DNA sequence and genotyping. Under certain conditions, however, DS can generate inaccurate results. Here we report a case of erroneous DS, in which a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in the human PAX9 gene was mistyped due to allele-dependent PCR amplification. Examination of the amplified region showed that the 5' eight bases of one of the PCR primers were identical to the eight bases of the reverse strand downstream of the SNP, and the ninth base matched one of the alleles. Altering the primer so that it matched the other allele reversed the allele-specific inhibition. Reducing the base-pairing abolished the inhibition. Thus, the SNP was responsible for the difference in annealing efficacy of the primer and was therefore critical for the allele dependency. The allele-specific inhibition presented here can occur with any PCR primer sequence that encompasses a site that is polymorphic in the gene sequence. This phenomenon needs to be considered as a possibility when interpreting results from all PCR-based experiments. Sequence similarity between PCR primers and internal amplified regions should be considered for all methods for mutation detection and genotyping using PCR.     

Comparison of two PCR-based methods and automated DNA sequencing for prop-1 genotyping in Ames dwarf mice

Ames dwarfism is caused by a homozygous single nucleotide mutation in the pituitary specific prop-1 gene, resulting in combined pituitary hormone deficiency, reduced growth and extended lifespan. Thus, these mice serve as an important model system for endocrinological, aging and longevity studies. Because the phenotype of wild type and heterozygous mice is undistinguishable, it is imperative for successful breeding to accurately genotype these animals. Here we report a novel, yet simple, approach for prop-1 genotyping using PCR-based allele-specific amplification (PCR-ASA). We also compare this method to other potential genotyping techniques, i.e. PCR-based restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis (PCR-RFLP) and fluorescence automated DNA sequencing. We demonstrate that the single-step PCR-ASA has several advantages over the classical PCR-RFLP because the procedure is simple, less expensive and rapid. To further increase the specificity and sensitivity of the PCR-ASA, we introduced a single-base mismatch at the 3' penultimate position of the mutant primer. Our results also reveal that the fluorescence automated DNA sequencing has limitations for detecting a single nucleotide polymorphism in the prop-1 gene, particularly in heterozygotes.     

PCR amplification on magnetic nanoparticles: application for high-throughput single nucleotide polymorphism genotyping

A novel approach for the genotyping of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) based on solidphase PCR on magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) is described. PCR products were amplified directly on MNPs. The genotypes of a given SNP were differentiated by hybridization with a pair of allele-specific probes labeled with dual-color fluorescence (Cy3, Cy5). The results were analyzed by scanning the microarray printed with the denatured fluorescent probes on an unmodified glass slide. Electrophoresis analysis indicated that PCR could proceed successfully when MNPs-bound primers were used. Furthermore, nine different samples were genotyped and their fluorescent signals were quantified. Genotyping results showed that three genotypes for the locus were very easily discriminated. The fluorescent ratios (match probe:mismatch probe signal) of homozygous samples were over 9.3, whereas heterozygous samples had ratios near 1.0. Without any purification and concentration of PCR products, this new MNP-PCR based genotyping assay potentially provides a rapid, labor-saving method for genotyping of a large number of individuals.     

Single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) allele frequency estimation in DNA pools using Pyrosequencing

Identifying the genetic variation underlying complex disease requires analysis of many single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in a large number of samples. Several high-throughput SNP genotyping techniques are available; however, their cost promotes the use of association screening with pooled DNA. This protocol describes the estimation of SNP allele frequencies in pools of DNA using the quantitative sequencing method Pyrosequencing (PSQ). PSQ is a relatively recently described high-throughput method for genotyping, allele frequency estimation and DNA methylation analysis based on the detection of real-time pyrophosphate release during synthesis of the complementary strand to a PCR product. The protocol involves the following steps: (i) quantity and quality assessment of individual DNA samples; (ii) DNA pooling, which may be undertaken at the pre- or post-PCR stage; (iii) PCR amplification of PSQ template containing the variable sequence region of interest; and (iv) PSQ to determine the frequency of alleles at a particular SNP site. Once the quantity and quality of individual DNA samples has been assessed, the protocol usually requires a few days for setting up pre-PCR pools, depending on sample number. After PCR amplification, preparation and analysis of PCR amplicon by PSQ takes 1 h per plate.     

A novel procedure for efficient genotyping of single nucleotide polymorphisms

Due to the surge in interest in using single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) for genotyping a facile and affordable method for this is an absolute necessity. Here we introduce a procedure that combines an easily automatable single tube sample preparation with an efficient high throughput mass spectrometric analysis technique. Known point mutations or single nucleotide polymorphisms are easily analysed by this procedure. It starts with PCR amplification of a short stretch of genomic DNA, for example an exon of a gene containing a SNP. By shrimp alkaline phosphatase digest residual dNTPs are destroyed. Allele-specific products are generated using a special primer, a conditioned set of α-S-dNTPs and α-S-ddNTPs and a fresh DNA polymerase in a primer extension reaction. Unmodified DNA is removed by 5′-phosphodiesterase digestion and the modified products are alkylated to increase the detection sensitivity in the mass spectrometric analysis. All steps of the preparation are simple additions of solutions and incubations. The procedure operates at the lowest practical sample volumes and in contrast to other genotyping protocols with mass spectrometric detection requires no purification. This reduces the cost and makes it easy to implement. Here it is demonstrated in a version using positive ion detection on described mutations in exon 17 of the amyloid precursor protein gene and in a version using negative ion detection on three SNPs of the granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulating factor gene. Preparation and analysis of SNPs is shown separately and simultaneously, thus demonstrating the multiplexibility of this genotyping procedure. The preparation protocol for genotyping is adapted to the conditions used for the SNP discovery method by denaturing HPLC, thus demonstrating a facile link between protocols for SNP discovery and SNP genotyping. Results corresponded unanimously with the control sequencing. The procedure is useful for high throughput genotyping as it is required for gene identification and pharmacogenomics where large numbers of DNA samples have to be analysed. We have named this procedure the ‘GOOD Assay’ for SNP analysis.     

GPHMM: an integrated hidden Markov model for identification of copy number alteration and loss of heterozygosity in complex tumor samples using whole genome SNP arrays

There is an increasing interest in using single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) genotyping arrays for profiling chromosomal rearrangements in tumors, as they allow simultaneous detection of copy number and loss of heterozygosity with high resolution. Critical issues such as signal baseline shift due to aneuploidy, normal cell contamination, and the presence of GC content bias have been reported to dramatically alter SNP array signals and complicate accurate identification of aberrations in cancer genomes. To address these issues, we propose a novel Global Parameter Hidden Markov Model (GPHMM) to unravel tangled genotyping data generated from tumor samples. In contrast to other HMM methods, a distinct feature of GPHMM is that the issues mentioned above are quantitatively modeled by global parameters and integrated within the statistical framework. We developed an efficient EM algorithm for parameter estimation. We evaluated performance on three data sets and show that GPHMM can correctly identify chromosomal aberrations in tumor samples containing as few as 10% cancer cells. Furthermore, we demonstrated that the estimation of global parameters in GPHMM provides information about the biological characteristics of tumor samples and the quality of genotyping signal from SNP array experiments, which is helpful for data quality control and outlier detection in cohort studies.     

Genotyping single nucleotide polymorphisms directly from genomic DNA by invasive cleavage reaction on microspheres

Here we report proof-of-principle for a microsphere-based genotyping assay that detects single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) directly from human genomic DNA samples. This assay is based on a structure-specific cleavage reaction that achieves single base discrimination with a 5′-nuclease which recognizes a tripartite substrate formed upon hybridization of target DNA with probe and upstream oligonucleotides. The assay is simple with two easy steps: a cleavage reaction, which generates fluorescent signal on microsphere surfaces, followed by flow cytometry analysis of the microspheres. Genomic DNA samples were genotyped for the SNP in the Apolipoprotein E gene at amino acid position 158. The assay successfully scored wild type, heterozygous and homozygous mutants. To our knowledge, this is the first report of a solid-support assay for detection of SNPs directly from genomic DNA without PCR amplification of the target.     

Single nucleotide polymorphism genotyping of aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 gene using a single bacterial magnetic particle

A single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) genotyping for aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 gene (ALDH2) has been developed by using a nano-sized magnetic particle, which was synthesized intracellularly by magnetic bacteria. Streptavidin-immobilized on bacterial magnetic particles (BMPs) were prepared using biotin labeled cross-linkers reacting with the amine group on BMPs. ALDH2 fragments from genomic DNA were amplified using a TRITC labeled primer and biotin labeled primer pair, and conjugated onto BMP surface by biotin-streptavidin interaction. PCR product-BMP complex was observed at a single particle level by fluorescence microscopy. These complexes were treated with restriction enzyme, specifically digesting the wild-type sequence of ALDH2 (normal allele of ALDH2). The homozygous (ALDH2*1/*1), heterozygous (ALDH2*1/*2), and mutant (ALDH2*2/*2) genotypes were discriminated by three fluorescence patterns of each particle. SNP genotyping of ALDH2 has been successfully achieved at a single particle level using BMP.     

四引物扩增受阻突变体系PCR快速测定绵羊 BMPR-IB基因型方法的建立

四引物ARMS PCR是检测SNP有效、快速、简便的方法.绵羊BMPR-lB基因是控制Booroola绵羊多胎性状的主效基因,此研究目的在于建立一种对BMPR-IB基因四引物ARMS PCR检测方法.根据四引物ARMS PCR技术原理,在绵羊BMPR-IB基因突变位点(A746G)设计一对特异性引物,并在突变点两侧设计一对参照引物,用来扩增含有突变点的DNA片段,可在一步PCR反应中根据电泳图谱准确判断绵羊个体的BMPR-IB基因型,对比PCR-RFLP检测结果表明,所建立的方法简单,操作简便,大大提高了检测效率.     

Direct transduction of allele-specific primer extension into electrical signal using genetic field effect transistor

We have developed a genetic field effect transistor (FET) for single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) genotyping, which is based on potentiometric detection of molecular recognition on the gate insulator. Here, we report direct transduction of allele-specific primer extension on the gate surface into electrical signal using the genetic FETs. This method is based on detection of intrinsic negative charges of polynucleotide synthesized by DNA polymerase. The charge density change at the gate surface could be monitored during primer extension reaction. Moreover, three different genotypes could be successfully distinguished without any labeling for target DNA by the use of the genetic FET in combination with allele-specific primer extension. The platform based on the genetic FETs is suitable for a simple, accurate and inexpensive system for SNP genotyping in clinical diagnostics.     

High-throughput SNP genotyping based on solid-phase PCR on magnetic nanoparticles with dual-color hybridization

Single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) are one-base variations in DNA sequence that can often be helpful when trying to find genes responsible for inherited diseases. In this paper, a microarray-based method for typing single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) using solid-phase polymerase chain reaction (PCR) on magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) was developed. One primer with biotin-label was captured by streptavidin coated magnetic nanoparticles (SA-MNPs), and PCR products were directly amplified on the surface of SA-MNPs in a 96-well plate. The samples were interrogated by hybridization with a pair of dual-color probes to determine SNP, and then genotype of each sample can be simultaneously identified by scanning the microarray printed with the denatured fluorescent probes. The C677T polymorphisms of methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene from 126 samples were interrogated using this method. The results showed that three different genotypes were discriminated by three fluorescence patterns on the microarray. Without any purification and reduction procedure, and all reactions can be performed in the same vessel, this approach will be a simple and labor-saving method for SNP genotyping and can be applicable towards the automation system to achieve high-throughput SNP detection.     

Precision-mapping and statistical validation of quantitative trait loci by machine learning

Background

DNA sequence diversity within the human genome may be more greatly affected by copy number variations (CNVs) than single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). Although the importance of CNVs in genome wide association studies (GWAS) is becoming widely accepted, the optimal methods for identifying these variants are still under evaluation. We have previously reported a comprehensive view of CNVs in the HapMap DNA collection using high density 500 K EA (Early Access) SNP genotyping arrays which revealed greater than 1,000 CNVs ranging in size from 1 kb to over 3 Mb. Although the arrays used most commonly for GWAS predominantly interrogate SNPs, CNV identification and detection does not necessarily require the use of DNA probes centered on polymorphic nucleotides and may even be hindered by the dependence on a successful SNP genotyping assay.

Results

In this study, we have designed and evaluated a high density array predicated on the use of non-polymorphic oligonucleotide probes for CNV detection. This approach effectively uncouples copy number detection from SNP genotyping and thus has the potential to significantly improve probe coverage for genome-wide CNV identification. This array, in conjunction with PCR-based, complexity-reduced DNA target, queries over 1.3 M independent NspI restriction enzyme fragments in the 200 bp to 1100 bp size range, which is a several fold increase in marker density as compared to the 500 K EA array. In addition, a novel algorithm was developed and validated to extract CNV regions and boundaries.

Conclusion

Using a well-characterized pair of DNA samples, close to 200 CNVs were identified, of which nearly 50% appear novel yet were independently validated using quantitative PCR. The results indicate that non-polymorphic probes provide a robust approach for CNV identification, and the increasing precision of CNV boundary delineation should allow a more complete analysis of their genomic organization.     

Glycosylase mediated polymorphism detection (GMPD)—a novel process for genetic analysis

A process for mutation and polymorphism detection is described here that offers significant advances over current mutation detection systems and that has the potential to significantly enhance molecular genetic analysis of human disease. This novel process is referred to as glycosylase mediated polymorphism detection (GMPD) and exploits the use of highly specific DNA glycosylase enzymes to excise substrate bases incorporated into amplified DNA. Action of the glycosylase leaves the DNA with one or more specific abasic sites which can be cleaved by enzymatic or chemical means. The GMPD process permits detection of polymorphisms and mutations using fragment size analysis or solid phase formats. GMPD is particularly suitable for genotyping of single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) based markers and also permits efficient scanning of genes for unknown polymorphisms and mutations.     

Developing multiplexed SNP assays with special reference to degraded DNA templates

This protocol describes a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) genotyping strategy for highly degraded DNA, using a two-stage multiplex whereby multiple fragments are first amplified in a single exponential reaction and the products of this PCR are added to a linear single-base-extension reaction. It utilizes the analytical power of a capillary electrophoresis system to simultaneously type all the target sites. The protocol is specifically written for use with severely fragmented templates, typical of ancient DNA, and can be adapted to widely used detection platforms. The addition of the single-phase genotyping step avoids the need for the re-amplification and cloning of PCR products, while providing its own controls for the detection of contamination and allelic drop-out. This protocol can facilitate the routine analysis of up to 52 SNP markers (haploid or diploid) in 96 samples in a single day, and is recommended for the authentication of data in all areas of DNA research (population and medical genetics, forensics, ancient DNA).     

Development of an Accurate and Sensitive Diagnostic System Based on Conventional PCR for Detection of African Swine Fever Virus in Food Waste

African swine fever virus (ASFV), a highly contagious virus, can cause diseases with high mortality rates in pigs, making it a pathogen of social and economic significance. ASFV has been reported to show potential long-term survival in living livestock, such as pigs, but also in leftover cooking meat and undercooked pork meat. Hence, it is possible that there could be direct reinfection or secondary infection through feed produced from household food waste and treatment facilities. Many polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based molecular diagnostic techniques to detect ASFV in clinical swine samples have been reported. However, those with applicability for food waste samples, which contain relatively low viral copy numbers and may contain various unknown inhibitors of PCR, are still lacking. In this study, we developed a conventional PCR-based diagnostic system that can detect ASFV with high sensitivity from food waste sample types. The technique shows a 10–100 times higher limit of detection compared to that of previously reported methods based on conventional PCR and quantitative real-time PCR. It is also capable of amplifying a sequence that is approximately 751 nucleotides, which is advantageous for similarity analysis and genotyping. Moreover, a ASFV-modified positive material different from ASFV that could synthesize 1400 nucleotide amplicons was developed to identify false-positive cases and thus enhance diagnostic accuracy. The method developed herein may be applicable for future ASFV monitoring, identification, and genotyping in food waste samples.Supplementary InformationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12088-022-01007-y.     

Single nucleotide polymorphism genotyping in polyploid wheat with the Illumina GoldenGate assay

Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) are indispensable in such applications as association mapping and construction of high-density genetic maps. These applications usually require genotyping of thousands of SNPs in a large number of individuals. Although a number of SNP genotyping assays are available, most of them are designed for SNP genotyping in diploid individuals. Here, we demonstrate that the Illumina GoldenGate assay could be used for SNP genotyping of homozygous tetraploid and hexaploid wheat lines. Genotyping reactions could be carried out directly on genomic DNA without the necessity of preliminary PCR amplification. A total of 53 tetraploid and 38 hexaploid homozygous wheat lines were genotyped at 96 SNP loci. The genotyping error rate estimated after removal of low-quality data was 0 and 1% for tetraploid and hexaploid wheat, respectively. Developed SNP genotyping assays were shown to be useful for genotyping wheat cultivars. This study demonstrated that the GoldenGate assay is a very efficient tool for high-throughput genotyping of polyploid wheat, opening new possibilities for the analysis of genetic variation in wheat and dissection of genetic basis of complex traits using association mapping approach. Electronic supplementary material  The online version of this article (doi:) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.