Genetic polymorphism of alpha-lactalbumin gene in riverine buffalo.

Alpha-lactalbumin (alpha-LA) is a major whey protein found in milk. Polymorphs of alpha-LA gene are reported to be significantly associated with milk production and constituent traits. Therefore, the present study was undertaken to detect polymorphism in alpha-LA at the genic level and to explore allelic variability at this locus. A total of 196 animals, belonging to four breeds of riverine buffalo viz. Bhadwari, Mehsana, Surti and Murrah were included under the present investigation. Two fragments i.e. 133 bp (Exon 1) and 159 bp (Exon 2) of alpha-LA gene were amplified by polymerase chain reaction and subsequently, single strand confirmation polymorphism (SSCP) study was carried out to identify different allelic pattern and genotypes of the animal included in the study. Both fragment of alpha-LA gene was found to be polymorphic in all the four breeds of riverine buffalo. Number of genotypes and allele varied breed to breed for both the fragments. In case of 133 bp fragment, four alleles A, B, C and D were found among different breeds of buffalo whereas in 159 bp fragment, five alleles namely A, B, C, D and E was found in different breeds. Nucleotide sequence data of different alleles showed the presence of both silent as well as functional mutation leading to variability in polypeptide chain.     

Efficient detection of DNA polymorphism in cabbage and rice cultivars by PCR-RF-SSCP (PRS)

PCR (polymerase chain reaction)-RF(restriction fragment)-SSCP (single-strand conformation polymorphism) - designated here as PRS - is a combined method of SSCP and PCR-RFLP (restriction fragment length polymorphism) - designated as CAPS (cleaved amplified polymorphic sequence) - and was efficient in detecting intraspecific variation of the SLR1 gene in Brassica oleracea. One to six nucleotide changes in restriction fragments of the SLR1 gene were detected as different bands in PRS. In an analysis of randomly chosen DNA fragments in cabbage, PRS detected DNA polymorphism between different cultivars with more than 60% of the primer pairs used except for a combination of two cultivars having highly similar characteristics. In rice, no DNA polymorphism was found between two Japonica cultivars, while more than 80% of the primer pairs showed DNA polymorphism between Japonica cultivars and Indica cultivars. PRS had a 1.5- to twofold greater ability to detect DNA polymorphism in these cabbage and rice cultivars than CAPS. The present study indicated that PRS is potentially useful for the identification of crop cultivars and genetic mapping of DNA fragments including genes of interest.     

SNP frequency and allelic haplotype structure of Beta vulgaris expressed genes

Based on EST sequences, fragments of 37 genes have been amplified and sequenced in two inbred lines of sugar beet. The rate of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) corresponded to 1 every 130 bp, with an average (nucleotide diversity) value of 7.6×10^–3. When extrapolated to the whole sugar beet genome, randomly compared lines differ at 5.4×10⁶ SNPs in the genetic pool considered. In a wider search for SNP-related polymorphisms, 96 fragments of expressed genes were scanned with SSCP (single-strand conformation polymorphism) and heteroduplex (HA) analyses in 8 inbred lines. One SSCP or HA polymorphism was found every 1,470 bp of amplified DNA, corresponding to 5×10⁵ SSCP or HA loci in the whole genome. This frequency, 11 times lower than the SNP rate, was attributed to the high frequency of base pair substitution along the amplified fragment analysed electrophoretically. Therefore nucleotide variability was further studied by sequencing fragments of 10 genes in the same 8 lines. The results indicate that sugar beet alleles of expressed genes are very frequently organized as robust intragene haplotypes. In the 8 lines analysed, two haplotypes were identified for each of three gene fragments, three haplotypes for six gene fragments and four haplotypes for one gene fragment which is in good correspondence with the number of alleles detected by SSCP and HA analysis. In a cross between two lines, SSCP or HA alleles of expressed genes have 54% probability to be different.     

Evaluation of the usefulness of multitemperature single-stranded conformational polymorphism (MSSCP) for differentiation of selected bacterial gene variants (alleles)

Recently, the single strand conformation polymorphism (SSCP) analyses were shown to be useful for identification a variety of bacterial genes. Although, SSCP was successfully applied for detection of single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP), it was also considered a time consuming and insufficiently reliable technique. Therefore, the modified Multitemperature-SSCP method was introduced. It was shown to be reliable and time effective technique due to a stringent control of the gel temperature and utilization of a high voltage up to 1 kV. In this study the usefulness of MSSCP for differentiation of gene variants and detection of the single point mutations was evaluated, using Yersinia enterocolitica O3 and O8 ail alleles or genes blaCTX-M-15 and blaCTX-M-3, which differs by a single point mutation. The 425 and 251 bp fragments of O3 and O8 ail alleles containing 15 and 11 point mutations respectively, as well as 277 and 208 bp fragments of both blaCTX-M genes differing in positions 243 and 62 were PCR amplified, denatured and loaded onto 7% and 9% polyacrylamide nondenaturing gel. Electrophoresis was carried out in the DNA-Pointer apparatus (Kuchrczyk, Poland) at voltage ranging from 500 to 750 V. The thermal profile consisted of 50 min. at 35 degrees C, 40 min at 20 degrees C and 40 min at 5 degrees C. Obtained results showed, MSSCP was capable to differentiate ail alleles independently of the length of analyzed fragment. However, the 425 bp fragment profile consisted of three bands, whereas 251 bp revealed two bands. The single point mutation in blaCTM, genes was also successfully distinguished by MSSCP in both tested fragments. Surprisingly, 277 bp fragment profile showed differences more apparently than 208 bp. Summarizing, MSSCP was found to be useful, sensitive and time efficient tool for detection of multiple and single point mutations in DNA fragments ranging from 208-425 bp.     

Association between expression of reproductive seasonality and alleles of melatonin receptor 1A in goats

To determine whether a link exists between reproductive seasonality and the structure of the melatonin receptor 1A (MTNR1A) gene, the latter was studied in year-round estrous breeds (Jining Grey and Boer goats) and seasonal estrous breeds (Liaoning Cashmere, Inner Mongolia Cashmere, Wendeng milk and Beijing native goats). A large fragment of exon 2 of MTNR1A gene was amplified by PCR using sheep sense and antisense primers in 260 does of six breeds. The uniform 824 bp PCR product was digested with restriction endonucleases MnII and RsaI, and checked for the presence of restriction sites. No polymorphism at the MnII cleavage sites was detected in all six goat breeds and no relationship could be established between the MnII cleavage sites of MTNR1A gene and reproductive seasonality in goats. For polymorphic RsaI cleavage site at base position 53, only genotype RR (267 bp/267 bp) was detected in Jining Grey goats, both genotype RR and genotype Rr (267 bp/320 bp) were found in all other goat breeds, no genotype rr (320 bp/320 bp) was detected in all six goat breeds. Frequency of genotype RR was obviously higher, and frequency of genotype Rr was obviously lower in year-round estrous goat breeds than in seasonal estrous goat breeds. Sequencing revealed one mutation (G52A) in genotype Rr compared with genotype RR. For polymorphic RsaI cleavage site, the differences of genotype distributions were significant (P<0.05) between year-round estrous goat breeds and seasonal estrous goat breeds. These results preliminarily showed an association between genotype RR and year-round estrus in goats, and an association between genotype Rr and seasonal estrus in goats.     

Molecular identification of AFLP fragments associated with elytra color variation of the Asian ladybird beetle,Harmonia axyridis (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae)

The Asian ladybird beetle, Harmonia axyridis shows polymorphism in elytra color patterns. However, it is uncertain whether these color patterns are regulated by genetic factors. This investigation used amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) analysis to determine any genetic causes of the variability of color patterns. Using four individuals of each group, AFLP analysis produced 37 polymorphic bands. Among several polymorphic bands, six AFLP markers were associated with elytra color patterns after further analysis using six additional individuals of each group. These polymorphic sites were sequenced but did not match DNA sequence data deposited in GenBank. Based on the color-associated AFLP markers, SCAR primers were designed for PCR amplification of genomic DNA. These primers (SCAR 12 and SCAR 44) were used to analyze color-associated loci and/or alleles of H. axyridis DNA. SCAR 12 primers designed from a Spectabilis type-specific fragment (AFLP 12) amplified a specific band of 530 bp in four Spectabilis individuals, but not in the insects with other color patterns.     

BT型细胞质雄性不育水稻及其三系的线粒体DNA研究

用RAPD技术对BT型水稻胞质雄性不育系秀A及其保持系秀B、恢复系湘晴以及杂种F1代的线粒体DNA进行了比较分析。结果表明不育系与其保持系间存在显著差异;不育系与其F1之间mtDNA也存在差异。在引物OPJ－08的扩增产物中,秀A扩增出一条分子量为800bp的多态性片段,在引物OPK－10的扩增产物中,杂种F1扩增出一条分子量为900bp的片段。把这两片段回收、克隆并制备探针,OPJ－08800的Southern杂交结果显示不育系与其F1杂交图谱存在多态性;OPK－10900的Suthern杂交结果显示不育系与其保持系同存在差异。推测这两片段与育性可能有一定的联系。     

毛囊蠕形螨与皮脂蠕形螨基因组DNA的RAPD分析和序列比对

【目的】分析毛囊蠕形螨Demodex folliculorum（D.f.）和皮脂蠕形螨D. brevis（D.b.）基因组DNA的多态性, 对相关条带进行测序分析。【方法】采用改良小昆虫DNA提取法提取两种人体蠕形螨基因组DNA, 选择RAPD技术对其进行多态性分析, 将相关条带分别与pMD18-T载体连接, 克隆、测序后进行酶切鉴定和分析。【结果】毛囊蠕形螨共扩增15条带, 皮脂蠕形螨共扩增12条带;两种蠕形螨既有共有条带, 又有特异性条带;根据条带差异计算得到两种间的遗传距离为0.5556. 毛囊蠕形螨约800 bp处特异性条带测序结果显示, 序列片段长度为855 bp（GenBank登录号为FI277970）;特异性引物扩增和酶切鉴定均为毛囊蠕形螨所特有. 序列比对显示与阿糖胞苷DNA区域结合蛋白有46%的序列相似度。两种人体蠕形螨约300 bp处共有条带序列分析显示, 碱基序列均为341 bp（GenBank登录号分别为D.f. FI520176;D.b. FI520175）, 在第84和第165位点有2个碱基不同, 分别是A/G和C/T互换, 同源性高达99.4%. 但未发现有开放阅读框和相似度高的序列。 【结论】序列片段为855 bp的特异性条带为毛囊蠕形螨所特有;341 bp碱基序列为毛囊蠕形螨和皮脂蠕形螨所共有, 同源性高达99.4%. RAPD技术可用于两种人体蠕形螨基因组DNA的多态性分析和物种鉴定。     

Polymorphism of insulin-like growth factor 1 gene and its association with litter size in Small Tail Han sheep

The insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF1) gene was studied as a candidate gene for high prolificacy in sheep. Polymorphisms of 5' regulatory region and all four exons of IGF1 gene were detected in Small Tail Han (n?=?277), Hu (n?=?58), Texel (n?=?48) and Dorset (n?=?46) sheep by PCR-RFLP and PCR-SSCP analysis. A microsatellite polymorphic site and a restriction fragment length polymorphism were shown in the 5' regulatory region of IGF1 gene. The ewes with genotype 123/123?bp had 0.81 (P??0.05) in Small Tail Han sheep. These results preliminarily indicated that these polymorphisms of IGF1 gene could be used in molecular marker-assisted selection for sheep breeding programs.     

苎麻细胞质雄性不育"三系"ISSR特异片段克隆和序列分析

利用ISSR分子标记技术对苎麻细胞质雄性不育"三系"mtDNA进行多态性分析;在选用的38个IS-SR引物中,有6个引物的扩增产物在不育系、保持系和恢复系之间存在差异。对这些特异性片段进行克隆和序列测定,结果表明:片段21-MS全长956bp,包含一个525bp的完整编码区,共编码174个氨基酸。片段31-M/R全长778bp,包含一个404bp的不完整编码区,共编码134个氨基酸;其核苷酸和氨基酸序列与已报道的多种植物中的番茄红素β-环化酶基因分别存在71～76和73～77的同源性。     

Mutation analysis of the human CYP3A4 gene 5' regulatory region: population screening using non-radioactive SSCP

Human CYP3A4 is the major cytochrome P450 isoenzyme in adult human liver and is known to metabolise many xenobiotic and endogenous compounds. There is substantial inter-individual variation in the hepatic levels of CYP3A4. Although, polymorphic mutations have been reported in the 5' regulatory region of the CYP3A4 gene, those that have been investigated so far do not appear to have any effect on gene expression. To determine whether other mutations exist in this region of the gene, we have performed a new population screen on a panel of 101 human DNA samples. A 1140 bp section of the 5' proximal regulatory region of the CYP3A4 gene, containing numerous regulatory motifs, was amplified from genomic DNA as three overlapping segments. The 300 bp distal enhancer region at -7.9kb containing additional regulatory motifs was also amplified. Mutation analysis of the resulting PCR products was carried out using non-radioactive single strand conformation polymorphism (SSCP) and confirmatory sequencing of both DNA strands in those samples showing extra SSCP bands. In addition to detection of the previously reported CYP3A4*1B allele in nine subjects, three novel alleles were found: CYP3A4*1E (having a T-->A transversion at -369 in one subject), CYP3A4*1F (having a C-->G tranversion at -747 in 17 subjects) and CYP3A4*15B containing a nine-nucleotide insertion between -845 and -844 linked to an A-->G transition at -392 and a G-->A transition in exon 6 (position 485 in the cDNA) in one subject. All the novel alleles were heterozygous. No mutations were found in the upstream distal enhancer region. Our results clearly indicate that this rapid and simple SSCP approach can reveal mutant alleles in drug metabolising enzyme genes. Detection and determination of the frequency of novel alleles in CYP3A4 will assist investigation of the relationship between genotype, xenobiotic metabolism and toxicity in the CYP3A family of isoenzymes.     

Terminal repeat retrotransposon in miniature (TRIM) as DNA markers in Brassica relatives

We have developed a display system using a unique sequence of terminal repeat retrotransposon in miniature (TRIM) elements, which were recently identified from gene-rich regions of Brassica rapa. The technique, named TRIM display, is based on modification of the AFLP technique using an adapter primer for the restriction fragments of BfaI and a primer derived from conserved terminal repeat sequences of TRIM elements, Br1 and Br2. TRIM display using genomic DNA produced 50–70 bands ranging from 100 to 700 bp in all the species of the family Brassicaceae. TRIM display using B. rapa cDNA produced about 20 bands. Sequences of 11 randomly selected bands, 7 from genomic DNA and 4 from cDNA, begin with about 104 bp of the terminal repeat sequences of TRIM elements Br1 or Br2 and end with unique sequences indicating that all bands are derived from unique insertion sites of TRIM elements. Furthermore, 7 of the 11 unique sequences showed significant similarity with expressed gene. Most of the TRIM display bands were polymorphic between genera and about 55% (132 of 239 bands) are polymorphic among 19 commercial F1 hybrid cultivars. Analysis of phylogenetic relationships shows clear-cut lineage among the 19 cultivars. Furthermore, a combination of 11 polymorphic bands derived from only one primer combination can clearly distinguish one cultivar from the others. TRIM display bands were reproducible and inheritable through successive generations that is revealed by genetic mapping of 6 out of 27 polymorphic TRIM markers on the genetic map of Brassica napus. Collective data provide evidence that TRIM display can provide useful DNA markers in Brassica relatives because these markers are distributed in gene-rich regions, and are sometimes involved in the restructuring of genes. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users. GenBank accession nos.: AC190326 (TRIM display fragment gCP01); AC190327 (TRIM display fragment gCP02); AC190328 (TRIM display fragment gCP02) AC190329 (TRIM display fragment gCP04) AC190330 (TRIM display fragment gDP01); AC190331 (TRIM display fragment gDP02); AC190332 (TRIM display fragment gDP03); AC190333 (TRIM display fragment gDP04); AC190334 (TRIM display fragment gDP05); AC190335 (TRIM display fragment gDP06); AC190336 (TRIM display fragment gDP07).     

The procedure of polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment-single strand conformation polymorphism analysis by Hha I/Hinc II to detect mitochondrial DNA mutations

We reported 56 mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) mutations in Japanese compared with the Cambridge Sequence by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment-single strand conformation polymorphism (PCR-RF-SSCP) analysis. Here we report the principle and the detailed procedures of PCR-RF-SSCP analysis. Restriction map of the 15,673 bp PCR product of mtDNA was designed by MacMolly Tetra, and Hha I and Hinc II were selected. Restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analysis of 15,673 bp PCR products by Hha I/Hinc II revealed one common pattern and 10 polymorphic patterns compared with the prediction based on the Cambridge Sequence. When the samples were electrophoresed by SSCP analysis, DNA fragments of 912 bp, 772 bp, 761 bp, 634 bp, 431 bp, 327 bp, 226 bp and 171 bp showed 6, 4, 5, 4, 5, 7, 2 and 3 polymorphic patterns, respectively. The determinations of nucleotide sequence of these 46 polymorphic patterns revealed 56 mutations compared with the Cambridge Sequence and 7 of these mutations were common in Japanese. Among these, 20 mutations have not been reported before.     

Polymorphism of bovine major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I genes revealed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and restriction enzyme analysis

The polymorphic exon 2-exon 3 region of bovine major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I genes was amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) from genomic DNA samples with characterized class I polymorphism. The primers for amplification were designed in conserved regions at the borders of exons 2 and 3, based on all available cDNA sequences. The primers should, therefore, amplify most expressed class I genes, but may also amplify non-expressed class I genes. The PCR amplified class I gene fragments of 700 bp were characterized on the basis of restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP). The PCR-RFLP analysis of class I genes showed that the bands in each digestion could be classified as non-polymorphic, as shared between several bovine lymphocyte antigen (BoLA)-A types, or as specific to a single BoLA-A type. The same primers were then used for amplification of class I gene fragments from eight Sahiwal animals, a breed which originated in the Indian subcontinent. These studies showed that BoLA class I PCR-RFLP could be used to study class I polymorphism in family groups.     

RAPD-derived, PCR-based mitochondrial markers for Larix species and their usefulness in phylogeny

Random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPDs) from plants contains numerous fragments of mitochondrial origin. In the present study, the association between RAPD bands and previously recognized mitochondrial polymorphism in a Larix population was used to identify fragments of mitochondrial origin and to develop PCR-based mitochondrial DNA markers useful to study phylogeny in larches, Larix sp. (Pinaceae).     

Sequence assessment of comigrating AFLPTM bands in Echinacea -- implications for comparative biological studies.

The extent of sequence identity among clones derived from monomorphic and polymorphic AFLPTM polymorphism bands was quantified. A total of 79 fragments from a monomorphic band of 273 bp and 48 fragments from a polymorphic band of 159 bp, isolated from individuals belonging to different populations, varieties, and species of Echinacea, were cloned and sequenced. The monomorphic fragments exhibited above 90% sequence identity among clones within samples. Sequence identity within variety ranged from 82.78% to 94.87% and within species from 75.82% to 98.9% and was 57.97% in the genus. The polymorphic fragments exhibited much less sequence identity. In some instances, even two clones from the same fragment were different in their size and sequence. Within sample, clone sequence identity ranged from 100% to 51.57%, within variety from 33.33% to 100% in one variety, and from 23.66% to 45% within species and was as low as 1.25% within the genus. In addition, sequences of the same size were aligned to verify the nature of their sequence dissimilarity/similarity. Within each size group, identical sequences were found across species and varieties. In general, comigrating bands cannot be considered homologous. Thus, the use of AFLPTM band data for comparative studies is appropriate only if the results emanating from such analyses are considered as approximations and are interpreted as phenotypic but not genotypic.     

A rapid method for detection of mutations in the lacI gene using PCR-single strand conformation polymorphism analysis: demonstration of its high sensitivity

The lacI gene has been used as a target gene in various mutation assays. We modified single strand conformation polymorphism (SSCP) analysis by introducing restriction digestion to detect mutations in the gene rapidly, and determined the sensitivity of the method. The entire coding sequence and partial promoter region of the lacI gen were amplified by the polymerase chain reaction with [α-³²P]dCTP in a 1247 base pair fragment, digested into eight restriction fragments, and analyzed by SSCP. The sensitivity of the method was assessed using 160 phages with lacI mutations, which were selected by assay of expression of β-galactosidase after their infection into E. coli. Of the 160 mutants, 146 (91.3%) showed shifted bands in the first condition of SSCP analysis (without glycerol, 20°C). The remaining 14 mutants were analyzed in a second condition (with 5% glycerol, 20°C), and eight of them showed shifted bands (cumulatively 96.3% of the 160 mutants). The remaining six mutants were analyzed in a third condition (with 5% glycerol, 10°C), and all of them showed shifted bands (cumulatively 100%). Sequencing of the restriction fragments with mobility shifts in the 160 mutants revealed 108 kinds of mutations, 100 (92.6%) being detected in the first condition, seven (cumulatively 99.1%) in the second condition, and one (cumulatively 100%) in the third condition. This method greatly reduced the time to identify lacI mutations, and allowed the detection of multiple mutations in one lacI mutant. The results also show that in general PCR-SSCP analysis is very sensitive when test fragments are shorter than about 250 base pairs and electrophoresis is performed under at least two conditions.     

High-resolution DNA fingerprinting of parthenogenetic root-knot nematodes using AFLP analysis

Amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) analysis has been used to characterize 15 root-knot nematode populations belonging to the three parthenogenetic species Meloidogyne arenaria , M. incognita and M. javanica. Sixteen primer combinations were used to generate AFLP patterns, with a total number of amplified fragments ranging from 872 to 1087, depending on the population tested. Two kinds of polymorphic DNA fragments could be distinguished: bands amplified in a single genotype, and bands polymorphic between genotypes (i.e. amplified in not all but at least two genotypes). Based on presence/absence of amplified bands and pairwise similarity values, all the populations tested were clustered according to their specific status. Significant intraspecific variation was revealed by AFLP, with DNA fragments polymorphic among populations within each of the three species tested. M. arenaria appeared as the most variable species, while M. javanica was the least polymorphic. Within each specific cluster, no general correlation could be found between genomic similarity and geographical origin of the populations. The results reported here showed the ability of the AFLP procedure to generate markers useful for genetic analysis in root-knot nematodes.     

Conversion of AFLP bands into high-throughput DNA markers

The conversion of AFLP bands into polymorphic sequence-tagged-site (STS) markers is necessary for high-throughput genotype scoring. Technical hurdles that must be overcome arise from genome complexity (particularly sequence duplication), from the low-molecular-weight nature of the AFLP bands and from the location of the polymorphism within the AFLP band. We generated six STS markers from ten AFLP bands (four AFLPs were from co-dominant pairs of bands) in soybean (Glycine max). The markers were all linked to one of two loci, rhg1 on linkage group G and Rhg4 on linkage group A2, that confer resistance to the soybean cyst nematode (Heterodera glycines I.). When the polymorphic AFLP band sequence contained a duplicated sequence or could not be converted to a locus-specific STS marker, direct sequencing of BAC clones anchored to a physical map generated locus-specific flanking sequences at the polymorphic locus. When the polymorphism was adjacent to the restriction site used in the AFLP analysis, single primer extension was performed to reconstruct the polymorphism. The six converted AFLP markers represented 996 bp of sequence from alleles of each of two cultivars and identified eight insertions or deletions, two microsatellites and eight single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). The polymorphic sequences were used to design a non-electrophoretic, fluorometric assay (based on the TaqMan technology) and/or develop electrophoretic STS markers for high-throughput genotype determination during marker-assisted breeding for resistance to cyst nematode. We conclude that the converted AFLP markers contained polymorphism at a 10- to 20-fold higher frequency than expected for adapted soybean cultivars and that the efficiency of AFLP band conversion to STS can be improved using BAC libraries and physical maps. The method provides an efficient tool for SNP and STS discovery suitable for marker-assisted breeding and genomics.     

Detection of point mutations in the chloroplast genome by single-stranded conformation polymorphism analysis

Single-stranded conformation polymorphism (SSCP) analysis was used to examine the mutations of the chloroplast 16S rRNA locus of streptomycin-resistant mutants in Nicotiana plumbaginifolia. DNA fragments of 121, 517, 968 and 1578 bp, each possessing a known point mutation, were generated by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The resulting fragments were denatured and separated by nondenaturing polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Compared to the patterns of the wild-type DNA fragments, the bands of the single-stranded DNA fragments of 121 and 517 bp with base changes were shifted. However, no pattern variations were detected from the DNA fragments of 968 and 1578 bp generated from both wild-type and mutants.