Humic substances cause fluorescence inhibition in real-time polymerase chain reaction

Real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) is the cornerstone of DNA analysis, enabling detection and quantification of minute nucleic acid amounts. However, PCR-based analysis is limited, in part, by the presence of inhibitors in the samples. PCR inhibition has been viewed solely as failure to efficiently generate amplicons, that is, amplification inhibition. Humic substances (HS) are well-known inhibitors of PCR amplification. Here we show that HS from environmental samples, specifically humic acid (HA), are very potent detection inhibitors, that is, quench the fluorescence signal of double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) binding dyes. HA quenched the fluorescence of the commonly used qPCR dyes EvaGreen, ResoLight, SYBR Green I, and SYTO 82, generating lowered amplification plots, although amplicon production was unaffected. For EvaGreen, 500 ng of HA quenched nearly all fluorescence, whereas 1000 ng of HA completely inhibited amplification when applying Immolase DNA polymerase with bovine serum albumin (BSA). Fluorescence spectroscopy measurements showed that HA quenching was either static or collisional and indicated that HA bound directly to the dye. Fulvic acid did not act as a qPCR detection inhibitor but inhibited amplification similarly to HA. Hydrolysis probe fluorescence was not quenched by HA. Detection inhibition is an overlooked phenomenon that needs to be considered to allow for development of optimal qPCR assays.     

Characterization of EvaGreen and the implication of its physicochemical properties for qPCR applications

Background  

EvaGreen (EG) is a newly developed DNA-binding dye that has recently been used in quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR), post-PCR DNA melt curve analysis and several other applications. However, very little is known about the physicochemical properties of the dye and their relevance to the applications, particularly to qPCR and post PCR DNA melt curve analysis. In this paper, we characterized EG along with a widely used qPCR dye, SYBR Green I (SG), for their DNA-binding properties and stability, and compared their performance in qPCR under a variety of conditions.     

Quantitative PCR for glucose transporter and tristetraprolin family gene expression in cultured mouse adipocytes and macrophages

Quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) such as TaqMan and SYBR Green qPCR are widely used for gene expression analysis. The drawbacks of SYBR Green assay are that the dye binds to any double-stranded DNA which can generate false-positive signals and that the length of the amplicon affects the intensity of the amplification. Previous results demonstrate that TaqMan assay is more sensitive but generates lower calculated expression levels than SYBR Green assay in quantifying seven mRNAs in tung tree tissues. The objective of this study is to expand the analysis using animal cells. We compared both qPCR assays for quantifying 24 mRNAs including those coding for glucose transporter (Glut) and mRNA-binding protein tristetraprolin (TTP) in mouse 3T3-L1 adipocytes and RAW264.7 macrophages. The results showed that SYBR Green and TaqMan qPCR were reliable for quantitative gene expression in animal cells. This result was supported by validation analysis of Glut and TTP family gene expression. However, SYBR Green qPCR overestimated the expression levels in most of the genes tested. Finally, both qPCR instruments (Bio-Rad’s CFX96 real-time system and Applied Biosystems’ Prism 7700 real-time PCR instrument) generated similar gene expression profiles in the mouse cells. These results support the conclusion that both qPCR assays (TaqMan and SYBR Green qPCR) and both qPCR instruments (Bio-Rad’s CFX96 real-time system and Applied Biosystems’ Prism 7700 real-time PCR instrument) are reliable for quantitative gene expression analyses in animal cells but SYBR Green qPCR generally overestimates gene expression levels than TaqMan qPCR.     

Development of a loop-mediated isothermal amplification assay for porcine circovirus type 2

In this study,the loop-mediated isothermal amplification(LAMP)method was used to develop a rapid and simple detection system for porcine circovirus type 2(PCV2).According to the PCV2 sequences published in GenBank,multiple LAMP primers were designed targeting conserved sequences of PCV2.Using the DNA extracted from PCV2 isolates HUN-09 and SD-09 as the template,LAMP reactions in a PCV2 LAMP system was performed,the amplification products were detected by adding SYBR Green I and could be observed directly by the naked eye.The results showed highly-efficient and specific amplification in 30 min at 63℃ with a LAMP real-time turbidimeter.Furthermore,PCV2 DNA templates,with a detection limit of 5.5×10-5ng of nucleic acid,indicated that this assay was highly sensitive.The results obtained with the naked eye after SYBR Green I staining were consistent with those detected by the real-time turbidimeter,showing the potential simplicity of interpretation of the assay results.The LAMP assay appeared to have greater accuracy than PCR and virus isolation for the analysis of 18 clinical samples.In addition it offers higher specificity and sensitivity,shorter reaction times and simpler procedures than the currently available methods of PCV2 detection.It is therefore a promising tool for the effective and efficient detection of PCV2.     

DNA melting analysis: application of the "open tube" format for detection of mutant KRAS

High-resolution melting (HRM) analysis is a very effective method for genotyping and mutation scanning that is usually performed just after PCR amplification (the “closed tube” format). Though simple and convenient, the closed tube format makes the HRM dependent on the PCR mix, not generally optimal for DNA melting analysis. Here, the “open tube” format, namely the post-PCR optimization procedure (amplicon shortening and solution chemistry modification), is proposed. As a result, mutation scanning of short amplicons becomes feasible on a standard real-time PCR instrument (not primarily designed for HRM) using SYBR Green I. This approach has allowed us to considerably enhance the sensitivity of detecting mutant KRAS using both low- and high-resolution systems (the Bio-Rad iQ5–SYBR Green I and Bio-Rad CFX96–EvaGreen, respectively). The open tube format, though more laborious than the closed tube one, can be used in situations when maximal sensitivity of the method is needed. It also permits standardization of DNA melting experiments and the introduction of instruments of a “lower level” into the range of those suitable for mutation scanning.     

Detection of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase cefotaxime resistance and virulence genes in Escherichia coli by duplex quantitative real-time PCR and melt curve analysis

Emerging virulent and antibiotic-resistant pathogens present a global public health risk. Routine monitoring of prevalence within the clinical, environmental and food production setting is vital. Quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) coupled with melting curve analysis can rapidly and accurately characterize pathogens. We evaluated commercial qPCR mixes based on SYBR Green l and EvaGreen for developing an assay for simultaneously detecting antibiotic resistance (extended-spectrum beta-lactamase, ESBL and bla_CTX-M) and virulence (stx1, stx2 and eae) genes in Escherichia coli (n = 12) isolated from irrigation water and irrigated vegetables. SYBR Green and EvaGreen detected two amplicons (stx1 and bla_CTX-M) and (stx2 and eae) in a single reaction. A higher mean melting temperature (T_m) separation between targeted amplicons and smoother melting curves were observed with the EvaGreen suggesting better performance when targeting multiple amplicons. Through simple stepwise optimization of DNA, cycling, primers, reaction volume and melting curve scanning rate, we adopted a conventional PCR assay for detection of large amplicons (375–1580 bp) for qPCR. This may facilitate development of cost-effective tailor-made assays for rapid and accurate monitoring of emerging foodborne and environmental pathogens in resource constrained regions.     

Comparison of SYTO9 and SYBR Green I for real-time polymerase chain reaction and investigation of the effect of dye concentration on amplification and DNA melting curve analysis

Following the initial report of the use of SYBR Green I for real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in 1997, little attention has been given to the development of alternative intercalating dyes for this application. This is surprising considering the reported limitations of SYBR Green I, which include limited dye stability, dye-dependent PCR inhibition, and selective detection of amplicons during DNA melting curve analysis of multiplex PCRs. We have tested an alternative to SYBR Green I and report the first detailed evaluation of the intercalating dye SYTO9. Our findings demonstrate that SYTO9 produces highly reproducible DNA melting curves over a broader range of dye concentrations than does SYBR Green I, is far less inhibitory to PCR than SYBR Green I, and does not appear to selectively detect particular amplicons. The low inhibition and high melting curve reproducibility of SYTO9 means that it can be readily incorporated into a conventional PCR at a broad range of concentrations, allowing closed tube analysis by DNA melting curve analysis. These features simplify the use of intercalating dyes in real-time PCR and the improved reproducibility of DNA melting curve analysis will make SYTO9 useful in a diagnostic context.     

Detection of periodontal pathogen Porphyromonas gingivalis by loop-mediated isothermal amplification method

A method for nucleic acid amplification, loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) was employed to develop a rapid and simple detection system for periodontal pathogen, Porphyromonas gingivalis. A set of six primers was designed by targeting the 16S ribosomal RNA gene. By the detection system, target DNA was amplified and visualized on agarose gel within 30 min under isothermal condition at 64 degrees C with a detection limit of 20 cells of P. gingivalis. Without gel electrophoresis, the LAMP amplicon was directly visualized in the reaction tube by addition of SYBR Green I for a naked-eye inspection. The LAMP reaction was also assessed by white turbidity of magnesium pyrophosphate (a by-product of LAMP) in the tube. Detection limits of these naked-eye inspections were 20 cells and 200 cells, respectively. Although false-positive DNA amplification was observed from more than 10(7) cells of Porphyromonas endodontalis, no amplification was observed in other five related oral pathogens. Further, quantitative detection of P. gingivalis was accomplished by a real-time monitoring of the LAMP reaction using SYBR Green I with linearity over a range of 10(2)-10(6) cells. The real-time LAMP was then applied to clinical samples of dental plaque and demonstrated almost identical results to the conventional real-time PCR with an advantage of rapidity. These findings indicate the potential usefulness of LAMP for detecting and quantifying P. gingivalis, especially in its rapidity and simplicity.     

1,2-propanediol-trehalose mixture as a potent quantitative real-time PCR enhancer

Background  

Quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) is becoming increasingly important for DNA genotyping and gene expression analysis. For continuous monitoring of the production of PCR amplicons DNA-intercalating dyes are widely used. Recently, we have introduced a new qPCR mix which showed improved amplification of medium-size genomic DNA fragments in the presence of DNA dye SYBR green I (SGI). In this study we tested whether the new PCR mix is also suitable for other DNA dyes used for qPCR and whether it can be applied for amplification of DNA fragments which are difficult to amplify.     

Quantitative detection for low levels of Helicobacter pylori infection in experimentally infected mice by real-time PCR

Accurate diagnosis of Helicobacter pylori infection is important in both clinical practice and clinical research. Molecular methods are highly specific and sensitive, and various PCR-based tests have been developed to detect H. pylori in gastric biopsy specimens. We optimized a sensitive and specific quantitative SYBR Green I real-time PCR assay for detection of H. pylori based on amplification of the fragment of a 26-kDa Helicobacter species-specific antigen gene that allows for detection of 5 bacterial cells per PCR sample. Under the assay conditions, SYBR Green I real-time PCR is highly reproducible with a precise log-linear relation in the range of six orders of magnitude of bacterial DNA concentrations. For accurate comparison of H. pylori infection in different tissue samples, the amount of total host DNA in each sample is normalized by TaqMan real-time PCR of glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) pseudogenes. The developed method was validated in prophilactically immunized and experimentally infected mice and revealed a level of H. pylori gastric colonisation that was below the limit of detection for a rapid urease test. This new method established for a quantitative analysis of H. pylori in the host's stomach may be useful in experimental studies evaluating new anti-H. pylori drugs and vaccines.     

基于RefSeq的人类基因荧光定量PCR引物库的构建

利用NCBI提供的RefSeq序列,通过BLAT、Sim4和自主开发的剪接比对程序Ealter1.0对人类RefSeq转录本进行外显子预测,根据预测的外显子信息,采用自主开发SYBR Green I Real Time PCR引物设计程序E-qPCR-Design1.0高通量设计21,118对SYBR Green I Real Time PCR引物,同时选取5000条基因进行SYBR Green I Real Time PCR引物验证,95.92%的基因引物取得良好效果,1.64%的基因引物产生引物二聚体,1.08%的基因引物有非特异性扩增,通过生物信息技术分析与实验验证,建立了基于RefSeq的人类基因荧光定量PCR引物库。     

Detection of the Escherichia coli pathogenic gene eae with three real-time polymerase chain reaction methods

Several real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) methods are currently available to rapidly detect the presence of a specific DNA sequence. When used for detection of pathogenic organisms, the turnaround time for PCR-based methods is much lower than for traditional culture techniques. This study compared the sensitivity of three real-time PCR methods when detecting the Escherichia coli pathogenic gene eae to determine which method is most effective in identifying very low levels of the organism. The three methods were used to detect the eae gene over a range of DNA concentrations. The differences in sensitivity were statistically significant (p<0.05), and SYBR Green I PCR was found to have the lowest detection limit of the three; LUX primers had the highest detection limit. Therefore, using a defined DNA concentration for detecting the eae gene, SYBR Green I is the best alternative.     

SYBR GreenⅠ实时荧光定量RT-PCR测定肠道病毒71型（EV71）RNA拷贝数方法的建立

目的建立SYBR GreenⅠ荧光染料实时定量RT-PCR方法,测定实验动物等来源的EV71病毒RNA。方法运用EV71VP1保守区引物,优化real time RT-PCR条件,运用NASBA方法扩增EV71病毒RNA,计算拷贝数,经10倍系列稀释做出标准曲线,作为EV71病毒RNA定量检测的外标准品。结果应用Qiagen公司QuantiTect SYBR Green RT-PCR Kit,该标准品可精确定量到100copies/μL,PCR扩增效率达到99.5%。结论 SYBRGreenⅠ荧光染料实时定量PCR法测定EV71病毒RNA拷贝数的方法敏感性高、稳定性好,可用于EV71病毒RNA载量的定量测定。     

A novel kinase-based ATP assay using molecular beacon

Quantitation of E6 oncogene sequences of the human papillomavirus type 16 by real-time or quantitative PCR (qPCR) is used to determine the viral load, which correlates with the degree of the cervical neoplastic lesions. In the presence of EvaGreen, a new DNA intercalating fluorochrome, we obtained consistent and reproducible qPCR amplification curves and thermal denaturation profiles identical to those of the authentic E6–HPV16 (human papillomavirus 16) genome from the amplification products derived from a construct carrying the E6–HPV16 oncogene. E6–HPV16 quantitation in the presence of EvaGreen, therefore, is reproducible and specific and may be used to determine HPV16 viral load.     

Comparison of multiple DNA dyes for real-time PCR: effects of dye concentration and sequence composition on DNA amplification and melting temperature

The importance of real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) has increased steadily in clinical applications over the last decade. Many applications utilize SYBR Green I dye to follow the accumulation of amplicons in real time. SYBR Green I has, however, a number of limitations that include the inhibition of PCR, preferential binding to GC-rich sequences and effects on melting curve analysis. Although a few alternative dyes without some of these limitations have been recently proposed, no large-scale investigation into the properties of intercalating dyes has been performed. In this study, we investigate 15 different intercalating DNA dyes for their inhibitory effects on PCR, effects on DNA melting temperature and possible preferential binding to GC-rich sequences. Our results demonstrated that in contrast to the results of SYBR Green I, two intercalating dyes SYTO-13 and SYTO-82 do not inhibit PCR, show no preferential binding to GC rich sequences and do not influence melting temperature, T_m, even at high concentrations. In addition, SYTO-82 demonstrated a 50-fold lower detection limit in a dilution series assay. In conclusion, the properties of SYTO-82 and SYTO-13 will simplify the development of multiplex assays and increase the sensitivity of real-time PCR.     

Comparison of the SYBR Green and the hybridization probe format for real-time PCR detection of HHV-6

A comparative study was conducted of a novel real-time quantitative PCR test (LightCycler System) with FastStart DNA Master(PLUS) SYBR Green I dye to detect DNA of human herpes virus 6 (HHV-6). Results were compared with those of a real-time quantitative PCR with hybridization probe (HP) formats using the fluorescence resonance energy transfer method, and with those of a single qualitative PCR test. The detection limit of the test with SYBR Green I dye was 20 copies of the virus, similar to that of the other two tests. The reproducibility was satisfactory. The new test has the same advantages as real-time PCR with HP formats and offers a greater versatility at lower cost.     

实时荧光定量PCR方法快速检测转基因大豆

针对转基因大豆中普遍含有的35S启动子进行引物设计,以双链DNA染料SYBR GreenⅠ为荧光标记物,利用实时荧光定量PCR方法对大豆样品进行检测。该法检测转基因大豆的检测低限为0.005 nmol/L的35S启动子,线性范围达3个数量级,可快速区分转基因大豆和非转基因大豆,具有快速、简便、灵敏、安全、高通量、低成本等优点,可推广用于转基因植物产品的快速定量检测。     

不同DNA抽提方法对普通PCR和实时荧光定量PCR方法检测家蚕微孢子虫的影响

为了优选快速、 灵敏、 特异的家蚕微孢子虫Nosema bombycis分子检测方法和DNA抽提方法, 本文通过对家蚕微孢子虫TaqMan探针荧光定量PCR检测方法和SYBR Green荧光定量PCR检测方法的建立以及反应体系优化, 并与普通PCR方法进行比较; 再采用4种不同DNA抽提方法分别对PCR和实时荧光定量PCR方法检测家蚕微孢子虫悬浮液的效果评价。结果显示: 不经过DNA抽提, 直接将家蚕微孢子虫发芽液进行PCR反应的效果优于其他方法, 检测灵敏度由高到低依次为直接法、 酚/氯仿抽提法、 动物组织DNA试剂盒抽提法和植物组织DNA试剂盒抽提法; TaqMan探针法检测家蚕微孢子虫发芽液的灵敏度和SYBR Green法相近, 达到微孢子10²个/mL, 两者均优于普通PCR方法。实验表明, 直接采用发芽液结合荧光定量PCR方法检测家蚕微孢子虫最为简便、 快速、 灵敏。该研究结果将有助于提高家蚕微粒子病监控技术和检疫能力, 对家蚕微粒子病的检疫和防治具有积极意义。