Improvement of single nucleotide polymorphism genotyping by allele-specific PCR using primers modified with an ENA residue

When we placed an ENA residue into primers at the 3' end, or the n-1, n-2, or n-3 position, which included a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) site at the 3' end, only primers containing the ENA residue at the n-2 position were read by Taq DNA polymerase for amplification. The use of the ENA primers avoided the generation of undesired short products, which are thought to be derived from primer-dimers. A greater discrimination of the SNP site by these primers containing the ENA residue was observed compared with that of the corresponding unmodified DNA primers that are often used for allele-specific polymerase chain reaction (AS-PCR). This improvement is probably due to the difficulty of incorporating a nucleotide into the mismatched ENA primer by Taq DNA polymerase in the modified primer-template duplex. These results demonstrate that ENA primer-based AS-PCR would enable a rapid and reliable technique for SNP genotyping.     

Multiplex single nucleotide polymorphism genotyping by adapter ligation-mediated allele-specific amplification

An improved approach for increasing the multiplex level of single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) typing by adapter ligation-mediated allele-specific amplification (ALM-ASA) has been developed. Based on an adapter ligation, each reaction requires n allele-specific primers plus an adapter-specific primer that is common for all SNPs. Thus, only n+1 primers are used for an n-plex PCR amplification. The specificity of ALM-ASA was increased by a special design of the adapter structure and PCR suppression. Given that the genetic polymorphisms in the liver enzyme cytochrome P450 CYP2D6 (debrisoquine 4-hydroxylase) have profound effects on responses of individuals to a particular drug, we selected 17 SNPs in the CYP2D6 gene as an example for the multiplex SNP typing. Without extensive optimization, we successfully typed 17-plex SNPs in the CYP2D6 gene by ALM-ASA. The results for genotyping 70 different genome samples by the 17-plex ALM-ASA were completely consistent with those obtained by both Sanger's sequencing and PCR restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) analysis. ALM-ASA is a potential method for SNP typing at an ultra-low cost because of a high multiplex level and a simple optimization step for PCR. High-throughput SNP typing could be readily realized by coupling ALM-ASA with a well-developed automation device for sample processing.     

Single nucleotide polymorphism genotyping by mini-primer allele-specific amplification with universal reporter primers for identification of degraded DNA

Single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) is informative for human identification, and much shorter regions are targeted in analysis of biallelic SNP compared with highly polymorphic short tandem repeat (STR). Therefore, SNP genotyping is expected to be more sensitive than STR genotyping of degraded human DNA. To achieve simple, economical, and sensitive SNP genotyping for identification of degraded human DNA, we developed 18 loci for a SNP genotyping technique based on the mini-primer allele-specific amplification (ASA) combined with universal reporter primers (URP). The URP/ASA-based genotyping consisted of two amplifications followed by detection using capillary electrophoresis. The sizes of the target genome fragments ranged from 40 to 67 bp in length. In the Japanese population, the frequencies of minor alleles of 18 SNPs ranged from 0.36 to 0.50, and these SNPs are informative for identification. The success rate of SNP genotyping was much higher than that of STR genotyping of artificially degraded DNA. Moreover, we applied this genotyping method to case samples and showed successful SNP genotyping of severely degraded DNA from a 4-year buffered formalin-fixed tissue sample for human identification.     

Integrated allele-specific polymerase chain reaction-capillary electrophoresis microdevice for single nucleotide polymorphism genotyping

An integrated allele-specific (AS) polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and capillary electrophoresis (CE) microdevice has been developed for multiplex single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) genotyping on a portable instrumentation, which was applied for on-site identification of HANWOO (Korean indigenous beef cattle). Twelve sets of primers were designed for targeting beef cattle's eleven SNP loci for HANWOO verification and one primer set for a positive PCR control, and the success rate for identification of HANWOO was demonstrated statistically. The AS PCR and CE separation for multiplex SNP typing was carried out on a glass-based microchip consisting of four layers: a microchannel plate for microfluidic control, a Pt-electrode plate for a resistance temperature detector (RTD), a poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) membrane and a manifold glass for microvalve function. The operation of the sample loading, AS PCR, microvalve, and CE on a chip was automated with a portable genetic analyzer, and the laser-induced fluorescence detection was performed on a miniaturized fluorescence detector. The blind samples were correctly identified as a HANWOO by showing one or two amplicon peaks in the electropherogram, while the imported beef cattle revealed more than five peaks. Our genetic analysis platform provides rapid, accurate, and on-site multiplex SNP typing.     

Single nucleotide polymorphism genotyping using short,fluorescently labeled locked nucleic acid (LNA) probes and fluorescence polarization detection

Locked nucleic acids (LNAs) are synthetic nucleic acid analogs that bind to complementary target molecules (DNA, RNA or LNA) with very high affinity. At the same time, this binding affinity is decreased substantially when the hybrids thus formed contain even a single mismatched base pair. We have exploited these properties of LNA probes to develop a new method for single nucleotide polymorphism genotyping. In this method, very short (hexamer or heptamer) LNA probes are labeled with either rhodamine or hexachlorofluorescein (HEX), and their hybridization to target DNAs is followed by measuring the fluorescence polarization (FP) of the dyes. The formation of perfectly complementary double-stranded hybrids gives rise to significant FP increases, whereas the presence of single mismatches results in very small or no changes of this parameter. Multiplexing of the assay can be achieved by using differentially labeled wild-type and mutant specific probes in the same solution. The method is homogeneous, and because of the use of extremely short LNA probes, the generation of a universal set of genotyping reagents is possible.     

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.     

Single nucleotide polymorphism genotyping using Kompetitive Allele Specific PCR (KASP): overview of the technology and its application in crop improvement

Single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) data can be obtained using one of the numerous uniplex or multiplex SNP genotyping platforms that combine a variety of chemistries, detection methods, and reaction formats. Kompetitive Allele Specific PCR (KASP) is one of the uniplex SNP genotyping platforms, and has evolved to be a global benchmark technology. However, there are no publications relating either to the technology itself or to its application in crop improvement programs. In this review, we provide an overview of the different aspects of the KASP genotyping platform, discuss its application in crop improvement, and compare it with the chip-based Illumina GoldenGate platform. The International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center routinely uses KASP, generating in excess of a million data points annually for crop improvement purposes. We found that (1) 81 % of the SNPs used in a custom-designed GoldenGate assay were transferable to KASP; (2) using KASP, negative controls (no template) consistently clustered together and rarely produced signals exceeding the threshold values for allele calling, in contrast to the situation observed using GoldenGate assays; (3) KASP’s average genotyping error in positive control DNA samples was 0.7–1.6 %, which is lower than that observed using GoldenGate (2.0–2.4 %); (4) KASP genotyping costs for marker-assisted recurrent selection were 7.9–46.1 % cheaper than those of the BeadXpress and GoldenGate platforms; and (5) KASP offers cost-effective and scalable flexibility in applications that require small to moderate numbers of markers, such as quality control analysis, quantitative trait loci (QTL) mapping in bi-parental populations, marker-assisted recurrent selection, marker-assisted backcrossing, and QTL fine mapping.     

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.     

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 discovery in barley using autoSNPdb

Molecular markers are used to provide the link between genotype and phenotype, for the production of molecular genetic maps and to assess genetic diversity within and between related species. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) are the most abundant molecular genetic marker. SNPs can be identified in silico , but care must be taken to ensure that the identified SNPs reflect true genetic variation and are not a result of errors associated with DNA sequencing. The SNP detection method autoSNP has been developed to identify SNPs from sequence data for any species. Confidence in the predicted SNPs is based on sequence redundancy, and haplotype co-segregation scores are calculated for a further independent measure of confidence. We have extended the autoSNP method to produce autoSNPdb, which integrates SNP and gene annotation information with a graphical viewer. We have applied this software to public barley expressed sequences, and the resulting database is available over the Internet. SNPs can be viewed and searched by sequence, functional annotation or predicted synteny with a reference genome, in this case rice. The correlation between SNPs and barley cultivar, expressed tissue type and development stage has been collated for ease of exploration. An average of one SNP per 240 bp was identified, with SNPs more prevalent in the 5' regions and simple sequence repeat (SSR) flanking sequences. Overall, autoSNPdb can provide a wealth of genetic polymorphism information for any species for which sequence data are available.     

A single nucleotide polymorphism genotyping method using phosphate-affinity polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis

To date, various methods have been developed to facilitate the genotyping of a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) for aiding in the diagnosis and treatment of inherited diseases. The most commonly used method for SNP genotyping is an allele-specific hybridization procedure using an expensive fluorochrome-labeled oligonucleotide probe and a specialized fluorescence analyzer. Here, we introduce a simple and reliable genotyping method using a 1:1 mixture of 5'-phosphate-labeled and nonlabeled allele-specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR) primers. The method is based on the difference in mobility of the phosphorylated and nonphosphorylated PCR products (in the same number of basepairs) on phosphate-affinity polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The phosphate-affinity site is a polyacrylamide-bound dinuclear zinc(II) complex, which preferentially captures the 5'-phosphate-labeled allele-specific product compared with the corresponding nonlabeled product. The obtained DNA migration bands can be visualized by ethidium bromide staining. We demonstrate the genotyping of a SNP reported in a human cardiac sodium channel gene, SCN5A, using this novel procedure.     

Accuracy of genotyping for single nucleotide polymorphisms by a microarray-based single nucleotide polymorphism typing method involving hybridization of short allele-specific oligonucleotides.

Advances in technologies for identifying genetic polymorphisms rapidly and accurately will dramatically accelerate the discovery of disease-related genes. Among a variety of newly described methods for rapid typing of single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), gene detection using DNA microarrays is gradually achieving widespread use. This method involves the use of short (11- to 13-mer) allele-specific oligonucleotides. This method allows simultaneous analysis of many SNPs in DNAs from a large number of individuals, in a single experiment. In this work, we evaluated the accuracy of a new microarray-based short allele-specific oligonucleotide (ASO) hybridization method. There is a 96-well formatted array on a single plate, in which up to 256 spots are included in each well. Fluorescent probes for our experiments were produced by multiplex PCR amplification often target SNP-containing regions. We genotyped 192 individuals across a panel of ten single base variations, which included an insertion/deletion polymorphism. For comparison, we genotyped the same individuals for the same SNPs by the method of single-base extension with fluorescence detection. The typing accuracies of the microarray-based PCR-ASO and single-base extension methods were calculated as 99.9% and 99.1%, respectively, on the basis of genotyping results determined by direct sequencing. We conclude that the microarray-based hybridization method using short ASO probes represents a potential breakthrough technology for typing large numbers of SNPs rapidly and efficiently.     

Single nucleotide polymorphism detection by combinatorial fluorescence energy transfer tags and biotinylated dideoxynucleotides

Combinatorial fluorescence energy transfer (CFET) tags, constructed by exploiting energy transfer and combinatorial synthesis, allow multiple biological targets to be analyzed simultaneously. We here describe a multiplex single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) assay based on single base extension (SBE) using CFET tags and biotinylated dideoxynucleotides (biotin-ddNTPs). A library of CFET-labeled oligonucleotide primers was mixed with biotin-ddNTPs, DNA polymerase and the DNA templates containing the SNPs in a single tube. The nucleotide at the 3′-end of each CFET-labeled oligonucleotide primer was complementary to a particular SNP in the template. Only the CFET-labeled primer that is fully complementary to the DNA template was extended by DNA polymerase with a biotin-ddNTP. We isolated the DNA extension fragments that carry a biotin at the 3′-end by capture with streptavidin-coated magnetic beads, while the unextended primers were eliminated. The biotinylated fluorescent DNA fragments were subsequently analyzed in a multicolor fluorescence electrophoresis system. The distinct fluorescence signature and electrophoretic mobility of each DNA extension product in the electropherogram coded the SNPs without the use of a sizing standard. We simultaneously distinguished six nucleotide variations in synthetic DNA templates and a PCR product from the retinoblastoma tumor suppressor gene. The use of CFET-labeled primers and biotin-ddNTPs coupled with the specificity of DNA polymerase in SBE offered a multiplex method for detecting SNPs.     

Multiplex preamplification PCR and microsatellite validation enables accurate single nucleotide polymorphism genotyping of historical fish scales

Incorporating historical tissues into the study of ecological, conservation and management questions can broaden the scope of population genetic research by enhancing our understanding of evolutionary processes and anthropogenic influences on natural populations. Genotyping historical and low-quality samples has been plagued by challenges associated with low amounts of template DNA and the potential for pre-existing DNA contamination among samples. We describe a two-step process designed to (i) accurately genotype large numbers of historical low-quality scale samples in a high-throughput format and (ii) screen samples for pre-existing DNA contamination. First, we describe how an efficient multiplex preamplification PCR of 45 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) can generate highly accurate genotypes with low failure and error rates in subsequent SNP genotyping reactions of individual historical scales from sockeye salmon (Oncorhynchus nerka). Second, we demonstrate how the method can be modified for the amplification of microsatellite loci to detect pre-existing DNA contamination. A total of 760 individual historical scale and 182 contemporary fin clip samples were genotyped and screened for contamination. Genotyping failure and error rates were exceedingly low and similar for both historical and contemporary samples. Pre-existing contamination in 21% of the historical samples was successfully identified by screening the amplified microsatellite loci. The advantages of automation, low failure and error rates, and ability to multiplex both the preamplification and subsequent genotyping reactions combine to make the protocol ideally suited for efficiently genotyping large numbers of potentially contaminated low-quality sources of DNA.     

Molecular haplotyping of tandem single nucleotide polymorphisms by allele-specific PCR

BARD1 Val507Met (1592A>G) is an interesting marker for association studies on cancer risk. However, studies are scarce in the literature, probably reflecting the methodological problem imposed by the fact that next to the 1592A>G stands the 1591C>T single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP). We have designed an allele-specific PCR method capable of molecular haplotyping tandem SNPs. In the tandem SNPs haplotyping assay (tSNPh), four reverse primers are designed to be perfect matches of each potential haplotype. The forward primer is labeled with a fluorochrome. PCR products are analyzed by capillary electrophoresis. Haplotyping is performed by size calling. To ascertain the accuracy and reproducibility of the assay, we measured the level of concordance with sequencing data in 124 samples. In vitro-generated templates have been used for further testing. We developed a novel and reliable assay that permits typing two SNPs directly adjacent to each other, avoiding mutual interferences. The method is amenable to automation and high throughput. We expect that this assay will contribute to clarifying the role of BARD1 in cancer susceptibility. In addition, we suggest that tandem SNPs are potentially interesting polymorphic markers in which molecular haplotyping can be performed easily.     

Quantitative heteroduplex analysis for single nucleotide polymorphism genotyping

High-resolution melting of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) products can detect heterozygous mutations and most homozygous mutations without electrophoretic or chromatographic separations. However, some homozygous single nucleotide polymorphism (SNPs) have melting curves identical to that of the wild-type, as predicted by nearest neighbor thermodynamic models. In these cases, if DNA of a known reference genotype is added to each unknown before PCR, quantitative heteroduplex analysis can differentiate heterozygous, homozygous, and wild-type genotypes if the fraction of reference DNA is chosen carefully. Theoretical calculations suggest that melting curve separation is proportional to heteroduplex content difference and that the addition of reference homozygous DNA at one seventh of total DNA results in the best discrimination between the three genotypes of biallelic SNPs. This theory was verified experimentally by quantitative analysis of both high-resolution melting and temperature-gradient capillary electrophoresis data. Reference genotype proportions other than one seventh of total DNA were suboptimal and failed to distinguish some genotypes. Optimal mixing before PCR followed by high-resolution melting analysis permits genotyping of all SNPs with a single closed-tube analysis.     

Microarray-based method for genotyping of functional single nucleotide polymorphisms using dual-color fluorescence hybridization

Screening disease-related single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers in the whole genome has great potential in complex disease genetics and pharmacogenetics researches. It has led to a requirement for high-throughput genotyping platforms that can maximize the efficient screening functional SNPs with respect to accuracy, speed and cost. In this study, we attempted to develop a microarray-based method for scoring a number of genomic DNA in parallel for one or more molecular markers on a glass slide. Two SNP markers localized to the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase gene (MTHFR) were selected as the investigated targets. Amplified PCR products from nine genomic DNA specimens were spotted and immobilized onto a poly-l-lysine coated glass slide to fabricate a microarray, then interrogated by hybridization with dual-color probes to determine the SNP genotype of each sample. The results indicated that the microarray-based method could determine the genotype of 677 and 1298 MTHFR polymorphisms. Sequencing was performed to validate these results. Our experiments successfully demonstrate that PCR products subjected to dual-color hybridization on a microarray could be applied as a useful and a high-throughput tool to analyze molecular markers.     

Rapid characterization of DNA oligomers and genotyping of single nucleotide polymorphism using nucleotide-specific mass tags

Using currently available MS-based methods, accurate mass measurements are essential for the characterization of DNA oligomers. However, there is a lack of specificity in mass peaks when the characterization of individual DNA species in a mass spectrum is dependent solely upon the mass-to-charge ratio (m/z). Here, we utilize nucleotide-specific tagging with stable isotopes to provide internal signatures that quantitatively display the nucleotide content of oligomer peaks in MS spectra. The characteristic mass-split patterns induced by the partially ¹³C/¹⁵N-enriched dNTPs in DNA oligomers indicate the number of labeled precursors and in turn the base substitution in each mass peak, and provide for efficient SNP detection. Signals in mass spectra not only reflect the masses of particular DNA oligomers, but also their specific composition of particular nucleotides. The measurements of mass tags are relative in the mass-split pattern and, hence, the accuracy of the determination of nucleotide substitution is indirectly increased. For high sample throughput, ¹³C/¹⁵N-labeled sequences of interest have been generated, excised in solution and purified for MS analysis in a single-tube format. This method can substantially improve the specificity, accuracy and efficiency of mass spectrometry in the characterization of DNA oligomers and genetic variations.