Rolling circle amplification of genomic templates for inverse PCR (RCA–GIP): a method for 5′- and 3′-genome walking without anchoring

We have devised an improved method of genome walking, named rolling circle amplification of genomic templates for Inverse PCR (RCA–GIP). The method is based on the generation of circular genomic DNA fragments, followed by rolling circle amplification of the circular genomic DNA using ϕ29 DNA polymerase without need for attachment of anchor sequences. In this way from the circular genomic DNA fragments, after RCA amplification, a large amount of linear concatemers is generated suitable for Inverse PCR template that can be amplified, sequenced or cloned allowing the isolation of the 3′- and 5′- of unknown ends of genomic sequences. To prove the concept of the proposed methodology, we used this procedure to isolate the promoter regions from different species. Herein as an example we present the isolation of four promoter regions from Crocus sativus, a crop cultivated for saffron production.     

Effect of highly fragmented DNA on PCR.

We characterized the behavior of polymerase chain reactions (PCR) using degraded DNA as a template. We first demonstrated that fragments larger than the initial template fragments can be amplified if overlapping fragments are allowed to anneal and extend prior to routine PCR. Amplification products increase when degraded genomic DNA is pretreated by polymerization in the absence of specific primers. Secondly, we measured nucleotide uptake as a function of template DNA degradation. dNTP incorporation initially increases with increasing DNA fragmentation and then declines when the DNA becomes highly degraded. We demonstrated that dNTP uptake continues for >10 polymerization cycles and is affected by the quality and quantity of template DNA and by the amount of substrate dNTP. These results suggest that although reconstruction of degraded DNA may allow amplification of large fragments, reconstructive polymerization and amplification polymerization may compete. This was confirmed in PCR where the addition of degraded DNA reduced the resultant product. Because terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase activity of Taq polymerase may inhibit 3' annealing and restrict the length of template reconstruction, we suggest modified PCR techniques which separate reconstructive and amplification polymerization reactions.     

One multiplex control for 29 cystic fibrosis mutations

A simple approach is described to synthesize and clone an inexhaustible supply of any homozygous and/or heterozygous controls diluted with yeast genomic DNA to mimic human genome equivalents for use throughout the entire multiplex mutation assay. As a proof of principle, the 25 cystic fibrosis mutation panel selected by the American College of Medical Genetics and four additional mutant sequences were prepared as a single control mixture. The 29 CFTR mutations were incorporated into 17 gene fragments by PCR amplification of targeted sequences using mutagenic primers on normal human genomic DNA template. Flanking primers selected to bind beyond all published PCR primer sites amplified controls for most assay platforms. The 17 synthesized 433-933-bp CFTR fragments each with one to four homozygous mutant sequences were cloned into nine plasmid vectors at the multiple cloning site and bidirectionally sequenced. Miniplasmid preps from these nine clones were mixed and diluted with genomic yeast DNA to mimic the final nucleotide molar ratio of two CFTR genes in 6 x 10(9) bp total human genomic DNA. This mixture was added to control PCR reactions prior to amplification as the only positive control sample. In this fashion >200 multiplex clinical PCR analyses of >4,000 clinical patient samples have been controlled simultaneously for PCR amplification and substrate specificity for 29 tested mutations without cross contamination. This clinically validated multiplex cystic fibrosis control can be modified readily for different test formats and provides a robust means to control for all mutations instead of rotating human genomic controls each with a fraction of the mutations. This approach allows scores of additional mutation controls from any gene loci to be added to the same mixture annually.     

Nucleotide sequence determination of point mutations at the mouse HPRT locus using in vitro amplification of HPRT mRNA sequences

Cloning of genomic and cDNA sequences of mammalian genes has made it possible to analyze at the molecular level mutations induced by radiation and chemical mutagens. The X-linked HPRT gene is very suitable for these investigations because in addition to the availability of cell culture systems, HPRT mutants can also be obtained directly from the lymphocytes of mouse and man. Recently a new technique has been introduced by Saiki and co-workers which allows the cloning and sequencing of small specific DNA segments from total genomic DNA after in vitro amplification of those segments up to 200,000-fold (Saiki et al., 1985). We have adapted this so-called polymerase chain reaction (PCR) procedure in such a way that the entire mouse HPRT-coding region could be amplified, cloned and sequenced. Instead of genomic DNA, we have used RNA as template in the PCR reactions. This allows us to detect point mutations in HPRT exon sequences in a very efficient way, since the DNA sequence of all 9 exons, which are scattered over 34 kb of DNA, can be obtained from only one amplification experiment. We studied the nature of 3 N-ethyl-N-nitrosourea (ENU)-induced HPRT mutants from cultured mouse lymphoma cells. One contains an A:T----G:C transition, the second an A:T----T:A transversion, whereas the third mutant is the result of abnormal splicing events, probably due to a mutation in the 3' splice site of the first intron.     

Sequence specific generation of a DNA panhandle permits PCR amplification of unknown flanking DNA.

We present a novel method for the PCR amplification of unknown DNA that flanks a known segment directly from human genomic DNA. PCR requires that primer annealing sites be present on each end of the DNA segment that is to be amplified. In this method, known DNA is placed on the uncharacterized side of the sequence of interest via DNA polymerase mediated generation of a PCR template that is shaped like a pan with a handle. Generation of this template permits specific amplification of the unknown sequence. Taq (DNA) polymerase was used to form the original template and to generate the PCR product. 2.2 kb of the beta-globin gene, and 657 bp of the 5' flanking region of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator gene, were amplified directly from human genomic DNA using primers that initially flank only one side of the region amplified. This method will provide a powerful tool for acquiring DNA sequence information.     

Tandem PCR: a novel and efficient unit amplification model for the preparation of small DNA fragments

The present DNA marker preparation with PCR amplification, one primer pair for one target DNA fragment, was very tedious and labor intensive. To develop a simple and efficient system for the preparation of small DNA fragments, a novel PCR amplification pattern was designed and tested, of which targeted small DNA fragments were amplified in groups as a unit with a specific synthetic vector as template DNA. The amplified units can be different dependent on the identities of the employed primers and give out variable combinations of small DNA fragments through complete or partial restrictive digestion with EcoRI. The novel pattern made the PCR amplification of small DNA fragments not only more efficient but also more economic than ever before. The tandem PCR pattern, as the most efficient and high throughput method for small DNA fragment preparation, has wide application for the production of various DNA markers and a good complementation to the larger DNA fragment preparation by complex synthetic vector fermentation.     

Re-usable DNA template for the polymerase chain reaction.

DNA covalently bound to an uncharged nylon membrane was used for consecutive amplifications of several different genes by PCR. Successful PCR amplifications were obtained for membrane-bound genomic and plasmid DNA. Membrane-bound genomic DNA templates were re-used at least 15 times for PCR with specific amplification of the desired gene each time. PCR amplifications of specific sequences of p53, p16, CYP1A1, CYP2D6, GSTM1 and GSTM3 were performed independently on the same strips of uncharged nylon membrane containing genomic DNA. PCR products were subjected to restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis, single-strand conformational polymorphism analysis and/or dideoxy sequencing to confirm PCR-amplified gene sequences. We found that PCR fragments obtained by amplification from bound genomic DNA as template were identical in sequence to those of PCR products obtained from free genomic DNA in solution. PCR was performed using as little as 5 ng genomic or 4 fg plasmid DNA bound to membrane. These results suggest that DNA covalently bound to membrane can be re-used for sample-specific PCR amplifications, providing a potentially unlimited source of DNA for PCR.     

Spiking of contemporary human template DNA with ancient DNA extracts induces mutations under PCR and generates nonauthentic mitochondrial sequences

Proof of authenticity is the greatest challenge in palaeogenetic research, and many safeguards have become standard routine in laboratories specialized on ancient DNA research. Here we describe an as-yet unknown source of artifacts that will require special attention in the future. We show that ancient DNA extracts on their own can have an inhibitory and mutagenic effect under PCR. We have spiked PCR reactions including known human test DNA with 14 selected ancient DNA extracts from human and nonhuman sources. We find that the ancient DNA extracts inhibit the amplification of large fragments to different degrees, suggesting that the usual control against contaminations, i.e., the absence of long amplifiable fragments, is not sufficient. But even more important, we find that the extracts induce mutations in a nonrandom fashion. We have amplified a 148-bp stretch of the mitochondrial HVRI from contemporary human template DNA in spiked PCR reactions. Subsequent analysis of 547 sequences from cloned amplicons revealed that the vast majority (76.97%) differed from the correct sequence by single nucleotide substitutions and/or indels. In total, 34 positions of a 103-bp alignment are affected, and most mutations occur repeatedly in independent PCR amplifications. Several of the induced mutations occur at positions that have previously been detected in studies of ancient hominid sequences, including the Neandertal sequences. Our data imply that PCR-induced mutations are likely to be an intrinsic and general problem of PCR amplifications of ancient templates. Therefore, ancient DNA sequences should be considered with caution, at least as long as the molecular basis for the extract-induced mutations is not understood.     

Endonuclease-mediated long PCR and its application to restriction mapping

The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is the most widely used technique for the study of DNA. Applications for PCR have been extended significantly by the development of "long" PCR, a technique that makes it possible to amplify DNA fragments up to 40 kb in length. This article describes two novel applications of the long PCR technique, one which simplifies restriction mapping and another which enhances amplification specificity and yield. The same primers used to perform the long PCR amplification can be used as probes to perform restriction mapping of the DNA fragment amplified. Restriction digestion performed prior to long PCR amplification can be used to selectively suppress the amplification of members of families of closely related DNA sequences, thereby making it possible to selectively amplify one of a group of highly homologous sequences. These two complimentary techniques, both involving use of the long PCR paired with restriction digestion, have potential application in any laboratory in which PCR is performed.     

Sequencing PCR DNA amplified directly from a bacterial colony

We show that PCR product asymmetrically amplified directly from a bacterial colony can be sequenced to yield results as good as those obtained when purified template DNA is used for the PCR amplification step. With either template, greater than 300 nucleotides can be read from a typical sequencing reaction. Taq DNA polymerase was used for both the PCR amplification and sequencing reactions.     

TECHNICAL REPORT: Rapid confirmation of gene targeting in embryonic stem cells using two long-range PCR techniques

Gene targeting in mouse embryonic stem (ES) cells generally includes the analysis of numerous colonies to identify a few with mutations resulting from homologous recombination with a targeting vector. Thus, simple and efficient screening methods are needed to identify targeted clones. Optimal screening approaches require probes from outside of the region included in the targeting vector to avoid detection of the more common random insertions. However, the use of large genomic fragments in targeting vectors can limit the availability of cloned DNA, thus necessitating a strategy to obtain unique flanking sequences. We describe a rapid method to identify sequences adjacent to cloned DNA using long-range polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification from a genomic DNA library, followed by direct nucleotide sequencing of the amplified fragment. We have used this technique in two independent gene targeting experiments to obtain genomic DNA sequences flanking the mouse cholecystokinin (CCK) and gastrin genes. The sequences were then used to design primers to characterize ES cell lines with CCK or gastrin targeted gene mutations, employing a second long-range PCR approach. Our results show that these two long-range PCR methods are generally useful to rapidly and accurately characterize allele structures in ES cells     

Multiplex amplification of ancient DNA

This method is designed to assemble long, continuous DNA sequences using minimal amounts of fragmented ancient DNA as template. This is achieved by a two-step approach. In the first step, multiple fragments are simultaneously amplified in a single multiplex reaction. Subsequently, each of the generated fragments is amplified individually using a single primer pair, in a standard simplex (monoplex) PCR. The ability to amplify multiple fragments simultaneously in the first step allows the generation of large amounts of sequence from rare template DNA, whereas the second nested step increases specificity and decreases amplification of contaminating DNA. In contrast to current protocols using many template-consuming simplex PCRs, the method described allows amplification of several kilobases of sequence in just one reaction. It thus combines optimal template usage with a high specificity and can be performed within a day.     

A strategy for single site PCR amplification of dsDNA: priming digested cloned or genomic DNA from an anchor-modified restriction site and a short internal sequence

Amplification of dsDNA by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) has been limited to those instances in which segments of known sequence flank the fragment to be amplified. A strategy for the PCR amplification of cloned or genomic dsDNA that necessitates sequence information from only a single short segment (single site PCR) has been devised. The region of known sequence may be located at any position within or adjacent to the segment to be amplified. The basic procedure for amplification consists of 1) digestion of dsDNA with one or more restriction enzymes, 2) ligation with a universal anchor adaptor and 3) PCR amplification using an anchor primer and the primer for the single site of known sequence. The anchor adaptor is designed in such a way as to facilitate the amplification of only those fragments containing the sequence of interest. We have demonstrated the utility of this technique by specifically amplifying and directly sequencing antibody variable region genes from cloned dsDNA and from genomic DNA.     

A simple and rapid gene amplification from Arabidopsis leaves using AnyDirect system

Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is a powerful technique in molecular biology and is widely used in various fields. By amplifying DNA fragments, PCR has facilitated gene cloning procedures, as well as molecular genotyping. However, the extraction of DNA from samples often acts as a limiting step of these reactions. In particular, the extraction of PCR-compatible genomic DNA from higher plants requires complicated processes and tedious work because plant cells have rigid cell walls and contain various endogenous PCR inhibitors, including polyphenolic compounds. We recently developed a novel solution, referred to as AnyDirect, which can amplify target DNA fragments directly from whole blood without the need for DNA extraction. Here, we developed a simple lysis system that could produce an appropriate template for direct PCR with AnyDirect PCR buffer, making possible the direct amplification of DNA fragments from plant leaves. Thus, our experimental procedure provides a simple, convenient, non-hazardous, inexpensive, and rapid process for the amplification of DNA from plant tissue.     

Origin of intra-individual variation in PCR-amplified mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase I of Thrips tabaci (Thysanoptera: Thripidae): mitochondrial heteroplasmy or nuclear integration?

The mitochondrial genome is increasingly being used as a species diagnostic marker in insects. Typically, genomic DNA is PCR amplified and then analysed by restriction analyses or sequencing. This analysis system may cause some serious problems for molecular diagnosis. Besides the errors introduced by the PCR process, mtDNA sequence variation of amplified fragments may originate from mtDNA heteroplasmy or from nuclear integrations of mtDNA fragments, both of which have been shown to occur in insects. Here we document abundant variation in PCR-amplified sequences of the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase I gene of Thrips tabaci. We confirm that the most common haplotype is of mitochondrial origin. Some of the observed mutations were introduced by the amplification process. However, the occurrence of some haplotypes at elevated frequencies indicates that within-individual variation of the respective fragment exists at low levels in T. tabaci. The frequencies of these sequences are too low to negatively affect mtDNA-based molecular diagnosis of T. tabaci. The possible origin of these variant haplotypes is discussed.     

Molecular barcodes detect redundancy and contamination in hairpin-bisulfite PCR

PCR amplification of limited amounts of DNA template carries an increased risk of product redundancy and contamination. We use molecular barcoding to label each genomic DNA template with an individual sequence tag prior to PCR amplification. In addition, we include molecular ‘batch-stamps’ that effectively label each genomic template with a sample ID and analysis date. This highly sensitive method identifies redundant and contaminant sequences and serves as a reliable method for positive identification of desired sequences; we can therefore capture accurately the genomic template diversity in the sample analyzed. Although our application described here involves the use of hairpin-bisulfite PCR for amplification of double-stranded DNA, the method can readily be adapted to single-strand PCR. Useful applications will include analyses of limited template DNA for biomedical, ancient DNA and forensic purposes.     

玉米雄性不育细胞质特异DNA片段的发现及差异展示

利用3对线粒体引物对玉米同核异质和同质异核不育系的基因组总DNA进行PCR扩增;对检测到多态性的引物,再分别对供试材料小孢子发育至四分体、单核期和双核期的花药总RNA进行差异显示分析。结果表明：以基因组总DNA为模板,引物P1-P2在所有供试不育材料都有一相同的特异扩增带,而在保持系中均无扩增;引物P3-P4在所有供试材料中均无扩增;引物P5-P6仅在保持系黄早四中有扩增,而在其他供试材料中无扩增。这一结果说明以P1-P2为引物所检测到的特异扩增带为所有供试不育细胞质所特有,且不受供试材料不同核背景的影响。对于在不育材料基因组总DNA中具有特异扩增的引物P1-P2,进一步以cDNA为模板进行PCR扩增（RT-PCR）,所有不育材料在小孢子发育的3个时期均有一相同的特异扩增带,而保持系在小孢子发育的相应时期均无扩增,说明以P1-P2为引物所检测到的转录本的大小和数目,在同核异质及同质异核不育材料间均表现一致,且不受小孢子发育时期的影响。这说明以P1-P2为引物所检测到的不育材料DNA水平的共同结构特点在小孢子发育中具有转录上的一致性,因此可以认为供试不育细胞质DNA水平的这一特异序列结构与雄性不育性状的表现有关。     

水稻OsNCED3基因的RNAi载体构建

水稻OsNCED3基因是水稻抗逆过程中重要的基因之一.以水稻中花10号幼苗为材料,提取基因组DNA.设计引物扩增区段cDNA并引入相应的酶切位点,以基因组DNA作为模板,进行RNAi-OsNCED3顺式和反式目的片段的PCR扩增.将PCR产物连接到pMD19-T载体上,经酶切和PCR检测后进行测序.测序结果表明:RNAi-OsNCED3顺式和反式目的片段均已正确的连接到pMD19-T载体上.然后将RNAi-OsNCED3顺式和反式目的片段通过酶切和连接,连接到含有发夹结构的质粒pFGC5941上.PCR及双酶切结果显示,构建的pFGC5941-OsNCED3即RNAi-OsNCED3载体结构完整.