A Tetra-Primer Amplification Refractory System Technique for the Cost-Effective and Novel Genotyping of Eight Single-Nucleotide Polymorphisms of the Catechol-O-Methyltransferase Gene

Gene-Environment Interactions in Irrational Beliefs: The Roles of Childhood Adversity and Multiple Candidate Genes

Cognitive behavioral therapy is based on the view that maladaptive thinking is the causal mechanism of mental disorders. While this view is supported by extensive evidence, very limited work has addressed the factors that contribute to the development of maladaptive thinking. The present study aimed to uncover interactions between childhood maltreatment and multiple genetic differences in irrational beliefs. Childhood maltreatment and irrational beliefs were assessed using multiple self-report instruments in a sample of healthy volunteers (N = 452). Eighteen single-nucleotide polymorphisms were genotyped in six candidate genes related to neurotransmitter function (COMT; SLC6A4; OXTR), neurotrophic factors (BDNF), and the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis (NR3C1; CRHR1). Gene-environment interactions (G×E) were first explored in models that employed one measure of childhood maltreatment and one measure of irrational beliefs. These effects were then followed up in models in which either the childhood maltreatment measure, the irrational belief measure, or both were substituted by parallel measures. Consistent results across models indicated that childhood maltreatment was positively associated with irrational beliefs, and these relations were significantly influenced by COMT rs165774 and OXTR rs53576. These results remain preliminary until independent replication, but they represent the best available evidence to date on G×E in a fundamental mechanism of psychopathology.

Tetra-primer ARMS-PCR combined with GoldMag lateral flow assay for genotyping: simultaneous visual detection of both alleles

Rapid and simple detection of single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) is vital for individualized diagnosis and eventual treatment in the current clinical setting. In this study, we developed a tetra-primer ARMS-PCR combined lateral flow assay (T-ARMS-PCR-LFA) method for simultaneous visual detection of two alleles. By using four primers labeled with digoxin, biotin and Cy5 separately in one PCR reaction, the amplified allele-specific products could be captured by streptavidin and the anti-Cy5 antibody on two separated test lines of a LFA strip, which allows the presentation of both alleles within the single LFA strip. Both DNA and whole blood can be used as templates in this genotyping method in which the whole detection process is completed within 75 minutes. The performance assay of T-ARMS-PCR-LFA demonstrates the accuracy, specificity and sensitivity of this method. One hundred human whole blood samples were used for MTHFR C677T genotyping in T-ARMS-PCR-LFA. The concordance rate of the results detected was up to 100% when compared with that of the sequencing results. Collectively, this newly developed method is highly applicable for SNP screening in clinical practices.