Competitive enzymatic reaction to control allele-specific extensions

High-throughput DNA synthesis for data storage

With the explosion of digital world, the dramatically increasing data volume is expected to reach 175 ZB (1 ZB = 1012 GB) in 2025. Storing such huge global data would consume tons of resources. Fortunately, it has been found that the deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) molecule is the most compact and durable information storage medium in the world so far. Its high coding density and long-term preservation properties make itself one of the best data storage carriers for the future. High-throughput DNA synthesis is a key technology for "DNA data storage", which encodes binary data stream (0/1) into quaternary long DNA sequences consisting of four bases (A/G/C/T). In this review, the workflow of DNA data storage and the basic methods of artificial DNA synthesis technology are outlined first. Then, the technical characteristics of different synthesis methods and the state-of-the-art of representative commercial companies, with a primary focus on silicon chip microarray-based synthesis and novel enzymatic DNA synthesis are presented. Finally, the recent status of DNA storage and new opportunities for future development in the field of high-throughput, large-scale DNA synthesis technology are summarized.

Terminator-free template-independent enzymatic DNA synthesis for digital information storage

DNA is an emerging medium for digital data and its adoption can be accelerated by synthesis processes specialized for storage applications. Here, we describe a de novo enzymatic synthesis strategy designed for data storage which harnesses the template-independent polymerase terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase (TdT) in kinetically controlled conditions. Information is stored in transitions between non-identical nucleotides of DNA strands. To produce strands representing user-defined content, nucleotide substrates are added iteratively, yielding short homopolymeric extensions whose lengths are controlled by apyrase-mediated substrate degradation. With this scheme, we synthesize DNA strands carrying 144 bits, including addressing, and demonstrate retrieval with streaming nanopore sequencing. We further devise a digital codec to reduce requirements for synthesis accuracy and sequencing coverage, and experimentally show robust data retrieval from imperfectly synthesized strands. This work provides distributive enzymatic synthesis and information-theoretic approaches to advance digital information storage in DNA.

Adoption of DNA as a data storage medium could be accelerated with specialized synthesis processes and codecs. The authors describe TdT-mediated DNA synthesis in which data is stored in transitions between non-identical nucleotides and the use of synchronization markers to provide error tolerance.

Recombinant expression library of Pyrococcus furiosus constructed by high-throughput cloning: a useful tool for functional and structural genomics

Hyperthermophile Pyrococcus furiosus grows optimally near 100°C and is an important resource of many industrial and molecular biological enzymes. To study the structure and function of P. furiosus proteins at whole genome level, we constructed expression plasmids of each P. furiosus gene using a ligase-independent cloning method, which was based on amplifying target gene and vector by PCR using phosphorothioate-modified primers and digesting PCR products by λ exonuclease. Our cloning method had a positive clone percentage of ≥ 80% in 96-well plate cloning format. Small-scale expression experiment showed that 55 out of 80 genes were efficiently expressed in Escherichia coli Strain Rosetta 2(DE3)pLysS. In summary, this recombinant expression library of P. furiosus provides a platform for functional and structural studies, as well as developing novel industrial enzymes. Our cloning scheme is adaptable to constructing recombinant expression library of other sequenced organisms.

Arrayed identification of DNA signatures

Over the last few years, several initiatives have described efforts to combine previously invented techniques in molecular biology with parallel detection principles to sequence or genotype DNA signatures. The Infinium system from Illumina and the Affymetrix GeneChips are two systems suitable for whole-genome scoring of variable positions. However, directed candidate-gene approaches are more cost effective and several academic groups and the private sector provide techniques with moderate typing throughput combined with large sample capacity suiting these needs. Recently, whole-genome sequencing platforms based on the sequencing-by-synthesis principle were presented by 454 Life Sciences and Solexa, showing great potential as alternatives to conventional genotyping approaches. In addition to these sequencing initiatives, many efforts are pursuing novel ideas to facilitate fast and cost-effective whole genome sequencing, such as ligation-based sequencing. Reliable methods for routine re-sequencing of human genomes as a tool for personalized medicine, however, remain to be developed.

Targeted transcript profiling by sequencing

In this work we present a targeted gene expression strategy employing trinucleotide threading (TnT) amplification and massive parallel sequencing. We have previously shown that TnT combined with array readout accurately monitors expression levels. However, with this detection strategy spurious products go undetected. Accordingly, we adapted the TnT protocol to massive parallel sequencing to acquire an unbiased view of the entire TnT-generated product population. In this manner we investigated the identity of undesired products, their extent at different oligonucleotide:RNA ratios and their effect on the expression levels. We demonstrate that TnT gene expression profiling with massive sequencing readout renders reliable expression data from as low as 3.5 ng of total RNA. Moreover, using 350 ng of total RNA results in only 0.7% to 1.1% undesired products. When lowering the amount of input material, the undesired product fraction increases but this does not influence the expression profiles.

Narrow genetic basis for the Australian dingo confirmed through analysis of paternal ancestry

The dingo (Canis lupus dingo) is an iconic animal in the native culture of Australia, but archaeological and molecular records indicate a relatively recent history on the continent. Studies of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) imply that the current dingo population was founded by a small population of already tamed dogs from Southeast Asia. However, the maternal genetic data might give a unilateral picture, and the gene pool has yet to be screened for paternal ancestry. We sequenced 14,437 bp of the Y-chromosome (Y-chr) from two dingoes and one New Guinea Singing Dog (NGSD). This positioned dingo and NGSD within the domestic dog Y-chr phylogeny, and produced one haplotype not detected before. With this data, we characterized 47 male dingoes in 30 Y-chr single-nucleotide polymorphism sites using protease-mediated allele-specific extension technology. Only two haplotypes, H3 and H60, were found among the dingoes, at frequencies of 68.1 and 31.9 %, respectively, compared to 27 haplotypes previously established in the domestic dog. While H3 is common among Southeast Asian dogs, H60 was specifically found in dingoes and the NGSD, but was related to Southeast Asian dog Y-chr haplotypes. H3 and H60 were observed exclusively in the western and eastern parts of Australia, respectively, but had a common range in Southeast. Thus, the Y-chr diversity was very low, similar to previous observations for d-loop mtDNA. Overall genetic evidence suggests a very restricted introduction of the first dingoes into Australia, possibly from New Guinea. This study further confirms the dingo as an isolated feral dog.

Visual DNA as a diagnostic tool

We report on the incorporation of the Visual DNA concept in a genotyping assay as a simple and straightforward detection tool. The principle of trapping streptavidin-coated superparamagnetic beads of micrometer size for visualization of genetic variances is used for PrASE-based detection of a panel of mutations in the severe and common genetic disorder of cystic fibrosis. The method allows a final investigation of genotypes by the naked eye and the output is easily documented using a regular hand-held device with an integrated digital camera. A number of samples were run through the assay, showing rapid and accurate detection using superparamagnetic beads and an off-the-shelf neodymium magnet. The assay emphasizes the power of Visual DNA and demonstrates the potential value of the method in future point-of-care tests.

High-throughput SNP detection based on PCR amplification on magnetic nanoparticles using dual-color hybridization

A microarray-based method for detecting single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) using solid-phase polymerase chain reaction (PCR) on magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) was developed. In this method one primer with a biotin label is captured by streptavidin-coated MNPs (SA-MNPs), and the PCR products are directly amplified on the surface of SA-MNPs in a 96-well plate. The samples are further probed by hybridization with a pair of dual-color probes to determine SNP. The genotype of each sample can be simultaneously identified by scanning the microarray printed with the denatured fluorescent probes. All the reactions can be performed in the same reaction volume without the necessity of purification of intermediates. This approach represents a novel, simple, and labor-saving method for SNP genotyping and can be applied in automation system(s) to achieve high-throughput SNP detection.

Screening of common CYP1B1 mutations in Iranian POAG patients using a microarray-based PrASE protocol

PURPOSE

The gene coding cytochrome P4501B1 (CYP1B1) has been shown to be a major cause of primary congenital glaucoma in the Iranian population. More recently it was shown to also be important in juvenile-onset open angle glaucoma (JOAG). We aimed to further investigate the role of CYP1B1 in a larger cohort of primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) patients which included late-onset patients. We also aimed to set up a microarray based protocol for mutation screening with an intent of using the protocol in a future population level screening program.

METHODS

Sixty three POAG patients, nine affected family members, and thirty three previously genotyped primary congenital glaucoma (PCG) patients were included in the study. Clinical examination included slit lamp biomicroscopy, IOP measurement, gonioscopic evaluation, fundus examination, and measurement of perimetry. G61E, R368H, R390H, and R469W were screened by a protocol that included multiplexed allele specific amplification in the presence of a protease (PrASE), use of sequence tagged primers, and hybridization to generic arrays on microarray slides. The entire coding sequences of CYP1B1 and myocilin (MYOC) genes were sequenced in all individuals assessed by the microarray assay to carry a mutation. Intragenic single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) haplotpes were determined for mutated alleles.

RESULTS

Genotypes assessed by the array-based PrASE methodology were in 100% concordance with sequencing results. Seven mutation carrying POAG patients (11.1%) were identified, and their distribution was quite skewed between the juvenile-onset individuals (5/21) as compared to late-onset cases (2/42). Four of the seven mutation carrying Iranian patients harbored two mutated alleles. CYP1B1 mutated alleles in Iranian PCG and POAG patients shared common haplotypes. MYOC mutations were not observed in any of the patients.

CONCLUSIONS

The PrASE approach allowed reliable simultaneous genotyping of many individuals. It can be an appropriate tool for screening common mutations in large sample sizes. The results suggest that CYP1B1 is implicated in POAG among Iranians, notably in the juvenile-onset form. Contrary to POAG patients studied in other populations, many mutation harboring Iranian patients carry two mutated alleles. We propose an explanation for this observation.

Improved adapter-ligation-mediated allele-specific amplification for multiplex genotyping by using software

Adapter-ligation-mediated allele-specific amplification (ALM-ASA) is a potential method for multiplex SNPs typing at an ultra low cost. Here, we describe a kind of software, which designs allele-specific primers for ALM-ASA assay on multiplex SNPs. DNA sequences containing SNPs of interest are submitted into the software which contains various endonucleases for options. Based on the SNP sequence information and the selected endonucleases, the software is capable of automatically generating sets of information needed to perform genotyping experiments. Each set contains a suitable endonuclease, qualified allele-specific primers with orientations and melting temperatures, sizes of allele-specific amplicons, and gel electropherograms simulated according to the sizes of the allele-specific amplicons and the mobility of DNA fragments in 2% agarose gel. Seven SNPs in the arylamines N-acetyltransferase 2 (NAT2) gene, five SNPs in the BRCA1 gene, five SNPs in the COMT gene, six SNPs in the CYP2E1 gene, five SNPs in the MPO gene, and six SNPs in the NRG1 gene were selected for evaluating the software. Without extra optimization, seven SNPs in the NAT2 gene were successfully genotyped for genomic DNA samples from 127 individuals by using the first set of allele-specific primers yielded by the software. Although several steps are used in the ALM-ASA assay, the whole genotyping process can be completed within 3 h by optimizing each step. Profiting from the software, the ALM-ASA assay is easy-to-perform, labor-saving, and accurate.

Quantitative evaluation of oligonucleotide surface concentrations using polymerization-based amplification

Quantitative evaluation of minimal polynucleotide concentrations has become a critical analysis among a myriad of applications found in molecular diagnostic technology. Development of high-throughput, nonenzymatic assays that are sensitive, quantitative and yet feasible for point-of-care testing are thus beneficial for routine implementation. Here, we develop a nonenzymatic method for quantifying surface concentrations of labeled DNA targets by coupling regulated amounts of polymer growth to complementary biomolecular binding on array-based biochips. Polymer film thickness measurements in the 20–220 nm range vary logarithmically with labeled DNA surface concentrations over two orders of magnitude with a lower limit of quantitation at 60 molecules/μm² (∼10⁶ target molecules). In an effort to develop this amplification method towards compatibility with fluorescence-based methods of characterization, incorporation of fluorescent nanoparticles into the polymer films is also evaluated. The resulting gains in fluorescent signal enable quantification using detection instrumentation amenable to point-of-care settings.

Figure

Allelotyping by massively parallel pyrosequencing of SNP-carrying trinucleotide threads

Here we present an approach for allelotyping combining the multiplexing features of the trinucleotide threading (TnT) method with pooling of genomic DNA and massively parallel pyrosequencing, enabling reliable allele frequency estimation in large cohorts. The approach offers several benefits as compared to array-based methods and allows undertaking highly complex studies without compromising accuracy, while keeping the workload to a minimum. This proof-of-concept study involves formation of trinucleotide threads, targeting a total of 147 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) related to obesity and cancer, for multiplex amplification and allele extraction from a pool of 462 genomes, followed by massively parallel pyrosequencing. Approximately 177k reads were approved, identified, and assigned to SNP-carrying threads rendering representative allele frequencies in the cohort.

Genetic polymorphisms of matrix metalloproteinases in lung, breast and colorectal cancer

The matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) can degrade various components of the extracellular matrix and are implicated in the development and progression of cancer. There is evidence suggesting an association of MMP gene polymorphisms with cancer susceptibility and/or metastasis. This paper reviews the findings on several single nucleotide polymorphisms in the collagenase, stromelysin and gelatinase genes in lung cancer, breast cancer and colorectal cancer.

Expression profiling of signature gene sets with trinucleotide threading

In recent years, studies have shown that expression profiling of carefully chosen intermediary gene sets, comprising approximately 10 to 100 genes, can convey the most relevant information compared to much more complex whole-genome studies. In this paper, we present a novel method suitable for expression profiling of moderate gene sets in a large number of samples. The assay implements the parallel amplification features of the trinucleotide threading technique (TnT), which encompasses linear transcript-based DNA thread formation in conjunction with exponential multiplexed thread amplification. The amplifications bestow the method with high sensitivity. The TnT procedure together with thread detection, relying on thread-specific primer extension followed by hybridization to universal tag arrays, allows for three distinction levels, thus offering high specificity. Additionally, the assay is easily automated and flexible. A gene set, comprising 18 protein epitope signature tags from the Swedish Human Protein Atlas program, was analyzed with the TnT-based approach and the data were compared with those generated by both real-time PCR and genome-wide cDNA arrays, with the highest correlation observed between TnT and real-time PCR. Taken together, expression profiling with trinucleotide threading represents a reliable approach for studies of intermediary gene sets.

Visual detection of labeled oligonucleotides using visible-light-polymerization-based amplification

DNA biochip technology holds potential for highly parallel, rapid, and sensitive genetic diagnostic screening of target pathogens and disease biomarkers. A primary limitation involves a simultaneous, sequence-specific identification of low copy number target polynucleotides using a clinically appropriate detection methodology that implements only inexpensive detection instrumentation. Here, a rapid (20 min), nonenzymatic method of signal amplification utilizing surface-initiated photopolymerization is presented in glass microarray format. Visible light photoinitiators covalently coupled to streptavidin were used to bind biotin-labeled capture sequences. Amplification was achieved through subsequent contact with a monomer solution and the appropriate light exposure to generate 20-240-nm-thick hydrogel layers exclusively from spots containing the biotin-labeled DNA. An amplification factor of 10(6) to 10(7) was observed as well as a detectable response generated from as low as approximately 10(4) labeled oligonucleotides using minimal instrumentation, such as an optical microscope or CCD camera.

Determination of the optimized conditions for coupling oligonucleotides with 16-mercaptohexadecanoic acid chemically adsorbed upon Au

A specific 5'-modified amino group oligonucleotide (Primer 1), 15-mers in length, is selectively coupled with the carboxyl terminated 16-mercaptohexadecanoic acid (MHDA) chemically adsorbed on Au and subsequently hybridized with Antisense Primer. The amide-coupling process is of significance to create an intermediate structure for the purpose of adding Primer 1, while the hybridization reaction is relevant to various diagnostic purposes to determine the presence in nucleic acids for a target sequence. In this work, the coupling setting was particularly emphasized by varying commonly used temperatures and pH values with a definite concentration of coupling agents (i.e., 10 mM). The recombination with analogous hybridization treatment was investigated using high resolution X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and a 75 degrees grazing angle Fourier transform infrared spectrometer. On the basis of the spectroscopic studies, the optimized conditions for the coupling process that is also correlated with the molecular density of subsequent hybridization process on MHDA/Au have been proposed at 37 degrees C and a pH value of 4.5. Therefore, it is pertinent to intensify the joining of short-chain DNA strands by complementary base pairing in diagnostic applications such as the identification of single nucleotide polymorphisms.

High-throughput SNP genotyping based on solid-phase PCR on magnetic nanoparticles with dual-color hybridization

Single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) are one-base variations in DNA sequence that can often be helpful when trying to find genes responsible for inherited diseases. In this paper, a microarray-based method for typing single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) using solid-phase polymerase chain reaction (PCR) on magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) was developed. One primer with biotin-label was captured by streptavidin coated magnetic nanoparticles (SA-MNPs), and PCR products were directly amplified on the surface of SA-MNPs in a 96-well plate. The samples were interrogated by hybridization with a pair of dual-color probes to determine SNP, and then genotype of each sample can be simultaneously identified by scanning the microarray printed with the denatured fluorescent probes. The C677T polymorphisms of methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene from 126 samples were interrogated using this method. The results showed that three different genotypes were discriminated by three fluorescence patterns on the microarray. Without any purification and reduction procedure, and all reactions can be performed in the same vessel, this approach will be a simple and labor-saving method for SNP genotyping and can be applicable towards the automation system to achieve high-throughput SNP detection.

Enhanced discrimination of single nucleotide polymorphism in genotyping by phosphorothioate proofreading allele-specific amplification

There is a significant demand for sensitive, inexpensive, and flexible genotyping techniques that can be accomplished with reasonable throughput. Allele-specific amplification (ASA) has the advantage of combining the amplification and discrimination steps into a single reaction. However, mismatch amplification that occurs during traditional ASA limits its application for genotyping. Here, a modified ASA termed phosphorothioate proofreading allele-specific amplification (PP-ASA) is developed, for single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) genotyping analysis. Using both 3' end phosphorothioate modification of primers and DNA polymerase with proofreading activity completely eliminated mismatch amplifications, therefore enhancing discrimination between alleles for genotyping. The conditions for PP-ASA were optimized for template concentration and amplification cycle number as both were found to be critical for accurate genotyping. The utility of PP-ASA was assessed using both plasmid and genomic DNAs as templates and validated by polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis of 60 human DNA samples for two distinct SNPs. PP-ASA represents a reliable, flexible, and inexpensive assay for SNP genotyping; it could be integrated to chip- or PCR-array-based assays to improve the throughput and reduce the cost for SNP analyses.

I-Shaped Microchannel Array Chip for Parallel Electrophoretic Analyses

We demonstrate electrophoresis in I-shaped microchannels with a new design and operation principle. Unlike the conventional T- or cross-shaped microchannels, the simple I-shaped design makes it straightforward to integrate parallel microchannels with electrodes onto a microchip. The operation of the I-shaped microchannels has been enabled by the autonomous solution filling technique, which exploits the high gas solubility in poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS). We fabricated an I-shaped microchannel array (IMA) chip by integrating 12 independent microchannels and 2 electrodes onto a 3 cm x 2 cm area in a PDMS-glass hybrid microchip. For autonomous regulation of stable sample plugs in all the microchannels, we discovered that O2 plasma treatment of the PDMS-made reservoirs is effective. On the IMA chip, size-dependent separation of double-stranded (ds) DNA and sequence-specific separation of single-stranded DNA were achieved. Specifically, 10 fragments in a 100-1000-bp dsDNA ladder were separated using hydroxyethylcellulose as a sieving matrix within a separation length of 2 mm, and polymerase chain reaction products of the wild-type K-ras gene and its point mutant were separated using a probe DNA-poly(dimethylacrylamide) conjugate on the basis of affinity capillary electrophoresis. The IMA chip presented here opens up a new possibility of large-scale integration of microchannels for high-throughput electrophoretic analyses.

Comparison of PrASE and Pyrosequencing for SNP Genotyping

Background

There is an imperative need for SNP genotyping technologies that are cost-effective per sample with retained high accuracy, throughput and flexibility. We have developed a microarray-based technique and compared it to Pyrosequencing. In the protease-mediated allele-specific extension (PrASE), the protease constrains the elongation reaction and thus prevents incorrect nucleotide incorporation to mismatched 3'-termini primers.

Results

The assay is automated for 48 genotyping reactions in parallel followed by a tag-microarray detection system. A script automatically visualizes the results in cluster diagrams and assigns the genotypes. Ten polymorphic positions suggested as prothrombotic genetic variations were analyzed with Pyrosequencing and PrASE technologies in 442 samples and 99.8 % concordance was achieved. In addition to accuracy, the robustness and reproducibility of the technique has been investigated.

Conclusion

The results of this study strongly indicate that the PrASE technology can offer significant improvements in terms of accuracy and robustness and thereof increased number of typeable SNPs.

Single-tube-genotyping of gastric cancer related SNPs by directly using whole blood and paper-dried blood as starting materials

AIM: To demonstrate an inexpensive method for typing gastric cancer related single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) using whole blood or paper-dried blood as starting materials.

METHODS: PCR amplification is directly carried out from the whole blood or paper-dried blood sample without any DNA extraction step. Before PCR, a blood sample, four primers, and all of biological reagents necessary for PCR were added at a time; After PCR, the amplified products were directly separated by slab gel electrophoresis or microchip CE without any purification. SNP typing was performed by tetra-primer PCR with two inner primers specific to each allele and two outer primers defining the length of allele-specific amplicons. Genotypes were directly discriminated by the size of amplicons specific to each allele, thereby avoiding any post-PCR process.

RESULTS: Using a special PCR buffer, inhibitory substances in blood (including the anticoagulant in blood) and filter paper were effectively suppressed; a “true” single-tube-genotyping is thus realized. We successfully determined genotypes IL-1B-511 and IL-1B-31 polymorphisms at the gene IL-1B by using whole-blood and paper-dried blood samples as starting materials respectively. The method is so sensitive that 0.5-1.0 μL of blood sample is enough to give a satisfactory typing results. The genotyping results were confirmed by RFLP-PCR using purified genome DNA, indicating that amplification specificity was not affected by inhibitory components (including coagulants) in blood or filter paper.

CONCLUSION: Compared with SNP typing methods based on purified DNA, the proposed method is labor-saving, simple, inexpensive, and less cross-contaminated. It is promising to use this method to type other SNPs.

Creating advanced multifunctional biosensors with surface enzymatic transformations

This paper summarizes our recent work on the coupling of surface enzyme chemistry and bioaffinity interactions on biopolymer microarrays for the creation of multiplexed biosensors with enhanced selectivity and sensitivity. The surface sensitive techniques of surface plasmon resonance imaging (SPRI) and surface plasmon fluorescence spectroscopy (SPFS) are used to detect the surface enzymatic transformations in real time. Three specific examples of novel coupled surface bioaffinity/surface enzymatic processes are demonstrated: (i) a surface enzymatic amplification method utilizing the enzyme ribonuclease H (RNase H) in conjunction with RNA microarrays that permits the ultrasensitive direct detection of genomic DNA at a concentration of 1 fM without labeling or PCR amplification, (ii) the use of RNA-DNA ligation chemistry to create renewable RNA microarrays from single stranded DNA microarrays, and (iii) the application of T7 RNA polymerase for the on-chip replication of RNA from double stranded DNA microarray elements. In addition, a simple yet powerful theoretical framework that includes the contributions of both enzyme adsorption and surface enzyme kinetics is used to quantitate surface enzyme reactivity. This model is successfully applied to SPRI and SPFS measurements of surface hydrolysis reactions of RNase H and Exonuclease III (Exo III) on oligonucleotide microarrays.

Algorithm for automatic genotype calling of single nucleotide polymorphisms using the full course of TaqMan real-time data

Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) are often determined using TaqMan real-time PCR assays (Applied Biosystems) and commercial software that assigns genotypes based on reporter probe signals at the end of amplification. Limitations to the large-scale application of this approach include the need for positive controls or operator intervention to set signal thresholds when one allele is rare. In the interest of optimizing real-time PCR genotyping, we developed an algorithm for automatic genotype calling based on the full course of real-time PCR data. Best cycle genotyping algorithm (BCGA), written in the open source language R, is based on the assumptions that classification depends on the time (cycle) of amplification and that it is possible to identify a best discriminating cycle for each SNP assay. The algorithm is unique in that it classifies samples according to the behavior of blanks (no DNA samples), which cluster with heterozygous samples. This method of classification eliminates the need for positive controls and permits accurate genotyping even in the absence of a genotype class, for example when one allele is rare. Here, we describe the algorithm and test its validity, compared to the standard end-point method and to DNA sequencing.

Tri-nucleotide threading for parallel amplification of minute amounts of genomic DNA

Efforts to correlate genetic variations with phenotypic differences are intensifying due to the availability of high-density maps of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and the development of high throughput scoring methods. These recent advances have led to an increased interest for improved multiplex preparations of genetic material to facilitate such whole genome analyses. Here we propose a strategy for the parallel amplification of polymorphic loci based on a reduced set of nucleotides. The technique denoted Tri-nucleotide Threading (TnT), allows SNPs to be amplified via controlled linear amplification followed by complete removal of the target material and subsequent amplification with a pair of universal primers. A dedicated software tool was developed for this purpose and variable positions in genes associated with different forms of cancer were analyzed using sub-nanogram amounts of starting material. The amplified fragments were then successfully scored using a microarray-based PrASE technique. The results of this study, in which 75 SNPs were analyzed, show that the TnT technique circumvents potential problems associated with multiplex amplification of SNPs from minute amounts of material. The technique is specific, sensitive and can be readily adapted to equipment and genotyping techniques used in other research laboratories without requiring changes to the preferred typing method.