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Detection of DNA adducts using a quantitative long PCR technique and the fluorogenic 5' nuclease assay (TaqMan).

The detection of DNA adducts is an important component in assessing the mutagenic potential of exogenous and endogenous compounds. Here, we report an in vitro quantitative long PCR (XL-PCR) assay to measure DNA adducts in human genomic DNA based on their ability to block and inhibit PCR amplification. Human genomic DNA was exposed to test compounds and then a target sequence was amplified by XL-PCR. The amplified sequence was then quantified using fluorogenic 5' nuclease PCR (TaqMan) and normalized to a solvent-treated control. The extent of DNA adduction was determined based on the reduction in amplification of the target sequence in the treated sample. A 17.7kb beta-globin fragment was chosen as the target sequence for these studies, since preliminary experiments revealed a two-fold increased sensitivity of this target compared to a 10.4kb HPRT fragment for detecting hydrogen peroxide-induced DNA damage. Validation of the XL-PCR assay with various compounds demonstrated the versatility of the assay for detecting a wide range of adducts formed by direct acting or S9-activated mutagens. The same DNA samples were also analyzed using 32P-postlabeling techniques (thin-layer chromatography or high-performance liquid chromatography) to confirm the presence of DNA adducts and estimate their levels. Whereas 32P-postlabeling with nuclease P(1) enrichment was more sensitive for detecting bulky adducts induced by the compounds benzo[a]pyrene, dimethylbenzanthracene, 3-methylindole, indole 3-carbinol, or 2-acetylaminofluorene, the XL-PCR procedure was more sensitive for detecting smaller or labile DNA adducts formed by the compounds methyl methanesulfonate, diethyl nitrosamine, ethylnitrosourea, diepoxybutane, ICR-191, styrene oxide, or aflatoxin B(1). Compounds not expected to form adducts in DNA, such as clofibrate, phenobarbital, chloroform or acetone, did not produce a positive response in the XL-PCR assay. Thus, quantitative XL-PCR provides a rapid, high-throughput assay for detecting DNA damage that complements the existing 32P-postlabeling assay with nuclease P(1) enrichment.

Animals↗

Feasibility of quantitative PCR-based saliva rinse screening of HPV for head and neck cancer.

Human papilloma virus (HPV) 16 is likely to be an etiologic factor in a subset of head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSC). We investigated the ability of a quantitative PCR-based assay to detect HPV 16 in salivary rinses as a screening method for HNSC. Real time quantitative PCR was applied to detect HPV16 E6 and E7 DNA level in 92 primary tumors and salivary rinses from patients with HNSC and 604 control subjects without HNSC. A total of 45.6% (42/92) of primary HNSC and 32.6% (30/92) of saliva rinse samples from HNSC patients had any detectable HPV 16 DNA, 30.4% (28/92) of tumors had HPV 16 levels >0.1 copies/cell. HPV16 was detected in 50% (confidence interval [CI] = 34.2-65.8%) (21/42) of the saliva rinse samples from HNSC patients with detectable HPV16 level in their tissue, 18% (CI = 8.4-30.9%) (9/50) of saliva rinse samples from patients with HPV 16 negative primary HNSC, in 2.8% (CI = 1.7-4.5%) (17/604) of the normal controls (p < 0.001). Using a cutoff of HPV 16 >0.001 copies/cell in saliva rinse yielded a sensitivity of 30.4% and a specificity of 98.3%. Nonsmokers had significant higher HPV 16 level than smokers in the cohort of cancer patients. HPV 16 DNA in saliva rinses can reflect HPV 16 status of primary HNSC. Quantitative analysis of HPV 16 DNA in salivary rinses allows for detection of HPV-related HNSC, however, specific limitations exist that prevent the application of this as a screening technique for a broad population.

Adolescent↗

Rapid prenatal diagnosis of Down Syndrome using quantitative fluorescent PCR in uncultured amniocytes.

Rapid prenatal diagnosis of common chromosome aneuploidies have been successful through quantitative fluorescent PCR (QF-PCR) assays and small tandem repeat (STR) markers. The purpose of our study was to investigate the clinical feasibility for rapid prenatal detection of Down syndrome using the quantitative fluorescent PCR in uncultured amniocytes. DNA was extracted from uncultured amniotic fluid of normal karyotype (n=200) and of Down syndrome (n=21). It was amplified using QF-PCR with four STR markers located on chromosome 21. Among normal samples, the ranges of diallelic peaks for at least one STR marker were 1.0-1.3 for D21S11, 1.0-1.4 for D21S1411 and 1.0-1.5 for D21S1270. Down syndrome samples showed trisomic triallelic patterns or trisomic diallelic patterns. The sensitivity, specificity, and efficiency of the assay for detecting Down syndrome were 95.4%, 100%, and 99.5%, respectively. Rapid prenatal diagnosis of Down syndrome using QF-PCR is a reliable technique that aids clinical management of pregnancy.

Alleles↗

Development of a human-specific real-time PCR assay for the simultaneous quantitation of total genomic and male DNA.

A duplex real-time quantitative PCR assay was developed for forensic DNA analysis, which provides simultaneous quantitation of total genomic human DNA and human male DNA. The assay utilizes two spectrally resolved fluorogenic probes in a 5' nuclease (TaqMantrade mark) assay. Within the range of organisms empirically tested and based upon theoretical specificity using National Center for Biotechnology Information GenBank sequences, primer and probe sequences were shown to be human specific, and the Y-chromosome probe, male-specific. A mixture-challenge study resulted in accurate quantitation of 25 pg male DNA in a mixture of up to 1:5000 (male:female DNA). Additional experimental results include comparisons with the slot blot method and commercial real-time PCR kits. The assay developed addresses the shortcomings of the traditional slot blot method as well as the commercial real-time PCR kits. This method is shown to be specific, relatively simple, rapid, has low limits of detection, and consumes limited sample in addition to reporting both the male and total genomic DNA concentrations present.

Chromosomes, Human, Y↗

Evaluation of a quantitative competitive PCR assay for measuring herpes simplex virus DNA content in genital tract secretions.

Previous studies have shown an association between the approximate titer of herpes simplex virus (HSV) DNA in clinical specimens and the ability to isolate HSV from genital secretions. To control for variance in amplification conditions, we developed a competitive quantitative PCR (QC PCR) for the detection of HSV DNA. The assay accurately measured from 10 to 10(6) copies of HSV DNA. We compared the QC PCR with our previous semiquantitative detection method and found concordance for 61 of 63 positive specimens. We also evaluated the HSV DNA content from individual swabs of genital secretions obtained from individual sites of the genital tract (cervix, vulva, and rectum) with that from one swab with secretions from all three sites. The concordance for detecting HSV DNA was 91%; for only 4 of 143 collection days was there a > 1 log difference between the two collection methods. A single swab with secretions from all three genital sites and evaluated in a QC PCR format can accurately measure the frequency of subclinical and clinical shedding of HSV and the titer of HSV shed from the genital region. Such an approach should be very useful in the evaluation of antiviral chemotherapy for HSV.

Base Sequence↗

Mathematics of quantitative kinetic PCR and the application of standard curves.

Fluorescent monitoring of DNA amplification is the basis of real-time PCR, from which target DNA concentration can be determined from the fractional cycle at which a threshold amount of amplicon DNA is produced. Absolute quantification can be achieved using a standard curve constructed by amplifying known amounts of target DNA. In this study, the mathematics of quantitative PCR are examined in detail, from which several fundamental aspects of the threshold method and the application of standard curves are illustrated. The construction of five replicate standard curves for two pairs of nested primers was used to examine the reproducibility and degree of quantitative variation using SYBER Green I fluorescence. Based upon this analysis the application of a single, well- constructed standard curve could provide an estimated precision of +/-6-21%, depending on the number of cycles required to reach threshold. A simplified method for absolute quantification is also proposed, in which quantitative scale is determined by DNA mass at threshold.

DNA↗

Quantification of cattle DNA using quantitative competitive PCR with sheep DNA as competitor.

A novel method was developed to enable accurate and high-throughput measurement of cattle DNA concentration using quantitative competitive PCR, with sheep DNA as competitor. While quantitative competitive PCR has been used extensively for the quantification of specific RNA or DNA molecules, they have required development of internal standards with matching primer binding sites and similar amplification efficiencies to the target molecule. To develop such as assay can constitute a significant work-up. Instead, by utilizing the tendency of microsatellites developed in one species to amplify homologous loci across closely related species removes the need for internal standard development. Two cattle microsatellite markers were identified that produced distinct sheep specific peaks in an electropherogram. A standard graph was plotted for various dilutions of a cattle standard and a constant amount of sheep competitor. The sheep DNA, which is co-amplified with the cattle template in the PCR reaction served as the internal standard. The cattle DNA concentration of an unknown sample was determined by relating the ratio of sheep to cattle PCR product peaks to the standard curve. The standard deviation between replicate measurements of cattle DNA was 0.52 ng/microl using this method.

Animals↗

qPCR-DAMS: a database tool to analyze, manage, and store both relative and absolute quantitative real-time PCR data.

Quantitative real-time PCR is an important high-throughput method in the biomedical sciences. However, existing software has limitations in handling both relative and absolute quantification. We designed quantitative PCR data analysis and management system (qPCR-DAMS), a database tool based on Access 2003, to deal with such shortcomings by the addition of integrated mathematical procedures. qPCR-DAMS allows a user to choose among four methods for data processing within a single software package: 1) ratio relative quantification, 2) absolute level, 3) normalized absolute expression, and 4) ratio absolute quantification. qPCR-DAMS also provides a tool for multiple reference gene normalization. qPCR-DAMS has three quality control steps and a data display system to monitor data variation. In summary, qPCR-DAMS is a handy tool for real-time PCR users.

Database Management Systems↗

Real-time PCR for quantitation of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus and porcine circovirus type 2 in naturally-infected and challenged pigs.

Real-time PCR assays were developed for quantitative detection of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) and porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2). The established real-time PCR for the quantitation of PRRSV cDNA and PCV2 DNA were found to be in the 9-log(10) linear dynamic range with excellent linearity and reliable reproducibility. Using these techniques, the distribution and quantitation of PRRSV and PCV2 in naturally infected and challenged pigs were investigated. The viral concentrations were expressed as the mean log(10) viral DNA or cDNA copy numbers per mg or ml of tested samples. For pigs infected naturally with both viruses, the lung, spleen, tonsil and lymphoid organs had the highest viral burdens with ranges from 5.73 to 8.38 and 5.65 to 6.91 for PRRSV and PCV2, respectively. The injection of formalin-inactivated Salmonella choleraesuis emulsified in complete Freund's adjuvant 1 week before and after the inoculation of both viruses resulted in PRRSV replication enhancement 2 weeks post-challenge. However, this facilitated the clearance of PRRSV 4 weeks post-challenge. Results from this study show that the established quantitative PCR could be a useful tool when applied to vaccine development and pathogenesis studies in the future.

Animals↗

Quantitative PCR-based approach for rapid phage display analysis: a foundation for high throughput vascular proteomic profiling.

Functional proteomic strategies offer unique advantages over current molecular array approaches, as the epitopes identified can directly provide bioactive peptides for investigational and/or translational applications. The vascular endothelium is well suited to proteomic assessment by in vivo phage display, but extensive enrichment and sequencing steps limit its application for high throughput molecular profiling. To overcome these limitations we developed a quantitative PCR (Q-PCR) strategy to allow the rapid quantification of in vivo phage binding. Primers were designed for distinct clones selected from a defined phage pool to probe for age-associated changes in cardiac vascular epitopes. Sensitivity and specificity of the primer sets were tested and confirmed in vitro. Q-PCR quantification of phage in vivo confirmed the preferential homing of all phage clones to the young rather than old cardiac vasculature and demonstrated a close correlation with phage measurements previously determined using traditional bacterial-based titration methods. This Q-PCR approach provides quantification of phage within hours of phage injection and may therefore be used for rapid, high throughput analysis of binding of defined phage sequences both in vivo and in vitro, complementing nonbiased phage approaches for the proteomic mapping of vascular beds and other tissues.

Aging↗

Effect of stress on the ability of a phlA-based quantitative competitive PCR assay to monitor biocontrol strain Pseudomonas fluorescens CHA0.

A quantitative competitive PCR (QC-PCR) assay targeting the phlA gene of Pseudomonas fluorescens CHA0 was developed and tested in vitro. Statistically significant, positive correlations were found between QC-PCR and both CFU and total cell number when studying cells in log or stationary phase. The correlations disappeared when considering stressed cells.

Bacterial Proteins↗

Rapid differentiation and enumeration of the total, viable vegetative cell and spore content of thermophilic bacilli in milk powders with reference to Anoxybacillus flavithermus.

AIMS: The development of a rapid method for the selective detection and enumeration of the total and viable vegetative cell and spore content of thermophilic bacilli in milk powder by PCR. METHODS AND RESULTS: Quantitative PCR and microscopy indicate the presence of up to 2.9 log units more cells in milk powder than accounted for by plate counting due to the majority of cells being killed during milk processing. Two approaches for viable and dead cell differentiation of thermophilic bacilli by quantitative PCR were evaluated, these being the nucleic binding dye ethidium monoazide (EMA) and DNase I digestion. The former agent exposed to a viable culture of Anoxybacillus flavithermus caused considerable cell inactivation. In contrast, DNase I treatment had no effect on cell viability and was utilized to develop DNA extraction methods for the differential enumeration of total, viable vegetative cells and spores in milk powder. Moreover, the methods were further applied and evaluated to 41 factory powder samples taken throughout eight process runs to assess changes in numbers of vegetative cells and spores with time. DNase I treatment reduced vegetative cell numbers enumerated with PCR by up to 2.6 log units. The quantification of spores in the factory milk powders investigated indicates on average the presence of 1.2 log units more spores than determined by plate counting. CONCLUSIONS: The method presented in this study provides the ability to selectively enumerate the total and viable cell and spore content of reconstituted milk. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: The current study provides a tool to monitor the extent of thermophilic contamination during milk powder manufacturing 60-90 min after sampling.

Azides↗

Quantification of mcrA by quantitative fluorescent PCR in sediments from methane seep of the Nankai Trough.

A quantitative fluorogenic PCR method for group-specific methyl coenzyme M reductase subunit A genes (mcrA) from methanotrophic archaea was established and applied to the characterization of microbial communities in anoxic methane seep sediments at the accretionary prism of the Nankai Trough. All of the previously identified subgroups of anaerobic methanotroph (ANME) mcrA genes were detected in the cores up to 25 cm below the seafloor, but distributional patterns of mcrA genes were found to differ according to depth. These findings suggest a distinct distribution of phylogenetically and physiologically diverse methanotrophic archaea that mediate methane oxidation in the anoxic sediments. This quantification method will contribute to future investigations of methanotrophic microbial ecosystems in anoxic marine sediments.

Anaerobiosis↗

Androgen-dependent gene expression of bone morphogenetic protein 7 in mouse prostate.

BACKGROUND: What is the molecular basis of the osteotrophic action of prostatic metastases? Demineralized bone matrix has the potential to induce new bone formation. The identification of bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) as the primary inducers of new bone formation in demineralized bone matrix has set the stage for studying prostate cancer-bone interrelationships. We have hypothesized that BMPs may be expressed in prostate and may be involved in the osteotrophic actions of metastatic prostate cancer cells. METHODS: Using polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based quantitation, this study examined the presence of BMPs in mouse prostate and their potential regulation by orchidectomy and androgen replacement. RESULTS: BMP-7 and BMP-4 genes were expressed in mouse prostate. Quantitative PCR analysis showed that the BMP-7 mRNA level was significantly decreased following orchidectomy and increased by testosterone and dihydrotestosterone. Therefore, the BMP-7 mRNA level is androgen-dependent. On the other hand, BMP-4 was expressed constitutively in the prostate. CONCLUSIONS: The regulated expression of BMP-7 mRNA in the prostate suggests that BMP-7 may explain in part the stimulation of bone formation and osteosclerosis by metastatic prostate adenocarcinoma.

Animals↗

Fluid flow induces Rankl expression in primary murine calvarial osteoblasts.

Mechanical loading of bone generates fluid flow within the mineralized matrix that exerts fluid shear stress (FSS) on cells. We examined effects of FSS on receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa B ligand (RANKL), a critical factor for osteoclast formation. Primary murine osteoblasts were subjected to pulsatile FSS (5 Hz, 10 dynes/cm(2)) for 1 h and then returned to static culture for varying times (post-FSS). Protein levels were measured by Western analysis and mRNA by Northern analysis, RT-PCR and quantitative PCR. There were 20- to 40-fold increases in RANKL mRNA at 2-4 h post-FSS. RANKL protein was induced by 2 h post-FSS and remained elevated for at least 8 h. Effects were independent of cyclooxygenase-2 activity. Small increases (up to three-fold) in mRNA of the decoy receptor for RANKL, osteoprotegerin, were seen. Five min of FSS, followed by static culture, was as effective in stimulating RANKL mRNA as 4 h of continuous FSS. FSS induced cAMP activity, and H-89, a protein kinase A (PKA) inhibitor, blocked the FSS induction of RANKL. H-89 also inhibited the PKC pathway, but specific PKC inhibitors, GF109203X and Go6983, did not inhibit FSS-induced RANKL. FSS induced phosphorylation of ERK1/2, and PD98059, an inhibitor of the ERK pathway, inhibited the FSS induction of RANKL mRNA 60%-90%. Thus, brief exposure to FSS resulted in sustained induction of RANKL expression after stopping FSS, and this induction was dependent on PKA and ERK signaling pathways. Increased RANKL after mechanical loading may play a role in initiating bone remodeling.

Animals↗

Long-term expression after infection by the hybrid vector AdLTR-luc is from integrated transgene.

The novel adenoretroviral vector, AdLTR-luc, infects dividing and nondividing cells, and mediates long-term transgene expression(Zheng, C., Baum, B. J., Iadarola, M. J., and O'Connell, B. C., Nat. Biotech. 18, 176-180, 2000). To determine the source of this expression we examined two epithelial cell lines. One, HSG, permits E1(-) recombinant adenoviral replication, while the other, A5, does not. An HSG clone, that expressed luciferase stably for > 6 months, was obtained following infection at approximately 0.2 AdLTR-luc particles/cell. Southern and PCR analyses showed that luciferase cDNA present was integrated. A5 cells were infected with AdLTR-luc at approximately 1000 particles/cell, and colonies were obtained by limiting dilution. Eight clones showed stable luciferase activity for > 9 months. High molecular weight DNA extracts from clones were positive for genomic integration by Southern, PCR, and quantitative PCR analyses. Similar analyses of low molecular weight DNA extracts indicated the absence of intact extrachromosomal vector. These data demonstrate that long-term luciferase expression after infection by AdLTR-luc is derived from the integrated cDNA.

Adenoviridae↗

Transcriptional analysis of Ralstonia eutropha genes related to poly-(R)-3-hydroxybutyrate homeostasis during batch fermentation.

Poly-(R)-3-hydroxybutyrate (PHB) homeostasis in Ralstonia eutropha takes place at the interface of the cytosol and the hydrophobic PHB granule. PHB synthesis and degradation are therefore intimately linked to the process of granule assembly and breakdown. Unraveling this time-dependent three-dimensional process requires an understanding of the kinetics of synthesis of relevant proteins. Reverse transcriptase quantitative PCR and quantitative Western blotting were carried out on batch cultures of R. eutropha H16 in order to gain insight into how expression of the PHB-related genes phaA, phaB, phaC, phaP, phaR, phaZ1a, phaZ1b, and phaZ1c changed during a cell growth phase, a PHB production phase, and a PHB utilization phase. phaA, phaB, phaC, phaR, and phaZ1a were transcribed throughout cell growth, PHB production, and PHB degradation. PHB-mediated induction of PhaP expression was shown to occur at the transcriptional level, with transcript levels increasing during PHB production and decreasing during PHB utilization. Levels of PhaP correlated strongly with levels of PHB. Levels of phaZ1b transcript and protein increased sharply during production and decreased during degradation, but transcript accumulation did not depend on PHB production as in the case of phaP. No evidence of phaZ1c expression was found under the experimental conditions used in this study.

Bacterial Proteins↗

Characterization of genomic organization of the adenosine A2A receptor gene by molecular and bioinformatics analyses.

The adenosine A(2A) receptor (A(2A)R) is abundantly expressed in brain and emerging as an important therapeutic target for Parkinson's disease and potentially other neuropsychiatric disorders. To understand the molecular mechanisms of A(2A)R gene expression, we have characterized the genomic organization of the mouse and human A(2A)R genes by molecular and bioinformatic analyses. Three new exons (m1A, m1B and m1C) encoding the 5' untranslated regions (5'-UTRs) of mouse A(2A)R mRNA were identified by rapid amplification of 5' cDNA end (5' RACE), RT-PCR analysis and genome sequence analyses. Similar bioinformatics analysis also suggested six variants of the non-coding "exon 1" (h1A, h1B, h1C, h1D, h1E and h1F) in the human A(2A)R gene, which were confirmed by RT-PCR analysis, while three of the human exon 1 variants (h1D, h1E and h1F) were likewise verified by 5' oligonucleotide capping analysis suggesting multiple transcription start sites. Importantly, RT-PCR and quantitative PCR analysis demonstrated that the A(2A)R transcripts with different exon 1 variants displayed tissue-specific expression patterns. For instance, the mouse exon m1A mRNA was detected only in brain (specifically striatum) and the human exon h1D mRNA in lymphoreticular system. Furthermore, the determination of the three new transcription start sites of human A(2A)R gene by 5' oligonucleotide capping and bioinformatics analyses led to the identification of three corresponding promoter regions which contain several important cis elements, providing additional target for further molecular dissection of A(2A)R gene expression. Finally, our analysis indicates that A(2A)R mRNA and a novel transcript partially overlapping with the 3' exon h3, but in opposite orientation to the A(2A)R gene, could conceivably form duplexes to mutually regulate transcript expression. Thus, combined molecular and bioinformatics analyses revealed a new A(2A)R genomic structure, with conserved coding exons 2 and 3 and divergent, tissue-specific exon 1 variants encoding for 5'-UTR. This raises the possibility of generating multiple tissue-specific A(2A)R mRNA species by alternative promoters with varying regulatory susceptibility.

Animals↗