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A rapid method for detection of mutations in the lacI gene using PCR-single strand conformation polymorphism analysis: demonstration of its high sensitivity.

The lacI gene has been used as a target gene in various mutation assays. We modified single strand conformation polymorphism (SSCP) analysis by introducing restriction digestion to detect mutations in the gene rapidly, and determined the sensitivity of the method. The entire coding sequence and partial promoter region of the lacI gene were amplified by the polymerase chain reaction with [alpha-32P]dCTP in a 1247 base pair fragment, digested into eight restriction fragments, and analyzed by SSCP. The sensitivity of the method was assessed using 160 phages with lacI mutations, which were selected by assay of expression of beta-galactosidase after their infection into E. coli. Of the 160 mutants, 146 (91.3%) showed shifted bands in the first condition of SSCP analysis (without glycerol, 20 degrees C). The remaining 14 mutants were analyzed in a second condition (with 5% glycerol, 20 degrees C), and eight of them showed shifted bands (cumulatively 96.3% of the 160 mutants). The remaining six mutants were analyzed in a third condition (with 5% glycerol, 10 degrees C), and all of them showed shifted bands (cumulatively 100%). Sequencing of the restriction fragments with mobility shifts in the 160 mutants revealed 108 kinds of mutations, 100 (92.6%) being detected in the first condition, seven (cumulatively 99.1%) in the second condition, and one (cumulatively 100%) in the third condition. This method greatly reduced the time to identify lacI mutations, and allowed the detection of multiple mutations in one lacI mutant. The results also show that in general PCR-SSCP analysis is very sensitive when test fragments are shorter than about 250 base pairs and electrophoresis is performed under at least two conditions.

Animals↗

Single-strand conformation polymorphism analysis in the FMR1 gene.

The fragile X syndrome is due to an expansion of the CGG trinucleotide repeat in the FMR1 gene and hypermethylation of its 5' upstream CpG island in about 95% of the cases. The remaining 5% of cases correspond to other molecular alterations in FMR1 gene such as partial or complete deletions, or point mutations within the coding sequence. We selected 31 patients with clinical manifestations of fragile X syndrome, scoring 16 or more in Hagerman's checklist, but without the CGG expansion. We performed single-strand conformation polymorphism analysis using a nonradioactive technique (silver staining) and we detected six anomalous migrations that, by sequence analysis, corresponded to six nucleotide changes. We screened two different populations (control and fragile X) for these changes, and concluded that they correspond to five new polymorphisms within the FMR1 gene and to one possible synonymous mutation.

Fragile X Messenger Ribonucleoprotein 1↗

Use of single-strand conformation polymorphism analysis to examine the variability of the rpoS sequence in environmental isolates of Salmonellae.

The natural environment places its resident microflora under stress, which may often result in adaptation by the microflora in order to increase the probability of survival. One such mechanism that has been postulated involves rpoS, which encodes a sigma factor that is known to enhance survival upon exposure to stress. The present work aimed to examine the genetic variability of rpoS in a selection of Salmonella enterica subspecies environmental isolates with an automated single-strand conformation polymorphism analysis technique. The results indicated that sequence variation does occur and that these changes are mainly located in two areas: at the center and near the end of the coding region. The variability was generally at the single-base level, although one strain (S. arizonae) did demonstrate significant differences in nucleotide sequence.

Animals↗

K-ras point mutations in routinely processed tissues: non-radioactive screening by single strand conformational polymorphism analysis.

AIMS: To develop a non-radioactive method to screen routinely fixed, paraffin wax embedded specimens for the occurrence of point mutations; to evaluate the single strand conformational polymorphism (SSCP) analysis technique for the detection of K-ras point mutations as a result of electrophoretic mobility shifts. METHODS: DNA was extracted from archival specimens of colon cancer and from established colon cancer cell lines with known point mutations. A K-ras gene fragment containing codons 12 and 13 of exon 1 was amplified with the polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Denatured DNA fragments were run on 10% polyacrylamide gels under non-denaturing conditions. After electrophoresis DNA was blotted and the single stranded DNA was detected using a digoxigenin labelled ras probe. The nature of the detected point mutations was identified and confirmed by sequencing and hybridisation with oligonucleotides using 32P labelling. RESULTS: Wild type and aberrant alleles were detected caused by mobility shifts after electrophoresis of the PCR products. Commonly occurring mutations in the K-ras gene--in the first two positions of codon 12--could easily be detected in DNA from archival paraffin wax embedded colon cancer tissue. In all the colon tumour samples studied wild type gene alleles were also found, presumably derived from normal cells in the specimen. CONCLUSIONS: The SSCP method permits rapid non-radioactive screening of adenomas or carcinomas for the occurrence of point mutations in the K-ras gene. But if a mutation is detected by an electrophoretic mobility shift, its identification requires confirmation by sequencing or oligonucleotide hybridisation.

Colonic Neoplasms↗

Multiplex single strand conformation polymorphism analysis by capillary electrophoresis with on-the-fly fluorescence lifetime detection.

This paper describes the use of on-the-fly fluorescence lifetime detection (OFLD) for multiplex single strand conformation polymorphism (SSCP) analysis by capillary electrophoresis (CE). The dye labels studied for multiplex SSCP-OFLD-CE analyses included RG, NBD, and BODIPY-FL. The dyes were first investigated for a model system of "Wild Type" and "Mutant" 43-base fragments designed to vary by a single A/T substitution. Two dye pairs, BODIPY-FL/ RG and BODIPY-FL/NBD, were then used to detect the G20210A mutation in the human prothrombin gene. Mobility correction was required for the BODIPY-FL/RG system. Three "blind" analyses were performed of three mixtures that combined a control fragment (wild type-BODIPY-FL) with two "unknown" fragments selected among four possibilities (wild type or mutant labeled with NBD or RG). In each multiplex analysis, the "origin" of the unknown fragments was correctly identified on the basis of fluorescence lifetime of the dye label and the presence or absence of the mutation was correctly determined on the basis of conformation-induced differences in migration time.

Amino Acid Substitution↗

Single base mutation in the hormone binding domain of the thyroid hormone receptor beta gene in generalised thyroid hormone resistance demonstrated by single stranded conformation polymorphism analysis.

Thyroid hormone resistance is a syndrome of considerable clinical heterogeneity. Three mutations in the c-erb A beta gene encoding the human beta thyroid hormone receptor have been described in different kindreds. We report here, in a family affected with peripheral thyroid hormone resistance, a unique point mutation in the ligand binding domain of the c-erb A beta gene resulting in histidine replacement of an arginine residue at position 438. The region in which the mutation occurred was identified by single stranded conformation polymorphism analysis and confirmed by subcloning and sequencing of the mutant alleles from each of the affected members. Binding of tri-iodothyronine to isolated nuclei from family members was normal suggesting the mechanism of thyroid hormone resistance in this family is not mediated by abnormal binding of ligand and receptor.

Adult↗

The Ig doublet Z1Z2: a model system for the hybrid analysis of conformational dynamics in Ig tandems from titin.

Titin is a gigantic elastic filament that determines sarcomere ultrastructure and stretch response in vertebrate muscle. It folds into numerous Ig and FnIII domains connected in tandem. Data on interdomain arrangements and dynamics are essential for understanding the function of this filament. Here, we report a mechanistic analysis of the conformational dynamics of two Ig domains from the N terminus of titin, Z1Z2, by using X-ray crystallography, SAXS, NMR relaxation data, and residual dipolar couplings in combination. Z1Z2 preferentially adopts semiextended conformations in solution, with close-hinge arrangements representing low-probability states. Although interdomain contacts are not observed, the linker appears to acquire moderate rigidity via small, local hydrophobic interactions. Thus, Z1Z2 constitutes an adaptable modular system with restricted dynamics. We speculate that its preexistent conformation contributes to the selective recruitment of the binding partner telethonin onto the repetitive surface of the filament. The structural interconversion of four Z1Z2 conformers is analyzed.

Connectin↗

Identification of mycobacteria by nonradioisotopic single-strand conformation polymorphism analysis.

Clinical isolates of mycobacteria were identified to species levels using nonradioisotopic single-strand conformation polymorphism (non-RI SSCP) analysis of 16S rRNA gene fragments amplified by polymerase chain reaction with primers common to all of mycobacterial species. The method is based on a hypervariable region within the 16S rRNA in mycobacteria, which is characterized by species-specific nucleotide sequences. A total of 92 mycobacterial strains (Mycobacterium tuberculosis, M. avium, M. gordonae, M. intracellulare, M. kansasii, M. chelonae, M. nonchromogenicum, M. xenopi, and unidentified strain) were studied. They were classified into nine types of pattern showing single-strand DNA bands having different mobilities. Each strain was shown in the species-specific mobility by non-RI SSCP analysis. The results of non-RI SSCP analysis were identical to those of standard biochemical methods and 16S rRNA sequencing.

DNA Primers↗

The genetics of amphibian declines: population substructure and molecular differentiation in the yosemite toad, Bufo canorus (Anura, bufonidae) based on single-strand conformation polymorphism analysis (SSCP) and mitochondrial DNA sequence data.

We present a comprehensive survey of genetic variation across the range of the narrowly distributed endemic Yosemite toad Bufo canorus, a declining amphibian restricted to the Sierra Nevada of California. Based on 322 bp of mitochondrial cytochrome b sequence data, we found limited support for the monophyly of B. canorus and its closely related congener B. exsul to the exclusion of the widespread western toad B. boreas. However, B. exsul was always phylogenetically nested within B. canorus, suggesting that the latter may not be monophyletic. SSCP (single-strand conformation polymorphism) analysis of 372 individual B. canorus from 28 localities in Yosemite and Kings Canyon National Parks revealed no shared haplotypes among these two regions and lead us to interpret these two parks as distinct management units for B. canorus. Within Yosemite, we found significant genetic substructure both at the level of major drainages and among breeding ponds. Kings Canyon samples show a different pattern, with substantial variation among breeding sites, but no substructure among drainages. Across the range of B. canorus as well as among Yosemite ponds, we found an isolation-by-distance pattern suggestive of a stepping stone model of migration. However, in Kings Canyon we found no hint of such a pattern, suggesting that movement patterns of toads may be quite different in these nearby parklands. Our data imply that management for B. canorus should focus at the individual pond level, and effective management may necessitate reintroductions if local extirpations occur. A brief review of other pond-breeding anurans suggests that highly structured populations are often the case, and thus that our results for B. canorus may be general for other species of frogs and toads.

Animals↗

Simple and rapid determination of the acetaldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH2) genotypes by nonradioactive single-strand conformation polymorphism analysis.

The genotyping of mitochondrial acetaldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH2) is very important in alcohol studies. We describe an ALDH2 genotyping method based on nonradioactive single-strand conformation polymorphism (SSCP) analysis on mini-gels following amplification with a mutated primer set. The three ALDH2 genotypes were clearly and unambiguously distinguished. This method was applied to the ALDH2 genotyping of 129 unrelated Japanese. The allele frequency of ALDH2*2 was calculated to be 0.271, which was consistent with the previous data. The method proved to be simple, rapid and reliable, and dispensed with isotopic reagent and expensive restriction enzymes and equipment. The SSCP method described here is valuable in routine ALDH2 genotyping.

Aldehyde Oxidoreductases↗

Application of polymerase chain reaction-single strand conformation polymorphism analysis to the diagnosis and screening of adenine phosphoribosyltransferase deficiency.

Polymerase chain reaction-single strand conformation polymorphism (PCR-SSCP) analysis is a rapid and sensitive method used to identify point mutations in a given sequence of genomic DNA. We applied this method to the diagnosis of adenine phosphoribosyltransferase (APRT) deficiency, which is an autosomal recessive hereditary disease leading to 2,8-dihydroxyadenine urolithiasis. Genomic APRT genes were amplified and labeled simultaneously with [alpha-32P]dCTP (cytidine triphosphate) by PCR. When run in a 6% polyacrylamide gel containing 10% glycerol, two types of mutant genes-APRT*QO and APRT*J-gave bands clearly distinct from those of the equivalent normal APRT genes. Using this method we diagnosed both homozygotes and heterozygotes for defective APRT genes. On screening 80 Japanese individuals for polymorphism or mutations by PCR-SSCP we did not find any alterations leading to a false positive diagnosis. These findings suggest that PCR-SSCP, in addition to being rapid and sensitive, is a useful diagnostic method which is highly specific in detecting mutant APRT genes in the Japanese population.

Adenine↗

Molecular screening of patients with long standing extensive ulcerative colitis: detection of p53 and Ki-ras mutations by single strand conformation polymorphism analysis and differential hybridisation in colonic lavage fluid.

BACKGROUND: In patients with long standing ulcerative colitis at risk of developing malignancy, mutations of the p53 and Ki-ras gene were investigated in lavage solution obtained at surveillance colonoscopy. METHODS: DNA was isolated from 31 consecutive patients with total or subtotal ulcerative colitis and a disease duration of between seven and 26 years. Twenty seven control patients showed no macroscopic or microscopic inflammation on colonoscopy. Exons 5-8 of the p53 gene and exon 1 of the Ki-ras gene were amplified by polymerase chain reaction. Mutations of the p53 gene were detected by single strand conformation polymorphism analysis. Point mutations of the Ki-ras gene were hybridised on dot blots with oligonucleotides marked with digoxigenin. RESULTS: In all cases of ulcerative colitis and in all of the 27 control patients, wild type p53 and wild type Ki-ras could be detected. In four patients with ulcerative colitis, a mutation in exon 5 to 7 of the p53 gene was found, and two patients had a mutation of the Ki-ras gene (Gly to Asp-12, Gly to Val-12). None of these patients had dysplasia in serial biopsy specimens, and all but one had had the disease for more than 10 years. One control patient had a mutation. CONCLUSIONS: Mutations were more frequent in patients with long standing ulcerative colitis (19%) than in control patients (3%, p = 0.07). The technique may be useful for screening for early malignancy in ulcerative colitis.

Adult↗

Multiple infections of Ixodes scapularis ticks by Borrelia burgdorferi as revealed by single-strand conformation polymorphism analysis.

The genetic heterogeneity of the spirochete Borrelia burgdorferi within single adult black-legged ticks from Shelter Island, N.Y., was determined by cold, single-strand conformation polymorphism (SSCP) analysis. The central region of the ospA gene of B. burgdorferi from infected ticks was amplified by nested PCR. Amplified product of the correct size was obtained from 20 to 45 ticks (44%). This is the fraction of ticks that is expected to be infected with B. burgdorferi. Four variant classes were determined by SSCP analysis. Eight ticks were infected with a single variant, nine ticks were infected with two variants, two ticks were infected with three variants, and one tick was infected with all four variants. DNA from each variant was sequenced. Five different sequences were found. The sequence of each variant was different from that of another variant by a single base. SSCP analysis could distinguish three of the four single-base changes found in the region.

Animals↗

[Spatial organization of the N-terminal beta-endorphin tridecapeptide].

Using conformational analysis spatial structure and conformational properties of the N-terminal tridecapeptide--endorphine molecules were investigated. Calculations were based on the fragmental analysis using non-valent, electrostatic, torsional interactions and hydrogen bonds. It was shown that tridecapeptide could exist in several low-energetical conformational states. Enkephaline fragments structure depends on the most perspective structure of free metioninenkephaline. The results can be used for conformational analysis of endorphine molecules, for structure--function relations study.

Endorphins↗

Detection of genetic diversity among bovine immunodeficiency virus population by single-strand conformation polymorphism analysis.

Serial virus specimens rescued from rabbits, experimentally infected with bovine immunodeficiency (BIV) strain R29, were monitored for changes in quasispecies population, using the single-strand conformation polymorphism (SSCP) analysis. The generation of characteristic SSCP patterns enables the rapid differentiation of BIV variants derived from the conserved part on the env region of the BIV genome, reducing the need for expensive and time-consuming direct sequencing analyses. Our results showed genetic polymorphism among a number of sampled BIV population in experimentally infected rabbits. At least three SSCP patterns (BIV quasispecies) were detected. The SSCP analysis allows for an easy, sensitive, and rapid screening of genetic variants of the virus and the assessment of variation at a number of tissue target sites. These variations may relate to cell-type targets and/or disease progression, and could be significant to our understanding of lentiviral pathogenesis.

Animals↗

[Computer analysis of conformational and physicochemical percularities of sequences cleaved by DNA topoisomerase I].

After complexation of DNA with enzymes a specific adaptation of DNA structure including its partial or nearly complet melting, change of sugar-phosphate backbone structure, stretching, compression, bending or kinking, flipping out of nucleotides from the DNA helix, etc. take place. The full set of such changes is specific for each individual enzyme and is a very important for effective adjustment of reacting orbitals of enzyme and specific DNA atoms with accuracy up to 10-15 degrees. Efficiency of DNA sequence adaptation in the direction providing by enzyme depends on many specific structural characteristics of DNA. Maximal adjustment of DNA structure can be achieved only for specific sequences, therefore on going from nonspecific to specific DNAs the increase of the catalytic rate by 4-8 orders of magnitude takes place. DNA topoisomerase I is a sequence-dependent enzyme, but it can cleave with lower efficiency DNA sequences, which are significantly different from an optimal one. We have carried out the computer analysis of structural characteristics of many DNA sequences utilizing by topoisomerase using the method which is based on the analysis of conformational and physico-chemical characteristics of DNA helix and gives a detailed information about similarities or differences of DNA structural units. In addition to such characteristics as base tilt angle, shift of base pair, helix steering angle, and helix step for all cleaved sequences the presence of sterically disadvantageous contacts in small grove between N3 and NH2 of guanines and N3 of adenines were detected which corresponds to the presence Py-Pu dinucleotides in the cleavaged site. In addition, for optimal sequences bending of DNA helix toward major groove is characterized. The proposed method seems to be a very perspective for the analysis of an efficiency of nucleic acids cleavage by different DNA- and RNA-dependent enzymes.

Algorithms↗

Optimization of nonradioisotopic single strand conformation polymorphism analysis with a conventional minislab gel electrophoresis apparatus.

We have developed a means of nonradioisotopic single strand conformation polymorphism (nonRI-SSCP) analysis and applied it to the detection of a point mutation in the human tumor suppressor gene, p53. The method does not require any particular facilities or apparatus, such as a laboratory for radioactive materials, a large gel unit for sequencing, or a semiautomated electrophoresis system. This technique comprises amplification of DNA fragments by the PCR technique with specific oligonucleotide primers, denaturation, and electrophoresis on neutral polyacrylamide gels in a conventional minislab apparatus. The SSCP patterns on electrophoresis were detected with a commercially available silver stain method. We also evaluated various electrophoretic conditions for nonRI-SSCP analysis, such as the gel concentration and buffer components. A tris/glycine buffer system gave better resolution of SSCP bands. The SSCP patterns of different sized DNAs could be analyzed in a gradient polyacrylamide gel. Thus, nonRI-SSCP analysis with a conventional minislab gel electrophoresis apparatus can be satisfactorily substituted for a commonly used RI-SSCP technique.

Base Sequence↗

Rapid and practical detection of beta-globin mutations causing beta-thalassemia by fluorescence-based PCR-single-stranded conformation polymorphism analysis.

We report a useful method for daily clinical examination for the diagnosis of thalassemia. We applied a fluorescence-based image analyser to a non-radioisotopic PCR-single-stranded conformation polymorphism (SSCP) analysis to detect mutations in the beta-globin gene. PCR primers were labelled with rhodamine X and the amplified fragments from the beta-globin gene were resolved by non-denaturing polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. After loading, the glass plate was set in the image analyser and scanned with a green laser. We detected four common mutations in exon I and two major mutations in intron 1 of the beta-globin gene isolated from patients with beta-thalassemia. Moreover, to discriminate mutations and natural polymorphisms, we used primers including one base mismatch at the polymorphic site, which can substitute the polymorphic site by a constant base in the PCR amplified fragment. This fluorescence-based system was simple to operate and results were obtained rapidly as clear image data. Therefore, once the optimal conditions of the electrophoresis are determined, this system will be suitable for daily clinical use, especially for screening of molecular defects and for the prenatal diagnosis of genetic disorders.

Base Sequence↗