Patthamawadee Charoensuk. Optimization of PCR-multiplex SSCP to identify mutations and polymorphisms at the LDL receptor locus. Master's Degree(Biochemistry). Mahidol University. : Mahidol University, 2005.
Optimization of PCR-multiplex SSCP to identify mutations and polymorphisms at the LDL receptor locus
Abstract:
Familial Hypercholesterolemia is caused by a mutation within the low density
lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) gene. The mutation impairs proper function of LDLR
and results in very high level of plasma cholesterol. Such levels result in early and
severe atherosclerosis and hence substantial excess mortality from coronary heart
disease. Diagnosing FH on clinical grounds is relatively difficult, and previous genetic
methods are too cumbersome for routine use. Thus, there is a need to develop
screening strategies to ensure that more patients are being correctly diagnosed and
treated. In this study, restriction enzymes were used to digest hypermutable CG region
of some PCR-amplified exons to increase the sensitivity of multiplex SSCP. These RE
digested-PCR products were selectively combined and analyzed by multiplex SSCP.
Moreover, the multiplex SSCP was analyzed in gradient polyacrylamide gel to
increase the resolution. The conditions of these multiplex-SSCP analyses were
optimized until individual exon of each multiplex set was separately apparent. Six
combination sets of PCR-multiplex SSCP were set up and five of them were validated
by known mutations (M412T, S554L and IVS3+1G>T) and known polymorphisms
(G1414A). No validation in combination set 3 was made because no mutation or
polymorphism was available in this combination set. The common AvaII (exon13 in
combination set 4), HincII (exon12 in combination set 5) and a novel polymorphism
in exon 8 (in combination set 5) were readily detected in these samples using the
PCR-multiplex SSCP protocols developed in this study. These optimized PCRmultiplex
SSCP protocols are expected to be useful for screening mutations and
polymorphisms in the whole coding region (plus promoter) of LDL receptor gene. It
was rapid, simple, sensitive and was expected to be a potential tool for mutation
screening of large numbers of clinical samples.