We describe a simple, quantitative assay for any amplifiable DNA sequence that uses a video camera to monitor multiple polymerase chain reactions (PCRs) simultaneously over the course of thermocycling. The video camera detects the accumulation of double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) in each PCR using the increase in the fluorescence of ethidium bromide (EtBr) that results from its binding duplex DNA. The kinetics of fluorescence accumulation during thermocycling are directly related to the starting number of DNA copies. The fewer cycles necessary to produce a detectable fluorescence, the greater the number of target sequences. Results obtained with this approach indicate that a kinetic approach to PCR analysis can quantitate DNA sensitively, selectively and over a large dynamic range. This approach also provides a means of determining the effect of different reaction conditions on the efficacy of the amplification and so can provide insight into fundamental PCR processes.

Kinetic PCR Analysis: Real-time Monitoring of DNA Amplification Reactions

Although commercial kits are available for automated DNA extraction, ‘artisanal’ protocols are not. In this study, we present a silica-based method that is sensitive, inexpensive and compliant with automation. The effectiveness of this protocol has now been tested on more than 5000 animal specimens with highly positive results.

/pdf/an-inexpensive-automation-friendly-protocol-for-recovering-4i11lp843n.pdf

An inexpensive, automation-friendly protocol for recovering high-quality DNA

The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) has dramatically altered how molecular studies are conducted as well as what questions can be asked. In addition to simplifying molecular tasks typically carried out with the use of recombinant DNA technology, PCR has allowed a spectrum of advances ranging from the identification of novel genes and pathogens to the quantitation of characterized nucleotide sequences. PCR can provide insights into the intricacies of single cells as well as the evolution of species. Some recent developments in instrumentation, methodology, and applications of the PCR are presented in this review.

https://science.sciencemag.org/content/sci/252/5013/1643.full.pdf

Recent advances in the polymerase chain reaction

Noninvasive sampling allows genetic studies of free-ranging animals without the need to capture or even observe them, and thus allows questions to be addressed that cannot be answered using conventional methods. Initially, this sampling strategy promised to exploit fully the existing DNA-based technology for studies in ethology, conservation biology and population genetics. However, recent work now indicates the need for a more cautious approach, which includes quantifying the genotyping error rate. Despite this, many of the difficulties of noninvasive sampling will probably be overcome with improved methodology.

https://www.cell.com/trends/ecology-evolution/pdf/S0169-5347(99)01637-7.pdf

Noninvasive genetic sampling: look before you leap

In a recent study, immunoglobulin G in human plasma was identified as a major inhibitor of diagnostic PCR (W. Abu Al-Soud, L. J. Jonsson, and P. Radstrom. J. Clin. Microbiol. 38:345–350, 2000). In this study, two major PCR inhibitors in human blood cells were purified using size exclusion and anion-exchange chromatographic procedures. Based on N-terminal amino acid sequencing and electrophoretic analysis of the purified polypeptides, hemoglobin and lactoferrin were identified as PCR-inhibitor components in erythrocytes and leukocytes, respectively. When different concentrations of hemoglobin or lactoferrin were added to PCR mixtures of 25 μl containing 10 different thermostable DNA polymerases and 1 ng of Listeria monocytogenes DNA as template DNA, AmpliTaq Gold, Pwo, and Ultma were inhibited in the presence of ≤1.3 μg of hemoglobin and ≤25 ng of lactoferrin, while rTth and Tli were found to resist inhibition of at least 100 μg of hemoglobin. In addition, the quantitative effects of seven low-molecular-mass inhibitors, present in blood samples or degradation products of hemoglobin, on real-time DNA synthesis of rTth using the LightCycler Instrument were investigated. A reaction system based on a single-stranded poly(dA) template with an oligo(dT) primer annealed to the 3′ end was used. It was found that the addition of 0.25 to 0.1 mg of bile per ml, 2.5 mM CaCl2, 0.25 mM EDTA, 5 μM FeCl3, and 0.01 IU of heparin per ml reduced the fluorescence to approximately 76, 70, 46, 17, and 51%, respectively. Finally, the effects of nine amplification facilitators were studied in the presence of hemoglobin and lactoferrin. Bovine serum albumin (BSA) was the most efficient amplification facilitator, so that the addition of 0.4% (wt/vol) BSA allowed AmpliTaq Gold to amplify DNA in the presence of 20 instead of 1 μg of hemoglobin and 500 instead of 5 ng of lactoferrin. Including 0.02% (wt/vol) gp32, a single-stranded-DNA binding protein, in the reaction mixture of AmpliTaq Gold was also found to reduce the inhibitory effects of hemoglobin and lactoferrin.

Purification and Characterization of PCR-Inhibitory Components in Blood Cells

Procedures utilizing Chelex 100 chelating resin have been developed for extracting DNA from forensic-type samples for use with the PCR. The procedures are simple, rapid, involve no organic solvents and do not require multiple tube transfers for most types of samples. The extraction of DNA from semen and very small bloodstains using Chelex 100 is as efficient or more efficient than using proteinase K and phenol-chloroform extraction. DNA extracted from bloodstains seems less prone to contain PCR inhibitors when prepared by this method. The Chelex method has been used with amplification and typing at the HLA DQ alpha locus to obtain the DQ alpha genotypes of many different types of samples, including whole blood, bloodstains, seminal stains, buccal swabs, hair and post-coital samples. The results of a concordance study are presented in which the DQ alpha genotypes of 84 samples prepared using Chelex or using conventional phenol-chloroform extraction are compared. The genotypes obtained using the two different extraction methods were identical for all samples tested.

Higuchi R

Papers

Chelex 100 as a Medium for Simple Extraction of DNA for PCR-Based Typing from Forensic Material