Applied Biosystems

About: Applied Biosystems is a based out in . It is known for research contribution in the topics: Mass spectrometry & Nucleic acid. The organization has 1521 authors who have published 1579 publications receiving 285423 citations.

Evaluation of the Genplex SNP typing system and a 49plex forensic marker panel

Abstract: Using a 52 SNP marker set previously developed for forensic analysis, a novel 49plex assay has been developed based on the Genplex typing system, a modification of SNPlex™ chemistry (both Applied Biosystems) using oligo-ligation of pre-amplified DNA and dye-labeled, mobility modified detection probes. This gives highly predictable electrophoretic mobility of the allelic products generated from the assay to allow detection with standard capillary electrophoresis analyzers. The loci chosen comprise the 48 most informative autosomal SNPs from the SNP for ID core discrimination set supplemented with the amelogenin gender marker. These SNPs are evenly distributed across all 22 autosomes, exhibit balanced polymorphisms in three major population groups and have been previously shown to be effective markers for forensic analysis. We tested the accuracy and reproducibility of the Genplex system in three SNP for ID laboratories, each using a different Applied Biosystems Genetic Analyzer. Genotyping concordance was measured using replicates of 44 standardized DNA controls and by comparing genotypes for the same samples generated by the TaqMan ® , SNaPshot ® and Sequenom iPLEX ® SNP typing systems. The degree of informativeness of the 48 SNPs for forensic analysis was measured using previously estimated allele frequencies to derive the cumulative match probability and in paternity analysis using 24 trios previously typed with 18 STRs together with three CEPH families with extensive sibships typed with the 15 STRs in the Identifiler ® kit.

Rapid and reliable fluorescent cycle sequencing of double-stranded templates.

Abstract: Automated DNA sequencing is an extremely valuable technique which requires very high quality DNA templates to be carried out successfully. While it has been possible to readily produce large numbers of such templates from M13 or other single-stranded vectors for several years, the sequencing of double-stranded DNA templates using the ABI 373 DNA Sequencer has had a considerably lower success rate. We describe how the combination of a new fluorescent, dideoxy sequencing method, called cycle-sequencing, coupled with modifications to template isolation procedures based on Qiagen columns, makes fluorescent sequencing of double-stranded templates a reliable procedure. From a single five milliliter culture enough DNA can be isolated (up to 20 micrograms) to do 4-8 sequencing reactions, each of which yields 400-500 bases of high quality sequence data. These procedures make the routine use of double-stranded DNA templates a viable strategy in automated DNA sequencing projects.

TWGDAM validation of the AmpFISTR blue PCR amplification kit for forensic casework analysis.

Abstract: Studies were performed as recommended by the Technical Working Group on DNA Analysis Methods (TWGDAM) committee to validate the AmpFISTR Blue PCR Amplification Kit for forensic casework applications. The kit coamplifies the tetranucleotide short tandem repeat (STR) loci D3S1358, vWA, and FGA. The dye-labeled amplification products were electrophoresed and detected directly using the ABI PRISM™ 377 DNA Sequencer or the 310 Genetic Analyzer. CEPH family studies demonstrated Mendelian inheritance of these loci and probability of identity values from population studies were 1/4,830 (African-American), 1/5,479 (U.S. Caucasian), and 1/3,443 (U.S. West Coast Hispanic). In all studies examining different body tissues and fluids, the expected genotypes were observed. Studies to determine and test the PCR reagent components and thermal cycling parameters demonstrated specificity, sensitivity, and balance over a wide range of conditions. Reliable results were obtained from DNA quantities as low as 0.25 ng. A variety of environmental studies were performed, as forensic samples are often exposed to different environmental conditions and substances which may degrade DNA or inhibit the amplification process. Highly degraded samples demonstrated that FGA was the first locus to become undetectable, followed by vWA, and then D3S1358; this is the expected pattern according to locus size. In studies of PCR inhibition, the pattern in which the loci became undetectable was different; FGA was the first locus to become undetectable, followed by D3S1358, and then vWA. Single versus multiple locus amplifications revealed no benefit to single locus analysis, even in cases of degradation or inhibition. The occurrence of preferential amplification was very rare, particularly in noncompromised, unmixed samples. Artifact peaks were not observed in any instance. Mixture studies confirmed the ability to detect mixed DNA samples and included the characterization of stutter and peak height ratios; the limit of detection was 1:10 for 1 ng total genomic DNA and 1:30 for 5 ng. DNA extracted from nonprobative case evidence was successfully amplified and genotyped. All such studies indicate that the AmpFISTR Blue PCR Amplification Kit will reproducibly yield specific and sensitive results.

Heterozygote and Mutation Detection by Direct Automated Fluorescent DNA Sequencing Using a Mutant Taq DNA Polymerase

Abstract: We describe a method for direct cycle sequencing of PCR fragments amplified from genomic DNA or cDNA. DNA sequencing template is amplified using PCR and oligonucleotide primers flanking the region of interest. The amplified fragment is directly cycle sequenced using fluorescent sequencing primers, Sanger dideoxy sequencing chemistry and an enzyme mixture of a mutant Taq DNA polymerase and thermostable pyrophosphatase. The sequence ladders produced are analyzed on a real-time, automated four-color sequencing system. The method produces sequence ladders from unpurified PCR fragments of sufficiently high quality such that heterozygotes can be reproducibly detected and identified by software that recognizes signal-strength patterns indicative of mixed-base positions.

Isoaspartate formation at position 23 of amyloid beta peptide enhanced fibril formation and deposited onto senile plaques and vascular amyloids in Alzheimer's disease.

Abstract: Senile plaques and amyloid-bearing vessels consisting of fibrillar amyloid beta peptides (A beta) are characteristic neuropathological features of Alzheimer's disease (AD). A beta undergo spontaneous post-translational modifications, such as isomerization and racemization, at their aspartyl residues in AD brains. Here we present evidence that A beta isomerized at position 23 are deposited on plaques and vascular amyloids using an anti-isomerized A beta antibody. In vitro experiments showed that isomerization at position 23, but not position 7, enhanced aggregation. Furthermore, A beta with the Dutch mutation, but not the Flemish mutation, also showed greatly enhanced aggregation. These results suggest that mutations or modifications at positions Glu 22 and Asp 23 have a pathogenic role in the deposition of A beta. The development and progression of sporadic AD may be accelerated by spontaneous isomerization at position 23 of A beta.