Automated detection of prevalent mutations in BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes, using a fluorogenic PCR allelic discrimination assay

Genet Test. 1997;1(3):171-80. doi: 10.1089/gte.1997.1.171.

Abstract

Mutations in the genes BRCA1 and BRCA2 account for 5%-10% of familial early onset breast cancer. Identification of these mutations allows molecular diagnosis for breast cancer susceptibility. A high through-put automated PCR allelic discrimination assay (ADA) was developed to detect the prevalent mutations in these genes. Two allele specific oligonucleotides (ASO) are directly used in the PCR reaction, in both of which the fluorescent reporter and quencher dyes are attached to the 5' and 3' ends, respectively. During PCR, fluorescence is generated after cleavage of the annealed ASO by the 5' nuclease activity of Taq polymerase. The wild-type BRCA sequence is distinguished from the mutant sequence by the differential fluorescence emission of two different reporter dyes. The sensitivity of ADA is at the level of a single cell following a nested PCR. Eighty-six patient samples can be analyzed for each mutation in 15-min post-PCR without the need for radioactivity, gel electrophoresis, or membrane blotting/hybridization.

MeSH terms

  • Alleles
  • BRCA2 Protein
  • Base Sequence
  • Breast Neoplasms / genetics*
  • DNA Mutational Analysis / methods*
  • DNA Mutational Analysis / statistics & numerical data
  • DNA Primers / genetics
  • Evaluation Studies as Topic
  • Female
  • Genes, BRCA1*
  • Genes, Tumor Suppressor*
  • Humans
  • Mutation*
  • Neoplasm Proteins / genetics*
  • Polymerase Chain Reaction / methods*
  • Polymerase Chain Reaction / statistics & numerical data
  • Sensitivity and Specificity
  • Transcription Factors / genetics*

Substances

  • BRCA2 Protein
  • DNA Primers
  • Neoplasm Proteins
  • Transcription Factors