Multiplex fluorescence melting curve analysis for mutation detection with dual-labeled, self-quenched probes

PLoS One. 2011 Apr 28;6(4):e19206. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0019206.

Abstract

Probe-based fluorescence melting curve analysis (FMCA) is a powerful tool for mutation detection based on melting temperature generated by thermal denaturation of the probe-target hybrid. Nevertheless, the color multiplexing, probe design, and cross-platform compatibility remain to be limited by using existing probe chemistries. We hereby explored two dual-labeled, self-quenched probes, TaqMan and shared-stem molecular beacons, in their ability to conduct FMCA. Both probes could be directly used for FMCA and readily integrated with closed-tube amplicon hybridization under asymmetric PCR conditions. Improved flexibility of FMCA by using these probes was illustrated in three representative applications of FMCA: mutation scanning, mutation identification and mutation genotyping, all of which achieved improved color-multiplexing with easy probe design and versatile probe combination and all were validated with a large number of real clinical samples. The universal cross-platform compatibility of these probes-based FMCA was also demonstrated by a 4-color mutation genotyping assay performed on five different real-time PCR instruments. The dual-labeled, self-quenched probes offered unprecedented combined advantage of enhanced multiplexing, improved flexibility in probe design, and expanded cross-platform compatibility, which would substantially improve FMCA in mutation detection of various applications.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Bacterial Proteins / genetics
  • Base Sequence
  • Color
  • DNA Mutational Analysis / methods*
  • DNA-Directed RNA Polymerases
  • Genotype
  • Molecular Sequence Data
  • Nucleic Acid Denaturation
  • Oligonucleotide Probes / chemistry*
  • Oligonucleotide Probes / genetics*
  • Polymerase Chain Reaction
  • Spectrometry, Fluorescence
  • Taq Polymerase / metabolism
  • Transition Temperature*

Substances

  • Bacterial Proteins
  • Oligonucleotide Probes
  • rpoB protein, Mycobacterium tuberculosis
  • Taq Polymerase
  • DNA-Directed RNA Polymerases