Detection of ATM Mutations and Polymorphisms with Mega-SSCP
Mega-SSCP is a novel, efficient, and accurate method for screening large genes for mutations and polymorphisms. The method can be carried out with typical laboratory equipment, without the need to purchase additional expensive equipment. It detects mutations missed by other screening techniques.
The mutations and variants identified are essential for ataxia telangiectasia screening. This information is needed to design DNA chips for automated screening, and to interpret the data obtained, as it eliminates false positives and differentiates disease-causing mutations from normal variations. Mega-SSCP detects mutations and polymorphisms in any gene, for example, APC (colon cancer), BRCA1 and 2 (breast cancer), CFTR (cystic fibrosis), HBB ('-thalassemia), and APOE (atherosclerosis). Mega-SSCP may be used for genetic counseling, prenatal testing, and carrier detection.
Scientists at the University of California have used a new technique, mega-SSCP (single-strand conformation polymorphism), to identify previously unknown mutations and polymorphisms in the ATM gene. In the method, nucleic acid segments are amplified, and the products are analyzed by gel electrophoresis. In an improvement over the usual SSCP procedure, certain amplicons can be run concurrently on a smaller number of gels.
Patent Number: US6458536B1
Application Number: US1999360416A
Inventor: Gatti, Richard A.
Priority Date: 23 Jul 1999
Priority Number: US6458536B1
Application Date: 23 Jul 1999
Publication Date: 1 Oct 2002
IPC Current: C07K001447 | C12Q000168
US Class: 43500612 | 435006 | 4350912
Assignee Applicant: The Regents of the University of California
Title: Modified SSCP method using sequential electrophoresis of multiple nucleic acid segments
Usefulness: Modified SSCP method using sequential electrophoresis of multiple nucleic acid segments
Summary: The method is useful for screening large, complex polyexonic eukaryotic genes such as ATM gene for mutations and polymorphisms. The new mutations and polymorphisms in the ATM gene are useful for performing more accurate screening of human DNA samples for mutations, for distinguishing mutations from polymorphisms, and for improving the efficiency of automated screening methods.
Novelty: Detecting a mutation or polymorphism in human ataxia telangiectasia gene or polyexonic eukaryotic gene, involves using mega-single stranded comformation polymorphism analysis
Biomedical
DNA/Gene Engineering
6458536
BACKGROUND Tech ID/UC Case 10149/1999-387-0 Related Cases 1999-387-0
Ataxia telangiectasia is an autosomal recessive disorder characterized by progressive cerebellar degeneration, immunodeficiency, growth retardation, premature aging, chromosomal instability, acute sensitivity to ionizing radiation, and a predisposition to cancer, particularly breast cancer. It is caused by mutations in the ATM gene which lead to defects in the DNA repair process and cell cycle control. Given the severity of the disease, there is a need for efficient and accurate diagnosis. However, current methods of mutation screening are cumbersome when applied to large genes, such as the ATM gene.
USA
