Detection of polymorphism in the RING3 gene by high-throughput fluorescent SSCP analysis

We describe the use of a high-throughput, fluorescent, polymorphism-detection system, based on single-strand conformation polymorphism to screen for polymorphism in the RING3 gene. This is the first extensive mutation screen of this major histocompatibility complex-linked gene, and the entire coding region and intron-exon junctions were examined by multiplexing over 3000 polymerase chain reaction products. These techniques should be applicable for analysis of variation in other human genes. Investigation of DNA from acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) patients, as well as healthy individuals revealed low levels of polymorphism across the RING3 gene. Comparison of the distribution of genotypes at each polymorphic site between patients and healthy individuals revealed a single site which significantly deviates from Hardy-Weinberg proportions.