Detection of human apolipoprotein E genotypes by DNA electrochemical biosensor coupled with PCR

Apolipoprotein E (apoE) is an important constituent of several plasma lipoproteins, mainly VLDL, HDL, and chylomicrons. It is involved in the redistribution of lipids in the liver and is implicated in growth and repair of injured neurons in the nervous system. apoE has also been associated with the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases and in familial type III hyperlipoproteinemia.

We developed a new procedure for detecting genetic polymorphisms of apoE in human blood samples. The procedure is based on coupling of DNA electrochemical sensors with PCR-amplified DNA extracted from human blood. The DNA electrochemical sensor incorporated single-stranded oligonucleotides immobilized on graphite screen-printed electrodes (SPEs) by adsorption at controlled potential. The hybridization reaction on the electrode surface was monitored by chronopotentiometric stripping analysis (PSA), using daunomycin as indicator.

With use of two different probes, it was possible to investigate both DNA positions in which the apoE polymorphism takes place and thus to distinguish different genotypes. Real samples containing only complementary sequences gave a good increase in the area of the daunomycin peak ( approximately 600 ms) compared with the peak observed with the buffer. Samples containing 50% complementary sequences gave a much lower increase, and samples containing only mismatch sequences gave a decrease in the daunomycin area. The procedure was validated by comparison with a method based on polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis.

The coupling of DNA electrochemical sensors with PCR allowed quick discrimination between the different genotypes of apoE.