Genotyping single-nucleotide polymorphisms by the invader assay with dual-color fluorescence polarization detection

The PCR-Invader assay is a robust, homogeneous assay that has been shown to be highly sensitive and specific in genotyping single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers. In this study, we introduce two changes to improve the assay: (a) we streamline the PCR-Invader method by assaying both alleles for each SNP in one reaction; and (b) we reduce the cost of the method by adopting fluorescence polarization (FP) as the detection method.

PCR product was incubated with Invader oligonucleotide and two primary probes at 93 degrees C for 5 min. Signal probes corresponding to the cleaved flaps of the primary probes [labeled with fluorescein and 6-carboxytetramethylrhodamine (TAMRA) dye] and Cleavase VIII enzyme (a flap endonuclease) were then added to the mixture. This reaction mixture was incubated at 63 degrees C for 5 min. FP measurements were made with a fluorescence plate reader.

Eighty-eight individuals were genotyped across a panel of 10 SNPs, using PCR product as template, for a total of 880 genotypes. An average "no call" rate of 3.2% was observed after first round of experiments. PCR products were remade in those samples that failed to produce any genotype in the first round, and all gave clear-cut genotypes. When the genotypes determined by the PCR-Invader assay and template-directed dye-terminator incorporation assay with FP were compared, they were in 100% concordance for all SNP markers and experiments.

The improvements introduced in this study make PCR-Invader assay simpler and more cost-effective, and therefore more suitable for high-throughput genotyping.