High-throughput genetic analysis using time-resolved fluorometry and closed-tube detection

Robust methods for genetic analysis are required for efficient exploitation of the constantly accumulating genetic information. We describe a closed-tube genotyping method suitable for high-throughput screening of genetic markers. The method is based on allele-specific probes labeled with an environment-sensitive lanthanide chelate, the fluorescence intensity of which is significantly increased upon PCR amplification of a complementary target. Genomic DNA samples were analyzed in an insulin gene single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) assay using universal amplification primers and probes that recognized the two different alleles. The feasibility of dry reagent based all-in-one PCR assays was tested using another diabetes-related genetic marker, human leukocyte antigen DQB1 allele *0302 as a model analyte in a dual-color, closed-tube end-point assay. There was a 100% correlation between the novel SNP assay and a conventional PCR restriction fragment length polymorphism assay. It was also demonstrated that using real-time monitoring, accurate genotyping results can be obtained despite strongly cross-reacting probes, minimizing the time and effort needed for optimization of probe sequence. Throughput can be maximized by using predried PCR mixtures that are stable for at least 6 months. This homogenous, all-in-one dry reagent assay chemistry permits cost-effective genetic screening on a large scale.