Molecular genotyping of the mouse scid allele

Severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) mice, which lack mature B- and T-cells, provide an important system for studies on immunity and disease. However, since the scid mutation is a single T-to-A transversion, genotypic analysis can be problematic. We have developed a rapid and simple sequence-based analysis that provides identification of both the scid and the wild-type (+) allele. This allows unequivocal identification of scid/scid, scid/+ and +/+ individuals. The method is of greatest utility for discerning scid/+ from +/+ animals during genetic complementation studies, but may be of value for routine SCID colony control as well.