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Updated: Sep 25, 2026

Proofreading and DNA Repair Assay Using Single Nucleotide Extension and MALDI-TOF Mass Spectrometry Analysis
Published on: June 19, 2018
A standard protocol for single nucleotide primer extension in the human genome using matrix-assisted laser
Cheryl A Wise1, Maxime Paris, Bharti Morar
1Centre for Human Genetics, Edith Cowan University, Perth, Australia. c.wise@ecu.edu.au
Abstract:
Analysis of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) has become an increasingly important area of research, with numerous applications in medical genetics, population genetics, forensic science, and agricultural biotechnology. Large-scale SNP analyses require the development of methodologies that are economical, flexible, accurate and capable of automation. Primer extension in conjunction with matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOFMS) is currently emerging as a potential method for high-throughput SNP genotyping. We have evaluated a number of published primer extension methods and refined a simple and robust protocol to analyze human autosomal disease-causing mutations and population genetic markers on the Y-chromosome. Twelve different variant sites were examined, and homozygotes, heterozygotes and hemizygotes were accurately typed. A 100% concordance was observed between SNP genotypes obtained using the MALDI-TOFMS technique and alternative genotyping methods, such as restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) assays and denaturing high-performance liquid chromatography (DHPLC). Since multiple polymorphisms can be detected in single reactions, the method provides a cost-effective approach for SNP analysis. The protocol is also extremely flexible (able to accommodate new markers) and can be adapted to a number of platforms without the use of commercial kits.
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