DNA microarray for rapid detection of mitochondrial DNA haplotypes of chum salmon

For use in genetic stock identification, we developed an oligonucleotide (DNA) microarray hybridization method for rapid and accurate detection of nucleotide sequence variations in 20 previously identified variable nucleotide sites in about 500 bp within the 5' half of the control region of mitochondrial DNA of chum salmon (Oncorhynchus keta). The method includes immobilization of synthesized oligonucleotides containing respective polymorphic sites on a glass slide precoated with polycarbodiimide resin, a 2-hour hybridization with DNA microarray of biotinylated polymerase chain reaction fragments spanning the 5' variable portion followed by short washing, and visualization of hybridization signals by conventional ABC method and scanner-assisted computation of signal intensity on a computer. The entire process of hybridization and detection was completed within 4 hours. The resulting DNA microarray could detect all of the single nucleotide mutations and therefore could be used to identity the sequence variations defining 30 mtDNA haplotypes of chum salmon as revealed previously by nucleotide sequence analysis.