[Detection of germline mutations in the APC gene with the protein truncation test]

The protein truncation test was established for analyzing mutations in the adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) gene which plays an important role in familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP). The sites of APC mutations and the clinic features of FAP patients were examined to find the relationship between them. Genomic DNA, which was extracted from peripheral blood lymphocytes of 22 FAP patients and the normal colon tissues of 43 sporadic colorectal cancers, were examined for mutations in exon15 of the APC gene by using PCR-TNT T7 Quick Coupled Tanscription/Translation System. The subsequent sequencing was used to confirm the mutation sites. Germline mutations were found in 5 of 22 FAP patients. All of the five mutations showed base pair deletions and led to produce truncated protein. No truncating germline mutation was found in normal tissues of 43 sporadic colorectal cancers. The protein truncation test is a sensitive and accurate technique to detect truncated mutations especially in the large exons of APC gene. It can be used as an routine method for assisting the early diagnosis of the FAP patients.