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A fast and cost-effective method for identifying a polymorphism of interleukin 28B related to hepatitis C
Camila da Silva Ferreira1, Rodrigo Martins Abreu, Marlone Cunha da Silva
1University of São Paulo School of Medicine, Department of Gastroenterology, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
Insights
A new, cost-effective polymerase chain reaction method accurately detects a key genetic marker (rs12979860) near the interleukin 28B gene. This innovation aids in predicting hepatitis C virus (HCV) treatment response to pegylated interferon and ribavirin (PEG-IFN/RBV).
Area of Science:
- Genetics
- Virology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Hepatitis C virus (HCV) affects approximately 170 million people globally.
- Current treatment involves pegylated interferon and ribavirin (PEG-IFN/RBV).
- A specific single nucleotide polymorphism (rs12979860) near the interleukin 28B gene is associated with PEG-IFN/RBV treatment response.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and present an innovative, fast, and low-cost method for detecting the rs12979860 polymorphism.
- To provide an internally controlled assay for genetic analysis related to HCV treatment.
Main Methods:
- A multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay utilizing confronting two-pair primers was developed.
- The assay detects the rs12979860 polymorphism.
- It is designed to be internally controlled and does not require restriction endonucleases or specialized equipment.
Main Results:
- The developed multiplex PCR assay successfully detects the rs12979860 polymorphism.
- The assay is fast, low-cost, and internally controlled.
- It offers a cost reduction of approximately 40% compared to direct sequencing methods.
Conclusions:
- The described multiplex PCR assay is an efficient and economical tool for identifying the rs12979860 polymorphism.
- This method can aid in predicting treatment response for hepatitis C patients.
- The assay's cost-effectiveness and simplicity make it suitable for wider application in clinical settings.
Abstract:
Approximately 170 million people are chronic carriers of hepatitis C virus (HCV). Patients with chronic hepatitis C are currently treated with pegylated interferon and ribavirin (PEG-IFN/RBV). A genome-wide association with PEG-IFN/RBV treatment response and a single nucleotide polymorphism (rs12979860) has been identified near the interleukin 28B gene that encodes interferon-λ-3. In this paper, we describe an innovative, fast, and low-cost multiplex polymerase chain reaction with confronting two-pair primers that detects the rs12979860 polymorphism. The assay is internally controlled and does not require the use of restriction endonucleases or special equipment. Moreover, the assay decreases costs, being about 40% cheaper than direct sequencing methods.
