Molecular differentiation by PCR-RFLP technique shows that Antarctic fishes of the genus Notothenia, claimed to be two species, are phenotypic varieties with the same genetic pattern (Table 1)

The taxonomy of Antarctic fishes has been predominantly based on morphological characteristics rather than on genetic criteria. A typical example is the Notothenia group, which includes N. coriiceps Richardson, 1844, N. neglecta Nybelin, 1951 and N. rossii Richardson, 1844. The Polymerase Chain Reaction and Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) technique was used to determine whether N. coriiceps Richardson, 1844 and N. neglecta Nybelin, 1951 are different or whether they are the same species with morphological, physiological and behavioural variability. N. rossii was used as control. Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) was isolated from muscle specimens of N. coriiceps Richardson, 1844, N. neglecta Nybelin, 1951 and N. rossii, which were collected in Admiralty Bay, King George Island. The DNA was used to amplify a fragment (690 base pairs) of the mitochondrial gene coding region of NADH dehydrogenase subunit 2. Further, the amplicon was digested with the following restriction enzymes: DdeI, HindIII and RsaI. The results showed a variation of the digestion pattern of the fragment amplified between N. rossii, and N. coriiceps Richardson, 1844 or N. neglecta Nybelin, 1951. However, no differences were found between N. coriiceps Richardson, 1844 and N. neglecta Nybelin, 1951, on the grounds of the same genetic pattern shown by the two fish.

Clones Identification and Genetic Characterization of Garnacha Grapevine by Means of Different PCR-Derived Marker Systems

This study uses PCR-derived marker systems to investigate the extent and distribution of genetic variability of 53 Garnacha accessions coming from Italy, France and Spain. The samples studied include 28 Italian accessions (named Tocai rosso in Vicenza area; Alicante in Sicily and Elba island; Gamay perugino in Perugia province; Cannonau in Sardinia), 19 Spanish accessions of different types (named Garnacha tinta, Garnacha blanca, Garnacha peluda, Garnacha roja, Garnacha erguida, Garnacha roya) and 6 French accessions (named Grenache and Grenache noir). In order to verify the varietal identity of the samples, analyses based on 14 simple sequence repeat (SSR) loci were performed. The presence of an additional allele at ISV3 locus (151 bp) was found in four Tocai rosso accessions and in a Sardinian Cannonau clone, that are, incidentally, chimeras. In addition to microsatellite analysis, intravarietal variability study was performed using AFLP, SAMPL and M-AFLP molecular markers. AFLPs could discriminate among several Garnacha samples; SAMPLs allowed distinguishing few genotypes on the basis of their geographic origin, whereas M-AFLPs revealed plant-specific markers, differentiating all accessions. Italian samples showed the greatest variability among themselves, especially on the basis of their different provenance, while Spanish samples were the most similar, in spite of their morphological diversity.

A PCR-based method for discriminating between high molecular weight glutenin subunits Bx7 and Bx7* in Triticum aestivum L

The correct assignment of high molecular weight glutenin subunit variants is a key task in wheat breeding. However, the traditional analysis by protein electrophoresis is sometimes difficult and not very precise. This work describes a novel DNA marker for the accurate discrimination between the Glu-B1 locus subunits Bx7 and Bx7*. The analysis of one hundred and forty two bread wheat cultivars from different countries has highlighted a great number of misclassifications in the literature that could lead to wrong conclusions in studies of the relationship between glutenin composition and wheat quality.

Construction Cost Estimates for Residences in Spain: practical application of the Pcr.5n model

The construction cost estimation systems in Spain are undeveloped and, hence, infrequently used by technicians and professionals in the building sector. However, estimation of an approximate real cost prior to the execution of the work is compulsory under current legal regulations (Technical Building Code). Therefore, the development of research projects on construction cost estimation models such as the one described and demonstrated in this talk is extremely interesting.

Hyperspectral images and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for the detection of allergen (peanuts traces) in powder foods.

The addition of preservatives to some kind of foods may be a potential risk of spoilage, as it is the transformation of sorbate into the off-odour 1-3-pentadiene by certain microbial species. This is the case of the capacity of some strains of moulds and yeasts that are able to decarboxylate sorbic acid and transform it into 1-3 pentadiene, a volatile compound with an unpleasant petroleum odour. (Casas et al. 2004).

Whole genome analysis: Experimental access to all genome sequenced segments through larger-scale efficient oligonucleotide synthesis and PCR

The recent ability to sequence whole genomes allows ready access to all genetic material. The approaches outlined here allow automated analysis of sequence for the synthesis of optimal primers in an automated multiplex oligonucleotide synthesizer (AMOS). The efficiency is such that all ORFs for an organism can be amplified by PCR. The resulting amplicons can be used directly in the construction of DNA arrays or can be cloned for a large variety of functional analyses. These tools allow a replacement of single-gene analysis with a highly efficient whole-genome analysis.

Panhandle PCR strategy to amplify MLL genomic breakpoints in treatment-related leukemias

Panhandle PCR amplifies genomic DNA with known 5′ and unknown 3′ sequences from a template with an intrastrand loop schematically shaped like a pan with a handle. We used panhandle PCR to clone MLL genomic breakpoints in two pediatric treatment-related leukemias. The karyotype in a case of treatment-related acute lymphoblastic leukemia showed the t(4;11)(q21;q23). Panhandle PCR amplified the translocation breakpoint at position 2158 in intron 6 in the 5′ MLL breakpoint cluster region (bcr). The karyotype in a case of treatment-related acute myeloid leukemia was normal, but Southern blot analysis showed a single MLL gene rearrangement. Panhandle PCR amplified the breakpoint at position 1493 in MLL intron 6. Screening of somatic cell hybrid and radiation hybrid DNAs by PCR and reverse transcriptase-PCR analysis of the leukemic cells indicated that panhandle PCR identified a fusion of MLL intron 6 with a previously uncharacterized sequence in MLL intron 1, consistent with a partial duplication. In both cases, the breakpoints in the MLL bcr were in Alu repeats, and there were Alu repeats in proximity to the breakpoints in the partner DNAs, suggesting that Alu sequences were relevant to these rearrangements. This study shows that panhandle PCR is an effective method for cloning MLL genomic breakpoints in treatment-related leukemias. Analysis of additional pediatric cases will determine whether breakpoint distribution deviates from the predilection for 3′ distribution in the bcr that has been found in adult cases.

PCR-based subtractive hybridization and differences in gene content among strains of Helicobacter pylori

Genes that are characteristic of only certain strains of a bacterial species can be of great biologic interest. Here we describe a PCR-based subtractive hybridization method for efficiently detecting such DNAs and apply it to the gastric pathogen Helicobacter pylori. Eighteen DNAs specific to a monkey-colonizing strain (J166) were obtained by subtractive hybridization against an unrelated strain whose genome has been fully sequenced (26695). Seven J166-specific clones had no DNA sequence match to the 26695 genome, and 11 other clones were mixed, with adjacent patches that did and did not match any sequences in 26695. At the protein level, seven clones had homology to putative DNA restriction-modification enzymes, and two had homology to putative metabolic enzymes. Nine others had no database match with proteins of assigned function. PCR tests of 13 unrelated H. pylori strains by using primers specific for 12 subtracted clones and complementary Southern blot hybridizations indicated that these DNAs are highly polymorphic in the H. pylori population, with each strain yielding a different pattern of gene-specific PCR amplification. The search for polymorphic DNAs, as described here, should help identify previously unknown virulence genes in pathogens and provide new insights into microbial genetic diversity and evolution.

ETS target genes: Identification of Egr1 as a target by RNA differential display and whole genome PCR techniques

ETS transcription factors play important roles in hematopoiesis, angiogenesis, and organogenesis during murine development. The ETS genes also have a role in neoplasia, for example in Ewing’s sarcomas and retrovirally induced cancers. The ETS genes encode transcription factors that bind to specific DNA sequences and activate transcription of various cellular and viral genes. To isolate novel ETS target genes, we used two approaches. In the first approach, we isolated genes by the RNA differential display technique. Previously, we have shown that the overexpression of ETS1 and ETS2 genes effects transformation of NIH 3T3 cells and specific transformants produce high levels of the ETS proteins. To isolate ETS1 and ETS2 responsive genes in these transformed cells, we prepared RNA from ETS1, ETS2 transformants, and normal NIH 3T3 cell lines and converted it into cDNA. This cDNA was amplified by PCR and displayed on sequencing gels. The differentially displayed bands were subcloned into plasmid vectors. By Northern blot analysis, several clones showed differential patterns of mRNA expression in the NIH 3T3-, ETS1-, and ETS2-expressing cell lines. Sixteen clones were analyzed by DNA sequence analysis, and 13 of them appeared to be unique because their DNA sequences did not match with any of the known genes present in the gene bank. Three known genes were found to be identical to the CArG box binding factor, phospholipase A2-activating protein, and early growth response 1 (Egr1) genes. In the second approach, to isolate ETS target promoters directly, we performed ETS1 binding with MboI-cleaved genomic DNA in the presence of a specific mAb followed by whole genome PCR. The immune complex-bound ETS binding sites containing DNA fragments were amplified and subcloned into pBluescript and subjected to DNA sequence and computer analysis. We found that, of a large number of clones isolated, 43 represented unique sequences not previously identified. Three clones turned out to contain regulatory sequences derived from human serglycin, preproapolipoprotein C II, and Egr1 genes. The ETS binding sites derived from these three regulatory sequences showed specific binding with recombinant ETS proteins. Of interest, Egr1 was identified by both of these techniques, suggesting strongly that it is indeed an ETS target gene.

Fluorescence correlation analysis of probe diffusion simplifies quantitative pathogen detection by PCR

A sensitive, labor-saving, and easily automatable nonradioactive procedure named APEX-FCS (amplified probe extension detected by fluorescence correlation spectroscopy) has been established to detect specific in vitro amplification of pathogen genomic sequences. As an example, Mycobacterium tuberculosis genomic DNA was subjected to PCR amplification with the Stoffel fragment of Thermus aquaticus DNA polymerase in the presence of nanomolar concentrations of a rhodamine-labeled probe (third primer), binding to the target in between the micromolar amplification primers. The probe becomes extended only when specific amplification occurs. Its low concentration avoids false-positives due to unspecific hybridization under PCR conditions. With increasing portion of extended probe molecules, the probe’s average translational diffusion properties gradually change over the course of the reaction, reflecting amplification kinetics. Following PCR, this change from a stage of high to a stage of low mobility can directly be monitored during a 30-s measurement using a fluorescence correlation spectroscopy device. Quantitation down to 10 target molecules in a background of 2.5 μg unspecific DNA without post-PCR probe manipulations could be achieved with different primer/probe combinations. The assay holds the promise to concurrently perform amplification, probe hybridization, and specific detection without opening the reaction chamber, if sealable foils are used.

Plasmon analyses of Triticum (wheat) and Aegilops: PCR–single-strand conformational polymorphism (PCR-SSCP) analyses of organellar DNAs

To investigate phylogenetic relationships among plasmons in Triticum and Aegilops, PCR–single-strand conformational polymorphism (PCR-SSCP) analyses were made of 14.0-kb chloroplast (ct) and 13.7-kb mitochondrial (mt)DNA regions that were isolated from 46 alloplasmic wheat lines and one euplasmic line. These plasmons represent 31 species of the two genera. The ct and mtDNA regions included 10 and 9 structural genes, respectively. A total of 177 bands were detected, of which 40.6% were variable. The proportion of variable bands in ctDNA (51.1%) was higher than that of mtDNA (28.9%). The phylogenetic trees of plasmons, derived by two different models, indicate a common picture of plasmon divergence in the two genera and suggest three major groups of plasmons (Einkorn, Triticum, and Aegilops). Because of uniparental plasmon transmission, the maternal parents of all but one polyploid species were identified. Only one Aegilops species, Ae. speltoides, was included in the Triticum group, suggesting that this species is the plasmon and B and G genome donor of all polyploid wheats. ctDNA variations were more intimately correlated with vegetative characters, whereas mtDNA variations were more closely correlated with reproductive characters. Plasmon divergence among the diploids of the two genera largely paralleled genome divergence. The relative times of origin of the polyploid species were inferred from genetic distances from their putative maternal parents.

Apparent mtDNA heteroplasmy in Alzheimer’s disease patients and in normals due to PCR amplification of nucleus-embedded mtDNA pseudogenes

In an unprecedented finding, Davis et al. [Davis, R. E., Miller, S., Herrnstadt, C., Ghosh, S. S., Fahy, E., Shinobu, L. A., Galasko, D., Thal, L. J., Beal, M. F., Howell, N. & Parker, W. D., Jr. (1997) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 94, 4526–4531] used an unusual DNA isolation method to show that healthy adults harbor a specific population of mutated mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase (COX) genes that coexist with normal mtDNAs. They reported that this heteroplasmic population was present at a level of 10–15% in the blood of normal individuals and at a significantly higher level (20–30%) in patients with sporadic Alzheimer’s disease. We provide compelling evidence that the DNA isolation method employed resulted in the coamplification of authentic mtDNA-encoded COX genes together with highly similar COX-like sequences embedded in nuclear DNA (“mtDNA pseudogenes”). We conclude that the observed heteroplasmy is an artifact.