Automated DNA mutation analysis by single-strand conformation polymorphism using capillary electrophoresis with laser-induced fluorescence detection

Automation is essential for rapid genetic-based mutation analysis in clinical laboratory to screen a large number of DNA samples. We propose in this report an automatic process using Beckman Coulter P/ACE capillary electrophoresis (CE) with laser-induced fluorescence (LIF) system to detect a single-point mutation in the codon 12 of human K-ras gene. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using a fluorescently labeled reverse primer and a plain forward primer to specifically amplify a selected 50 bp DNA fragment in human K-ras gene. The amplified DNA is placed on the sample tray of the CE system with a pre-programmed step for single-strand conformation polymorphism (SSCP) analysis. Sample injection and denaturation processes are performed online along with separation and real-time data analysis. The concept of automation for rapid DNA mutation analysis using CE-LIF system for SSCP is presented.