MALDI TOF mass spectrometry: an emerging platform for genomics and diagnostics.

Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-time of flight (MALDI TOF) mass spectrometry has become, in recent years, a tool of choice for large molecule analyses. The platform is ideal for analysis of protein and nucleic acid sequence, structure and purity. MALDI TOF is the method of choice for quality assurance in oligo and peptide synthesis.

Population distribution of human flavin-containing monooxygenase form 3: gene polymorphisms.

The N-oxygenation of amines by the human flavin-containing monooxygenase (form 3) (FMO3) represents an important means for the conversion of lipophilic nucleophilic heteroatom-containing compounds into more polar and readily excreted products. Certain mutations of the human FMO3 gene have been linked to abnormal drug or chemical metabolism. For example, abnormal N-oxygenation of trimethylamine has been shown to segregate with mutations of human FMO3.

Automated mass spectrometry: a revolutionary technology for clinical diagnostics.

For various diagnostic analyses and the studies of functional genomics, the use of an accurate and cost-effective analytic platform to analyze large numbers of samples is essential. An automated platform called MassArray (Sequenom, Inc, San Diego, CA), designed for high-throughput diagnostic analyses, has recently been validated. The platform combines miniaturized, two-dimensional chip arrays with proven high-fidelity enzymatic procedures and matrix-assisted laser-desorption/ionization time-of-flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectrometry.

Human Lymphocyte Antigen Typing: Direct DNA Typing-The Only Choice?

Exact human lymphocyte antigen (HLA) allele matching and sequence variation are important for matching organ donors, immune response studies, and disease association investigations. The number of HLAs has reached several hundred within each of the different classes. This level of heterogeneity makes routine DNA typing to the allele level problematic using fixed probe and primer technologies.

Temporal and Quantitative Analysis of Chimerism in Liver and Kidney Transplant Patients: An Enhanced Fluorescence Detection System Allows for More Sensitive Quantitative Detection.

Background: Because spontaneous microchimerism has been reported in stable renal and hepatic allografts, the presence of donor-derived cells in recipient tissues was investigated in kidney and liver tranplant recipients. Methods and Results: Human lymphocyte antigen class II markers and Y-chromosome sequences in male donor-to-female recipient transplants were used for chimeric analysis. Human lymphocyte antigen typing was performed by group-specific polymerase chain reaction amplification and restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis, X-chromosome- and Y-chromosome-specific primers were used in a multiplex polymerase chain reaction analysis.