Multiplex single nucleotide extension: a robust and high throughput method for HLA-A locus typing.

This report describes a typing method that can identify all known human leukocyte antigen A (HLA-A) alleles by determining nucleotides present at polymorphic sites using single nucleotide extension. Allele specific primers are bound to capture oligonucleotides which allows for a multiplex approach during single nucleotide extension (SNE) reactions. Eleven group-specific polymerase chain reaction amplifications were performed to obtain the templates to be analyzed with sets of primers designed to investigate the polymorphisms.

Quantitative physical characterization of lipid-polycation-DNA lipopolyplexes.

Quantitative assays for the characterization of multi-component lipopolyplexes and their individual constituents are crucial for determining the consistency of formulation protocols which are ultimately reflected in biological activity. Lipid-polycation-DNA formulations consisting of lipids, polycations and DNA are of interest because they have been demonstrated to be efficient gene-delivery vehicles when administered systemically. We have developed a panel of analytical techniques to characterize these lipopolyplexes.