Exploiting the enzymatic recognition of an unnatural base pair to develop a universal genetic analysis system.

Background: With the invention of the DNA chip, genome-wide analysis is now a reality. Unfortunately, solid-phase detection systems such as the DNA chip suffer from a narrow range in quantification and sensitivity. Today the best methodology for sensitive, wide dynamic range quantification and genotyping of nucleic acids is real-time PCR. However, multiplexed real-time PCR technologies require complicated and costly design and manufacturing of separate detection probes for each new target.

Methods: We developed a novel real-time PCR technology that uses universal energy transfer probes constructed from An Expanded Genetic Information System (AEGIS) for both quantification and genotyping analyses.

Results: RNA quantification by reverse transcription-PCR was linear over four orders of magnitude for the simultaneous analysis of beta-actin messenger RNA and 18S ribosomal RNA. A single trial validation study of 176 previously genotyped clinical specimens was performed by endpoint analysis for factor V Leiden and prothrombin 20210A mutation detection. There was concordance for 173 samples between the genotyping results from Invader tests and the AEGIS universal energy transfer probe system for both factor V Leiden and prothrombin G20210A. Two prothrombin and one factor V sample gave indeterminate results (no calls).

Conclusion: The AEGIS universal probe system allows for rapid development of PCR assays for nucleic acid quantification and genotyping.