[Multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification and its application].

Multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification (MLPA) is a semiquantitative analysis based on polymerase chain reaction (PCR). It possesses many advantages such as high efficiency, simple operation, low cost and has been wildly applied in researches of diseases associated with copy number variation, point mutation and methylation. Recently, MLPA is combined with DNA chip to become a real high-throughput method and get great improvement in reliability. Here, the progresses of methods and application of MLPA, as well as its limitations are reviewed.