A comparison of restriction fragment length polymorphism, tetra primer amplification refractory mutation system PCR and unlabeled probe melting analysis for LTA+252 C>T SNP genotyping.

Background: From the wide range of methods currently available for genotyping, we wished to identify a quick, reliable and affordable approach for routine use in our laboratory for LTA+252 C>T SNP screening.

Methods: We set up and compared three genotyping methods for SNP detection: restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP), tetra primer amplification refractory mutation system PCR (TPAP) and unlabeled probe melting analysis (UPMA). The SNP model used was LTA+252 C>T, a cytokine gene polymorphism that has been associated with response to treatment in rheumatoid arthritis. The study was performed using 46 samples from healthy Caucasian volunteers.

Results: Allele and genotype distribution was similar to that previously described in the same population. All three genotyping methods showed good reproducibility and are suitable for a medium scale throughput molecular platform. UPMA was the most cost effective, reliable and safe method since it required the shortest technician time, could be performed in a single closed tube and involved automatic data analysis.

Conclusion: This work is the first to compare these three genotyping techniques and provides evidence for UPMA being the method of choice for LTA+252 C>T SNP genotyping.