Detection of 100% of mutations in 124 individuals using a standard UV/Vis microplate reader: a novel concept for mutation scanning.

We report the development of a simple and inexpensive assay for the detection of DNA polymorphisms and mutations that is based on the modification of mismatched bases by potassium permanganate. Unlike the chemical cleavage of mismatch assay, which also exploits the reactivity of potassium permanganate to detect genomic variants, the assay we describe here does not require a cleavage manipulation and therefore does not require expensive or toxic chemicals or a separation step, as mismatches are detected using direct optical methods in a microplate format. Studies with individual deoxynucleotides demonstrated that the reactivity with potassium permanganate resulted in a specific colour change.