TaqMan-MGB probe quantitative PCR assays to genotype and quantify three mtDNA mutations of Leber hereditary optic neuropathy

• Published in: Scientific reports 2020-07, Vol.10 (1), p.12264-12264, Article 12264
• Main Authors: Xue, Bingqian, Li, Yang, Wang, Xin, Li, Rui, Zeng, Xin, Yang, Meihua, Xu, Xiaohui, Ye, Tingbo, Bao, Liming, Huang, Yi
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: 631/208; 631/378; Alleles; Copy number; Cross-reactivity; DNA probes; DNA, Mitochondrial; Gene Frequency; Genes, Mitochondrial; Genetic Association Studies; Genetic Predisposition to Disease; Genetic screening; Genotype; Genotypes; Genotyping; Humanities and Social Sciences; Humans; Mitochondrial DNA; multidisciplinary; Multiplex Polymerase Chain Reaction; Mutation; Optic Atrophy, Hereditary, Leber - diagnosis; Optic Atrophy, Hereditary, Leber - genetics; Optic nerve; Optic neuropathy; Polymerase chain reaction; Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction - methods; RNA, Ribosomal - genetics; Science; Science (multidisciplinary)
• ISSN: 2045-2322; 2045-2322
• DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-69220-7

Leber hereditary optic neuropathy (LHON) is a degenerative disease of the optic nerve associated with one of three mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) m.3460G>A, m.11778G>A and m.14484T>C mutations. Although several procedures are available to genotype these mutations, quantitative approaches with rapid, low-cost and easy to handle advantages for three LHON mtDNA mutations are rarely reported. Here, we firstly developed a “one-step” tetra-primer amplification-refractory mutation system (T-ARMS) PCR for qualitative genotyping of three LHON mtDNA mutations. Subsequently, we established single, duplex and triplex TaqMan MGB probe-based fluorescence quantitative PCR (qPCR) assays to perform both qualitative and quantitative analyses of three LHON mtDNA mutations. Standard curves based on tenfold diluted plasmid standard exhibited high specificity and sensitivity, stable repeatability and reliable detectable ability of TaqMan probe qPCR assays without cross-reactivity upon probes combination. Moreover, by comparing with SYBR Green qPCR, we further validated the feasibility of the triplex-probe qPCR assay for the quantitative detection of mtDNA copy number in blood samples. In conclusion, our study describes a rapid, low-cost, easy to-handle, and high-throughput TaqMan-MGB probe qPCR assay to perform both qualitative and quantitative analysis of three primary LHON mtDNA mutations, offering a promising approach for genetic screening and testing of LHON mutations.