SINGLE-STRAND CONFORMATION POLYMORPHISM (SSCP) ANALYSIS OF HLA-DRB1-ASTERISK-1101-06

Single-strand conformation polymorphism (SSCP) has been developed as a method for detecting the presence of mutations in a segment of DNA. W e applied it to the subtyping of the DR11 group of alleles. The SSCP p atterns of DRB1-DR52 group-specific products were defined in cell line s representing the DRB11101-06 alleles, using non-denaturing acrylami de gel electrophoresis and silver staining, Only one set of gel electr ophoresis conditions was able to discriminate the DR11 alleles tested. The protocol was validated in an analysis of 105 DR11-positive indivi duals previously typed by oligonucleotides probing. The study demonstr ates the suitability of the SSCP technique to define the DRB11101-06 alleles, the technique being particularly valuable in confirming and e xtending the oligotyping of DRB1-DR52 heterozygous samples.