Multiplexed short tandem repeat polymorphisms of the Weber 8A set of markers using tailed primers and infrared fluorescence detection

Short tandem repeat polymorphism (STRP) markers have become important reage nts for mapping genetic diseases. These markers are available as screening sets, which are located in all chromosomes at discrete intervals, allowing the entire genome to be analyzed. Mapping studies that include many individ uals in the analysis necessitate the production of large numbers of genotyp es. In an effort to increase the efficiency and lower the cost of using the se STRP screening sets, we have divided the amplification primers of the We ber 8A screening set into groups that can be amplified in single polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification reactions, resulting in a reduction of both time and cost. Fluorescently-labeled amplification products were produ ced using a three primer reaction. The forward STRP amplification primer fo r each marker contained a 19 bp sequence at the 5' end. A fluorescently-lab eled primer, with a sequence identical to the 19 bp tail, was added to the amplification reaction as the sole source of fluorescent label. The STRP ba nding pattern is detected using an automated fluorescent DNA sequencer. Use of this multiplexed genomic screening set should greatly enhance the mappi ng of human disease loci.