ALLELE-SPECIFIC PCR ANALYSIS FOR DETECTION OF THE GLD FAS-LIGAND POINT MUTATION

The discovery of a naturally occurring missense point mutation in the gene encoding Fas-ligand (FasL/CD95L) in generalized lymphoproliferati ve disease (girl) mice has lead to the characterization of FasL as an important mediator of apoptosis. Further analysis of Fast function can be facilitated by crossing the Sld mutation onto other mouse-strains, for example those carrying mutations affecting other molecules involv ed in apoptosis, or disease-prone genetic backgrounds. The success of this is dependent on a quick and reliable screening method. Here we re port an allele-specific PCR for detection of the gld mutation. This ap proach permits the screening of back-crossed Fl progeny within one day , using whole blood samples as a source of genomic DNA. The technique is fast, robust, easily learnt, and unambiguous. (C) 1997 Elsevier Sci ence B.V.