TRANSVERSE FORMAMIDE GRADIENTS AS A SIMPLE AND EASY WAY TO OPTIMIZE DNA SINGLE-STRAND CONFORMATION POLYMORPHISM ANALYSIS

Although widely used, the detection of DNA mutations by the single-str and conformation polymorphism (SSCP) method is often hampered by the n eed to examine a large set of electrophoretic conditions in order to s elect the one suited to the DNA sequence under study. We show here tha t the use of transverse chemical gradient gels allows for a quick and easy optimisation of SSCP analysis, as exemplified on two mutations in exon 2 of the alpha-1-antitrypsin gene.