Automated detection of single nucleotide polymorphism in beta-2 adrenergicreceptor gene using LCx((R))

beta-(2) adrenergic receptor (B2AR) agonists are the most widely prescribed rescue agents used in the treatment of asthma. Recent studies have indicat ed a relationship between a polymorphism at codon 16 of the B2AR gene, and the response to recurrent beta -agonist therapy. The B2AR polymorphism of i nterest involves a single nucleotide change from A to G, resulting in an am ino acid change from Arginine (Arg) to Glycine (Gly). Clinical efforts to f urther investigate this relationship require an accurate, reliable and inex pensive method for detecting the polymorphism. In this study, we report an LCx((R)) assay for the detection of a single nu cleotide polymorphism at codon 16 of the beta-(2) adrenergic receptor, This assay is capable of detecting patients harboring any of the three possible genotypes at this: locus, namely, homozygous wild type, homozygous variant or heterozygous individuals with a single genomic DNA sample of 25-500 ng. It requires minimum hands-on time with automated detection. The assay woul d be suitable for use in research labs for screening of a large number of s amples. We believe that this type of assay will facilitate research and cli nical investigations in elucidating the association of SNPs with disease st ates, diagnosis, prognosis and treatment. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. Al l rights reserved.