Molecular beacon genotyping for globoid cell leukodystrophy from hair roots in the twitcher mouse and rhesus macaque.

ABSTRACT: Rapid and accurate genotype determination is ideal for the maintenance of breeding colonies of laboratory animal models of genetic disease. The rhesus macaque and murine (twitcher) models of globoid cell leukodystrophy have a dinucleotide deletion or single nucleotide substitution, respectively, which abolish ceramide beta-galactosidase activity and are authentic models of Krabbe disease. We report a molecular beacon PCR assay for each species which allows unambiguous determination of the genotype in under 4h. The assay works reliably with DNA extracted from hair roots using Chelex-100 in a 20 min, 100 degrees C incubation. We demonstrate that genotyping from hair roots is a preferred alternative to collecting blood or tissue for DNA extraction because it reduces animal distress, uses an i

SUBMITTER: Terrell KA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2043377 | biostudies-literature | 2007 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature