Determination of the rdw Rat Genotype by Polymerase Chain Reaction with Allele-Specific Primer (PCR-ASP)

摘要

The rat carrying the rdw mutation (rdw rat) is a dwarf mutant with hypothyroidism that is caused by a single G to C transversion in the thyroglobulin gene. Therefore, the development of a simple method for molecular-based genotyping of this mutation has been problematic. We have developed a rapid and simple genotyping method that provides identification of both the rdw and wild-type allele. This polymerase chain reaction with an allele-specific primer (PCR-ASP) method amplifies only the specific allele, wild or mutant type, by using 3'-terminal mismatched primers that pair only with the respective alleles. This assay should be of value for rdw colony control and rapid discrimination of rdw/rdw, rdw/+ and +/+ rats.