A simple method for the detection of CYP2C9 polymorphisms:: nested allele-specific multiplex polymerase chain reaction

Background: Cytochrome P4502C9 (CYP2C9), a principle drug-metabolizing enzyme is polymorphic in humans and is responsible for important pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic variations of CYP2C9 substrates. We developed an allele-specific multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method for the detection of common CYP2C9 alleles. Method: Genomic DNA was extracted from blood obtained from 40 unrelated healthy Malaysian Indian volunteers. The DNA was subjected to a first PCR that was used to amplify both exons 3 and 7 simultaneously in one reaction tube and a second PCR that was used to detect the polymorphic sites of CYP2C9 alleles using allele-specific primers. Sequencing was performed to validate the test results. Results: We were successful in amplifying the fragments of interest from the DNA samples. The method was also reproducible and specific. The amplified sequences showed 100% homology to CYP2C9 sequence. Conclusion: This is the first nested allele-specific multiplex PCR method reported to allow for the simultaneously detection of five CYP2C9 alleles. (C) 2003 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.