SNP genotyping using a simple and rapid single-tube modification of ARMS illustrated by analysis of 6 SNPs in a population of males with FRAXA repeat expansions

Microsatellites have been used extensively in gene mapping, linkage and association studies but with the near completion of the human genome project (HGP) single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) have become the marker of choice. However, for association studies to be useful large numbers of SNPs must be analysed. To make these studies cost effective a simple and non-labour intensive method for SNP genotyping is essential. This work describes a single-tube modification of the amplification refractory mutation system (Biallelic-ARMS). Control amplimers flanking the SNP were amplified in a single-tube multiplex PCR with two SNP specific primers that prime in opposite directions. The SNP allele was identified on the basis of PCR product size after gel electrophoresis. Biallelic-ARMS was used to analyse six SNPs within 300 kb of the FRAXA repeat, two from the HGP SNP Database (ATL1 and FMRb) and four novel SNPs (WEX1, WEX10, WEXI7 and WEX28). The study population consisted of 649 males with a range of FRAXA (10 to >200) repeat sizes. Each SNP correlated with distinct haplogroups, as identified by DXS548, FRAXAC1 and FRAXAC2 flanking microsatellite repeat patterns and confirmed the initial choice of haplogroups for FRAXA repeat stability defined by Ennis et al.(1) (C) 2002 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.