A rapid and cost effective method for analysis of dinucleotide repeat polymorphisms in the factor VIII gene

A simple, rapid and cheap method for the analysis of variable dinucleotide tandem repeat polymorphisms in introns 13 and 22 of the factor VIII gene has been established. The protocol uses blood spots stored on filter paper (Guthrie spots) and other DNA containing materials as sources of DNA. Following DNA amplification using a thermostable DNA polymerase, products are size fractionated on native polyacrylamide gels and visualized by silver staining. This simplified protocol obviates the use of DNA extraction, reducing time and costs and in addition, reduces the requirement for gel documentation equipment (i.e. photography), as silver staining can be visualized readily without additional equipment and the gels themselves can be stored. These alterations to the analysis enhance the universal applicability of these polymorphisms, as was demonstrated by a comparative study in Caucasian and Thai females.