Detection of known mutation by proof-reading PCR

Proof-reading PCR (PR-PCR) is designed to detect known mutations within genomic DNA. It differs from standard PCR approaches in that one of the two primers has its 3' end aligned with a putative mutation site, and has its 3'-OH replaced by a blocking group. Distinguishing a mutant gene from wild-type depends upon preferential removal of the blocked 3' terminal nucleotide by the polymerase proof-reading activity when it is mismatched with the template. Preferential removal of the blocked nucleotide allows subsequent extension and selective amplification, and provides the basis for distinguishing mutant from normal genes. This method has been used here to detect a transition mutation within the P53 gene of HaCaT cells with verification by direct sequencing of the selectively amplified DNA.