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A convenient qualitative and quantitative method to investigate RHD ‐ RHCE hybrid genes
Author(s) -
Fichou Yann,
Le Maréchal Cédric,
Bryckaert Laurence,
Dupont Isabelle,
Jamet Déborah,
Chen JianMin,
Férec Claude
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
transfusion
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.045
H-Index - 132
eISSN - 1537-2995
pISSN - 0041-1132
DOI - 10.1111/trf.12179
Subject(s) - genotyping , exon , genetics , multiplex , gene , biology , primer (cosmetics) , polymerase chain reaction , haplotype , microbiology and biotechnology , multiplex polymerase chain reaction , dna sequencing , allele , genotype , chemistry , organic chemistry
Background Molecular biology techniques, such as single specific‐primer polymerase chain reaction ( PCR ), denaturing‐high performance liquid chromatography, direct sequencing, next‐generation sequencing, and microarray platforms, contribute to the efficient genotyping of the human blood group RHD gene. However, some alleles remain undetermined in rare cases in DNA samples carrying two copies of the RHD gene, which challenge the identification of D ‐ CE hybrid genes. Study Design and Methods We set up, in a single‐tube format, a qualitative and quantitative assay based on multiplex PCR of short fluorescent fragments ( QMPSF ) to simultaneously amplify all 10 RHD exons on the one hand and all 10 RHCE exons on the other hand. Results The test proved to be useful to rapidly identify hybrid genes in hemizygous RHD samples carrying a hybrid D ‐ CE gene and to resolve unknown genotypes by quantifying individual exons in compound heterozygous samples, but also unexpectedly helped to redefine the RHD Ψ haplotype. While validating the test, two novel single‐point variants, c.648 G > C (p. L 216 F ) and c.1048 G > C (p. D 350 H ), were found. Conclusion For the first time, a QMPSF ‐based method is reliable to individually quantify the exons of both RH genes, including hybrid D ‐ CE genes in compound heterozygous samples and may help to investigate samples with unknown RHD and/or RHCE status.