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PCR Protocols pp 221-229 | Cite as

Alu PCR

Protocol
First Online:
Part of the Methods in Molecular Biology book series (MIMB, volume 687)

Abstract

Alu PCR is a rapid and easy-to-perform “DNA fingerprinting” technique based on the simultaneous analysis of many genomic loci flanked by Alu repetitive elements, which allows the detection of genetic polymorphisms and mutations in human and primate genomes. In the protocol described in the present chapter, two fluorochrome-labelled primers complementary to Alu sequences are used to perform the PCR, and the amplification products are then analysed by capillary electrophoresis. The resulting ­complex electrophoretic pattern may show sample-to-sample variability due to insertion, deletion, or sequence change of Alu retrotransposons, or caused by length variation of the sequence interposed between two Alus.

Key words

Alu PCR Inter-Alu PCR Alu Retrotransposable elements Genomic fingerprinting Genetic polymorphisms Germline mutations Somatic mutations 
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Notes

Acknowledgements

The author would like to thank I.N.R.C.A. (Italian National Research Center on Aging), Polo Scientifico e Tecnologico, Ancona, for having supported the development of this analytical method.

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Copyright information

© Humana Press 2011

Authors and Affiliations

  1. 1.Laboratory of Immuno-OncologyIstituto Nazionale Riposo e Cura Anziani (I.N.R.C.A.)AnconaItaly

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