Determination of a mutational spectrum

Patent · Tue Sep 03 00:00:00 EDT 1991

OSTI ID:7172944

Thilly, W G; Keohavong, P

A method is disclosed of resolving (physically separating) mutant DNA from nonmutant DNA. A method is also described of defining or establishing a mutational spectrum or profile of alterations present in nucleic acid sequences from a sample to be analyzed, such as a tissue or body fluid. The present method is based on the fact that it is possible, through the use of DGGE, to separate nucleic acid sequences which differ by only a single base change and on the ability to detect the separate mutant molecules. The present invention, in another aspect, relates to a method for determining a mutational spectrum in a DNA sequence of interest present in a population of cells. The method of the present invention is useful as a diagnostic or analytical tool in forensic science in assessing environmental and/or occupational exposures to potentially genetically toxic materials (also referred to as potential mutagens); in biotechnology, particularly in the study of the relationship between the amino acid sequence of enzymes and other biologically-active proteins or protein-containing substances and their respective functions; and in determining the effects of drugs, cosmetics and other chemicals for which toxicity data must be obtained. 3 figures.

• Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA (United States)
• Patent Number(s): US 5045450; A
• Application Number: PPN: US 7-379087
• OSTI ID: 7172944
• Resource Relation: Patent File Date: 13 Jul 1989
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
63 RADIATION, THERMAL, AND OTHER ENVIRON. POLLUTANT EFFECTS ON LIVING ORGS. AND BIOL. MAT.
DNA
SEPARATION PROCESSES
TOXIC MATERIALS
MUTAGENESIS
DNA SEQUENCING
GENE MUTATIONS
HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
MATERIALS
MUTATIONS
NUCLEIC ACIDS
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
STRUCTURAL CHEMICAL ANALYSIS
550200* - Biochemistry
560300 - Chemicals Metabolism & Toxicology