Fluorescence-based, multiplex allele-specific PCR (MASPCR) detection of the delta F508 deletion in the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene.

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a common genetic disorder in Caucasians, and in some populations 70% of cases are associated with a 3 base pair (bp) deletion (delta F508) in the CFTR gene. We have implemented a fluorescence-based, multiplex allele-specific polymerase chain reaction (MASPCR) assay for deletion of the delta F508 mutation. Different allele-specific fluorescently-tagged primers are used in the PCR reaction to distinguish between normal and delta F508 alleles. Fluorescent PCR products are then visualized in a single lane on an agarose gel following electrophoresis combined with real-time multicolour fluorescence detection. The approach simplifies diagnosis of the most common mutation in the CFTR gene, and holds promise for a multiplex allele-specific, fluorescence-tagged gene amplification strategy for detection of additional CF mutations which may result in more cost-effective testing without increasing the risk of missed or erroneous diagnoses.