Validation of fluorescence-labeled artificial nonhuman sequences for single-strand conformation polymorphism mutation detection in familial hypercholesterolemia.

We developed a two-in-one, polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based method with a specific amplification step and a universal amplification step in one tube to screen for the presence of DNA variations. The method relies on fluorescence-labeled artificial nonhuman sequences for mutation detection. To document utility, we applied this method as a high-throughput capillary single-strand conformation polymorphism screening system to identify 30 mutations in the low-density lipoprotein receptor gene. The sensitivity of mutant allele detection compared to wild-type allele detection was 93%. We conclude that the "two-in-one PCR" is sensitive, simple, and cost effective.