Rare instances of non-random dropout with the monochrome multiplex qPCR assay for mitochondrial DNA copy number

Mitochondrial DNA copy number (mtDNA-CN) is a proxy for mitochondrial function and has been of increasing interest to the mitochondrial research community. There are several ways to measure mtDNA-CN, ranging from whole genome sequencing to qPCR. A recent article from the Journal of Molecular Diagnostics described a novel method for measuring mtDNA-CN that is both inexpensive and reproducible. However, we show that certain individuals, particularly those with very low qPCR mtDNA measurements, show poor concordance between qPCR and whole genome sequencing measurements. After examining whole genome sequencing data, this seems to be due to polymorphisms within the D-loop primer region. Non-concordant mtDNA-CN was observed in all instances of polymorphisms at certain positions in the D-loop primer regions, however, not all positions are susceptible to this effect. In particular, these polymorphisms appear disproportionately in individuals with the L, T, and U mitochondrial haplogroups, indicating non-random dropout.

Loop-mediated isothermal amplification–fluorescent loop primer assay for the genotyping of a single nucleotide polymorphism at position 2254 in the viral DNA polymerase gene of equid alphaherpesvirus 1

We developed a loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP)–fluorescent loop primer (FLP) assay for genotyping the A/G2254 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in the viral DNA polymerase gene of species Equid alphaherpesvirus 1 (EHV-1), which is associated with the neuropathogenic potential of this virus. In addition to the use of regular LAMP primers to amplify the target region, a 5’-FAM–labeled backward loop primer (FLB) and 3’-dabcyl–labeled quencher probe (QP) were designed for annealing curve analysis of the amplification product. The QP, which contacts the FLB, is located at the SNP site and has the A2254 allele. LAMP reactions were performed at 63°C for 40 min, and the subsequent annealing curve analyses were accomplished within 20 min. The LAMP-FLP assay could clearly differentiate A2254 and G2254 genotypes according to the difference in the annealing temperature of the QP between the 2 genotypes. Good agreement between the LAMP-FLP and the real-time PCR for genotyping of this SNP was observed in the detection of EHV-1 in equine clinical samples. The newly developed assay is a simple and rapid method for detecting and differentiating EHV-1 strains with A2254 and G2254 polymorphisms and would be suitable for clinical use.