Use of biotinylated probes for detecting sickle cell anemia
Garbutt, G.J.; Wilson, J.T.; Schuster, G.S.; Leary, J.J.; Ward, D.C.
Clinical Chemistry 31(7): 1203-1206
1985
ISSN/ISBN: 0009-9147 PMID: 2988824 Document Number: 250977
Earlier, we reported that the 5' end of the normal beta-globin gene (beta) resides on a 1.14-kilobase DNA fragment, whereas the 5' end of the sickle cell gene (beta s) resides on a 1.34-kilobase fragment. In that blot hybridization analysis, we used genomic DNA digested with restricted endonuclease Mst II, and radioactive probes with short half-life. We demonstrate here that, if a biotinylated probe is used instead in a slightly modified procedure, sickle cell anemia can be quickly and directly detected if there is as much as 5 micrograms of total genomic DNA in the sample. This procedure obviates the special precautions necessary when radioactive materials are used.