Abstract 2187: Optimization free oncogene mutation screening work flow

BRCA1 and BRCA2 are the two primary breast cancer susceptibility genes in which identifying mutations is important to access cancer risk and decision for treatment. Prescreening of exons by High Resolution Melt (HRM) prior to sequencing can reduce effort in mutation screening in large transcripts such as the BRCA genes. Published methods for BRCA1 and 2 HRM screening have relied on complicated touchdown cycling protocols and custom reagent mixes that can lead to variable result. We have validated a streamlined workflow for adaptability in a clinical diagnostic environment. First, genomic DNA template was extracted on an automated sample processor using magnetic bead technology to purify genomic DNA directly from blood sample. Then, the PCR was performed using a PCR master mix optimized for HRM coupled with universal cycling conditions. We have successfully amplified all 120 amplicons covering exons of both BRCA genes using universal PCR condition. Potential variations identified by HRM screening were confirmed by direct sequencing of HRM PCR amplicons with M13 universal tags. By using unified protocol for PCR and universal sequencing for all amplicons the risk of incorrect procedure is greatly reduced. This simplified workflow for oncogene mutation screening using automated sample extraction and universal protocol for PCR and sequencing provides significant advantages for application in diagnostic settings. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 101st Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2010 Apr 17-21; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2010;70(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 2187.