Fragment Length Analysis
A versatile tool with numerous applications in both research and clinical settings.
DNA Fragment Length Analysis (FLA) is a versatile tool with numerous applications in both research and clinical settings, contributing to advancements in genetics, diagnostics, and personalized medicine.
FLA Applications Include
- Genotyping: FLA can be used to determine the genetic variation within populations. This is particularly useful in association studies to identify genetic factors underlying traits or diseases.
- Mutation Detection: Detection of insertions, deletions, and other mutations in DNA sequences. Changes in fragment lengths can indicate the presence of mutations, providing insights into the genetic basis of diseases. For example, expansions of trinucleotide repeats in disorders like Huntington’s disease or Fragile X syndrome can be detected with FLA.
- Microbial Typing: By analyzing the lengths of specific DNA regions such as variable number tandem repeats (VNTRs) or short tandem repeats (STRs), different strains of bacteria or viruses can be distinguished.
- Unique ID: DNA FLA is a critical tool in forensic science for identifying individuals and establishing relationships between samples. Techniques such as short tandem repeat (STR) analysis are commonly used in forensic DNA profiling and in unique identification of established cell lines.
- Pharmacogenomics: FLA is employed to study genetic variations that influence individual responses to medications. This information can guide personalized medicine approaches, allowing healthcare providers to tailor treatments based on a patient’s genetic profile
Service Options
Short and Long Read NGS
ACGT’s short read or long read NGS technology can be used to evaluate SNP status of various DNA and RNA targets, from single PCR amplicons to whole genomes. Analysis can range from a single SNP of interest to thousands. Allele discrimination and haplotype phasing can be accomplished via bioinformatics tools for short read NGS, or directly via long read methods. The exceptional depth of coverage possible with short read NGS allows for variant frequency analysis of somatic tumor samples at as low as 1% frequency.
Gel Electrophoresis
This classic technique is used for separating DNA fragments based on size. In gel electrophoresis, DNA samples are loaded into wells in a gel matrix, and an electric field is applied. DNA fragments migrate through the gel at different rates based on size, resulting in distinct bands that can be visualized using DNA intercalating dyes or fluorescent labels. Depending on DNA fragment size range, different platforms are employed, and the matrix can be agarose or polyacrylamide gel.
Capillary Electrophoresis (CE)
Capillary electrophoresis is a high-resolution technique for DNA fragment analysis. It involves the separation of DNA fragments in a narrow capillary tube under an electric field. We utilize our ABI 3730 instruments for this analysis, and the PCR fragments are labelled at one end with specific fluorophores for multi-target detection. CE offers higher sensitivity and resolution down to 1 bp difference.
