Allele-frequency determination of BsmI and FokI polymorphisms of the VDR gene by quantitative real-time PCR (QRT-PCR) in pooled genomic DNA samples

J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol. 2004 May;89-90(1-5):209-14. doi: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2004.03.085.

Abstract

The vdr gene is a candidate for osteoporosis susceptibility, with conflicting results in association studies. We have designed and optimized an individual allele-specific and DNA pooling PCR-based methodology to quantitate BsmI and FokI polymorphisms of the vdr gene and studied single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) from pooled DNA samples. The allele frequency in DNA pooling experiments has been analyzed by kinetic PCR: quantitative real-time PCR (QRT-PCR). A Spanish cohort of 225 healthy postmenopausal women was studied. Bone mineral density (BMD) was measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) and quantitative ultrasound calcaneous densitometry. Allele-specific PCR amplification of BsmI and FokI genes showed full concordance with the PCR-RFLP approach. The prevalence of the three BsmI VDR genotypes was 19.1, 44.9 and 36.0% for BB, Bb and bb, respectively. In the case of the FokI locus, the prevalence of genotypes was 40.4, 48.0 and 11.6% for FF, Ff and ff, respectively. No positive correlation was found between polymorphism and BMD. The DNA pooling procedure was validated. No differences were found in allele frequencies and T-score data obtained using the high throughput DNA pooling approach, as compared to known individual frequencies. In our hands, this is a very useful approach to study quantitative (thus polygenic) traits like osteoporosis susceptibility.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Absorptiometry, Photon
  • Alleles*
  • Base Sequence
  • Cohort Studies
  • DNA / genetics*
  • DNA Primers
  • Deoxyribonucleases, Type II Site-Specific / metabolism*
  • Gene Frequency*
  • Humans
  • Polymorphism, Genetic*
  • Receptors, Calcitriol / genetics*
  • Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction

Substances

  • DNA Primers
  • Receptors, Calcitriol
  • DNA
  • endodeoxyribonuclease BsmI
  • endodeoxyribonuclease FokI
  • Deoxyribonucleases, Type II Site-Specific