Fast rodent genotyping
Alexandros C Kokotos, Timothy A. Ryan
Abstract
This protocol describes a very fast method (approximately 2 h) to do genotyping from rodent tail clips and other samples.
Before start
The current protocol describes genotyping using rodent tail clips. This protocol has been verified using both rats (Sprague Dawley strain) and mice (C57BL/6J strain). It can also be applied to other types of biological samples, like blood, buccal swabs etc.
Example genotyping applied includes PARK20 mice and sexing of wt rats.
Operating scissors should be kept very sharp at all times, by cutting through aluminum foil or stainless steel sponges.
Steps
DNA extraction
Tail clips from mice or rats of appropriate age should be snipped using sharp operating scissors and in compliance to local protocols by national and institutional regulatory organizations and placed in sterile Eppendorf tubes.
Note: This protocol has been tested using the smallest tail clips possible of ~ 1 mm. Always clean the scissors with 70% (v/v)
Ethanol in between animals.
Add 20µL
of Lysis Buffer and 0.6µL
of Proteinase K in each sample tube.
Note: Preparing a master mix is suggested for several samples.
Incubate samples at 95Room temperature
for 0h 1m 0s
.
Put samples in the heat block at 98°C
for 0h 1m 0s
.
Spin down the samples using a mini-centrifuge for 0h 0m 30s
and transfer lysate to new tubes.
PCR
Prepare PCR reactions at Room temperature
as follows
Note: Preparing a master mix is suggested for several samples.
A | B |
---|---|
Component | Volume (ul) |
Platinum master mix | 10 |
DNA sample | 1 |
Primers | 0.4+0.4 |
Nuclease free water | 8.2 |
Total | 20 |
Note: PCR reaction may need optimization. Primers should be used at a final concentration of 0.2micromolar (µM)
. In this example, 0.4µL
is added for each of two primers from a 10micromolar (µM)
stock.
Place PCR samples in a PCR thermocycler. Set up the thermocycler with the following program using a Hot Start function.
A | B | C | D |
---|---|---|---|
Step | Temperature (°C) | Time | Cycles |
Initial Denaturation | 94 | 2 min | 1 |
Denaturation | 94 | 15 s | 35 |
Annealing | 55 | 15 s | 35 |
Extension | 68 | 20 s/Kb | 35 |
Final Extension | 68 | 2 min | 1 |
Hold | 4 | oo | 1 |
Note: PCR program may need optimization.
DNA gel electrophoresis
During the PCR, prepare an appropriate agarose percentage DNA gel.
Load PCR sampes along with an appropriate DNA ladder on the DNA gel.
Submit the DNA gel to electrophoresis.
Visualize gel using an appropriate device.