Authors: Pereira, Filipe; Carneiro, Joao; Amorim, Antonio

Source: Recent Patents on DNA & Gene Sequences, Volume 2, Number 3, November 2008 , pp. 187-200(14)

Publisher: Bentham Science Publishers

Abstract:

One of the grand challenges of modern biology is to develop accurate and reliable technologies for a rapid screening of DNA sequence variation. This topic of research is of prime importance for the detection and identification of species in numerous fields of investigation, such as taxonomy, epidemiology, forensics, archaeology or ecology. Molecular identification is also central for the diagnosis, treatment and control of infections caused by different pathogens. In recent years, a variety of DNA-based approaches have been developed for the identification of individuals in a myriad of taxonomic groups. Here, we provide an overview of most commonly used assays, with emphasis on those based on DNA hybridizations, restriction enzymes, random PCR amplifications, species-specific PCR primers and DNA sequencing. A critical evaluation of all methods is presented focusing on their discriminatory power, reproducibility and user-friendliness. Having in mind that the current trend is to develop small-scale devices with a high-throughput capacity, we briefly review recent technological achievements for DNA analysis that offer great potentials for the identification of species.

Keywords: Species identification; DNA hybridization; RFLP; RAPD; AFLP; real-time PCR; species-specific PCR primers; DNA sequencing; DNA microarray

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.2174/187221508786241738

Publication date: 2008-11-01

More about this publication?

• Recent Patents on DNA and Gene Sequences publishes review articles by experts on recent patents on DNA and gene sequences. A selection of important and recent patents in the field is also included in the journal. The journal is essential reading for all researchers involved in applied molecular biology.