Developmental validation of QIAGEN Investigator® 24plex QS Kit and Investigator® 24plex GO! Kit: Two 6-dye multiplex assays for the extended CODIS core loci.

The original CODIS database based on 13 core STR loci has been overwhelmingly successful for matching suspects with evidence. In order to increase the power of discrimination, reduce the possibility of adventitious matches, and expand global data sharing, the CODIS Core Loci Working Group determined the expansion of the CODIS core loci to 20 STR plus three additional "highly recommended" loci (SE33, DY391, Amelogenin) Hares, 2015, 2012 [1,2]. The QIAGEN Investigator 24plex QS and Investigator 24plex GO! Kits are 6-dye multiplex assays that contain all markers of the expanded 23 CODIS core loci along with a unique internal performance control that is co-amplified with the STR markers. The "Quality Sensor" generates additional information for quality control and performance checks. Investigator 24plex QS is designed for purified DNA from casework and reference samples, whereas 24plex GO! is dedicated to direct amplification of reference samples, like blood or buccal cells on FTA or swabs. A developmental validation study was performed on both assays. Here, we report the results of this study which followed the recommendations of the European Network of Forensic Science Institutes (ENFSI) [3] and the Revised Validation Guidelines of the Scientific Working Group on DNA Analysis Methods (SWGDAM) [4]. Data included are for PCR-based procedures e.g. reaction conditions, effects of PCR annealing temperature variations, amplification cycles or cyclers, sensitivity (also in the context of the Quality Sensor), performance with simulated inhibition, stability and efficiency, precision, reproducibility, mixture study, concordance, stutter, species specificity, and case-type samples. The validation results demonstrate that the Investigator 24plex QS and Investigator 24plex GO! Kits are robust and reliable identification assays as required for forensic DNA typing in forensic casework analysis and databasing.

PyroMark® Instruments, Chemistry, and Software for Pyrosequencing® Analysis.

Since the early 2000s, Pyrosequencing(®) technology has been adapted for various instrument platforms to enable users to examine the role of epigenetic DNA methylation in gene expression regulation, genetic markers for specific phenotypes in livestock, drug resistance development in pathogens, and polymorphisms in forensic samples of mitochondrial DNA.The instruments, software, and chemistry have been modified to facilitate different sample throughputs and sample amounts. Just recently, major changes have been implemented to enable increased read length and more precise Pyrosequencing results. These improvements were made possible through a number of changes to various system components. In addition, assay development has been streamlined through the availability of optimized PCR and Pyrosequencing reagents, automated assay design tools, and a number of predesigned Pyrosequencing assays.In future, instruments with smaller footprints and the ability to automate crucial steps of the Pyrosequencing protocol will be available and will provide even more convenient and standardized Pyrosequencing analysis with flexible throughput.

Pyrosequencing: powerful and quantitative sequencing technology.

Pyrosequencing is a sequencing-by-synthesis method for DNA analysis that has emerged as a platform not only for de novo sequencing applications, but also for quantitative analysis of genomic methylation, single-nucleotide polymorphisms, and allele quantification. In this unit, we describe a complete workflow from sample to result that is suitable for each of these applications. As cytosine conversion is a key element of successful methylation analysis using pyrosequencing, a support protocol for bisulfite treatment is also included.

Network regulation of the Escherichia coli maltose system.

The genes of the Escherichia coli maltose regulon are controlled by MalT, the specific transcriptional activator which, together with the inducer maltotriose and ATP, is essential for mal gene transcription. Network regulation in this system affects the function of MalT and occurs on two levels. The first concerns the expression of malT. It has long been known that malT is under catabolite repression and thus under the control of the cAMP/CAP complex. We found that, in addition, the global regulator Mlc is a repressor for malT transcription. The repressor activity of Mlc is controlled by the transport status of the glucose-specific enzyme EIICB of the PTS that causes sequestration (and inactivation as a repressor) of Mlc when glucose is transported. The second level of MalT regulation affects its activity. MalT is activated by maltotriose which is not only formed when the cells are growing on any maltodextrin but also, in low amounts, endogenously when the cells grow on non-maltodextrin carbon sources. Thus, cellular metabolism, for instance degradation of galactose or trehalose, can cause mal gene induction. It was found that unphosphorylated internal glucose takes part in endogenous maltodextrin biosynthesis and is therefore a key element in endogenous mal gene expression. In addition to the maltotriose-dependent activation, MalT can interact with three different enzymes that lead to its inactivation as a transcriptional activator. The first is MaIK, the energy transducing ABC subunit of the maltodextrin transport system. Transport controls the interaction of MalK and MalT thus affecting gene expression. The second enzyme is MalY, a pyridoxal phosphate containing enzyme exhibiting cystathionase activity. The crystal structure of MalY was established and mutations in MalY that reduce mal gene repression map in a hydrophobic MalT interaction patch on the surface of the enzyme. The last enzyme is a soluble esterase of as yet unknown function. When overproduced, this enzyme specifically reduces mal gene expression and affects the activity of MalT in an in vitro transcription assay.