[Polymerase chain reaction--application of the technique]. / "Polymerase chain reaction"-teknikkens anvendelsesmuligheder.

Our knowledge of genes and genetic diseases has increased tremendously since the polymerase chain reaction technique (PCR) was introduced as a technique in molecular biology. The technique has become a critical tool for basic research, molecular biology, and biotechnology. PCR has been the link between science and molecular biology as a diagnostic tool. High sensitivity within a short time and low labour cost have been the key elements for the success of PCR. Furthermore, combinations with other techniques in molecular biology have opened up for still new perspectives as e.g. fluorescence-based real-time reverse transcription PCR (RT-PCR). In addition to providing a snapshot of the state-of-the-art applications of PCR, a look is made into the new DNA-micro-array era.

High homocysteine and thrombosis without connective tissue disorders are associated with a novel class of cystathionine beta-synthase (CBS) mutations.

Cystathionine beta-synthase (CBS) is a crucial regulator of plasma levels of the thrombogenic amino acid homocysteine (Hcy). Homocystinuria due to CBS deficiency confers a dramatically increased risk of thrombosis. Early diagnosis usually occurs after the observation of ectopia lentis, mental retardation, or characteristic skeletal abnormalities. Homocystinurics with this phenotype typically carry mutations in the catalytic region of the protein that abolish CBS activity. We describe a novel class of missense mutations consisting of I435T, P422L, and S466L that are located in the non-catalytic C-terminal region of CBS that yield enzymes that are catalytically active but deficient in their response to S-adenosylmethionine (AdoMet). The P422L and S466L mutations were found in patients suffering premature thrombosis and homocystinuric levels of Hcy but lacking any of the connective tissue disorders typical of homocystinuria due to CBS deficiency. The P422L and S466L mutants demonstrated a level of CBS activity comparable to that of the AdoMet stimulated wild-type CBS but could not be further induced by the addition of AdoMet. In terms of temperature stability, oligomeric organization, and heme saturation the I435T, P422L, and S466L mutants are indistinguishable from wild-type CBS. Our findings illustrate the importance of AdoMet for the regulation of Hcy metabolism and are consistent with the possibility that the characteristic connective tissue disturbances observed in homocystinuria due to CBS deficiency may not be due to elevated Hcy.