High Sensitivity Detection

Easy Mutation Localization

After mutation identification, imaging programs like Adobe^® Photoshop^® can be used to determine the lane number where the mutation occurred and the approximate molecular weights of the bands, which confirms the mutation. This technique localizes the mutation within ±10 base pairs, making it easy to identify by DNA sequencing. Localization of the mutation, particularly for heterozygotes, is a clear advantage over methods such as DHPLC and TGCE, which do not indicate where the mutation occurred (3).

Infrared Detection for Highest Sensitivity

The high sensitivity of infrared detection in LI-COR's 4300 System is critical because exonuclease activity in TILLING results in some lost signal. The inherent low background of infrared detection compared to visible detection, combined with LI-COR's IRDye® infrared dyes, results in another key advantage -- wide dynamic range. Wide dynamic range is critical for resolving weak mutation bands along with strong wild type bands. Low infrared background from amplification artifacts makes it easy to resolve mutations with the 4300 System.