Single nucleotide polymorphism genotyping using locked nucleic acid (LNA((TM)))

Locked nucleic acid (LNA(TM)) is a new class of bicyclic high affinity DNA analogs. LNA-containing oligonucleotides confer significantly increased affinity against their complementary DNA targets, increased mismatch discrimination (DeltaT(m)) and allow full control of the melting point of the hybridization reaction. LNA chemistry is completely compatible with the traditional DNA phosphoramidite chemistry and therefore LNA-DNA mixmer oligonucleotides can be designed with complete freedom for optimal performance. These properties render LNA oligonucleotides very well suited for SNP genotyping and have enabled several approaches for enzyme-independent SNP genotyping based on allele-specific hybridization. In addition, allele-specific PCR assays relying on enzymatically-enhanced discrimination can be improved using LNA-modified oligonucleotides. The use of LNA transforms enzyme-independent genotyping approaches into experimentally simple, robust and cost-effective assays, which are highly suited for genotyping in clinical and industrial settings.