Direct detection of mutations in the breast and ovarian cancer susceptibility gene BRCA1 by PCR-mediated site-directed mutagenesis

The tumor suppressor genes BRCA1 and BRCA2, which confer increased susceptibility to breast and (or) ovarian cancer, were recently identified. Mutation analysis of BRCA1 has demonstrated significant allelic heterogeneity; however, some distinct mutations have been detected in unrelated individuals. The most notable is the 185delAG mutation, which occurs at an estimated frequency of similar to 1% in individuals of Ashkenazi Jewish descent [1]. Although consensus has not been reached regarding clinical testing for mutations in BRCA1, a tiered strategy may be appropriate, in which direct testing for the more common mutations is one component. Specific alleles can be detected by using PCR-mediated site-directed mutagenesis (PSM), which alters the PCR products derived from either the wild-type or mutant allele to create or destroy a restriction endonuclease recognition site. Recognition sites are introduced by a base substitution in one of the primers. The alleles are then resolved by electrophoresis of the digested FCR products. We have applied this technique to the detection of four BRCA1 mutations: 185delAG, 5382insC, E1250X, and R1443X. Another mutation, 1294del40, can be resolved from the wild-type allele by high-resolution gel electrophoresis alone. The PSM technique is sensitive, does not require radioactivity, and is specific for individual mutations.