Recipient Organization
DNA Solutions, Inc.
1006 West Broadway Street
Ardmore,OK 73401
Performing Department
(N/A)
Non Technical Summary
Short Tandem Repeat (STR) loci consist of short, repetitive sequence elements ranging from 2 to 5 base pairs (bp) in length distributed throughout mammalian genomes (microsatellites). STR genotypes can be determined from polymerase chain reaction (PCR) products of less 500 bp using relatively degraded DNA templates. STR fragments of discrete lengths are detected by electrophoretic separation of fluorescently labeled PCR products. However, a major challenge in STR genotyping is the accurate comparison of results obtained on different genotyping platforms whether from the same or different laboratories. An allelic ladder for standardization of STR genotyping builds the foundation for Phase II studies to calibrate allele assignment on commonly used genotyping platforms. This technology will be applicable to wildlife management as well as forensic testing in poaching cases. We anticipate revenue generation from the competitive advantage we will have in offering
standardized genotyping tests. Additional future revenues may be generated from production and sale of the ladder and/or licensing to strategic partners. Standardization of allele assignment will also facilitate the development and utilization of national white-tailed deer identification databases important for tracking population distribution and disease epidemics.
Animal Health Component
100%
Research Effort Categories
Basic
(N/A)
Applied
100%
Developmental
(N/A)
Goals / Objectives
The aim of the proposed research is to develop and characterize white-tailed deer locus-specific STR allele ladders to align data from different laboratories and/or genotyping platforms.
Project Methods
We will construct the allelic ladder by pooling PCR products to create a template for amplification of the major variants for 13 STR loci that have been tested and shown to be reliable for genotyping white-tailed deer. Sequences of variants in STR loci will be verified and migration of the allele ladder standard will be characterized on the ABI 310. Upon completion of this Phase I study, we will have developed and characterized an allelic ladder for standardization of STR genotypes used for the identification of white-tailed deer.