Custom Digital PCR Assays for Nucleotide Variants

Custom Digital PCR (dPCR) assays for nucleotide variants refer to specialized molecular biology techniques designed to detect and quantify specific genetic variations at the nucleotide level. Digital PCR is a sensitive method that allows for the absolute quantification of DNA targets, making it particularly useful for the analysis of rare nucleotide variants or low-abundance mutations.

In the context of custom assays for nucleotide variants, researchers or assay developers design specific primers and probes that are tailored to the genomic region of interest. These primers and probes are carefully designed to selectively amplify and detect the target nucleotide sequence, including any potential variants or mutations. The customization aspect is crucial because it enables the analysis of specific genetic changes associated with diseases, genetic disorders, or other biological phenomena.

The digital aspect of PCR refers to the method of partitioning the reaction mixture into numerous individual micro-reactions, each containing a few DNA molecules or even a single molecule. This high level of partitioning allows for precise quantification of the target nucleotide variants by counting the number of positive and negative partitions.

Overall, custom digital PCR assays for nucleotide variants provide a powerful tool for researchers and clinicians to study and monitor genetic variations with high sensitivity and accuracy, contributing to applications such as cancer research, genetic diagnostics, and personalized medicine.