Juliane L.F. Rocha, Heloísa B. Pena, Sérgio D.J. Pena
Published: July 13, 2022
Genet. Mol. Res. 21(3): GMR19067
DOI: https://doi.org/10.4238/gmr19067

Cite this Article:
J.L.F. Rocha, H.B. Pena, S.D.J. Pena (2022). MQS-PCR: a simple and quick multiplex PCR molecular method for human chromosomal sex determination in DNA samples. Genet. Mol. Res. 21(3): GMR19067. https://doi.org/10.4238/gmr19067

About the Authors
Juliane L.F. Rocha, Heloísa B. Pena, Sérgio D.J. Pena

Corresponding Author
Sérgio D.J. Pena
Email: sdpena@gmail.com

ABSTRACT

Quantitative PCR puts great demands on DNA quality and relies on a comparison of fragment amplification between two chromosomes using different primers. The use of a single primer pair capable of reliable relative comparative amplification would be a great advantage.  Using this approach, we developed a rapid, high-throughput, semi-automated and cost-efficient multiplexed method for molecular determination of chromosomal sex called MQS-PCR – multiplex quantitative sexing PCR. DNA sequences located on different chromosomes and differing in length can be amplified and fluorescently labelled with a common fluorescent primer and conveniently separated and detected using capillary electrophoresis. In this method, the intensity of amplification of each of the fragments is compared to determine DNA dosage. MQS-PCR achieves 100% analytical sensitivity and specificity in detecting normal and abnormal sex chromosomal complements (45,X, 46,X,i(X)(q10), 46,X,i(X)(p10), 46,X,X(p-), 46,X,X(q-), 47,XXX, 47,XXY and 47,XYY). It is a reliable, low cost, and rapid detection method for the determination of chromosomal sex and sex chromosomal abnormalities in human samples.

Keywords: Chromosomal sex, Determination of sex, Karyotype, Multiplex fluorescent PCR, Sex chromosomal abnormalities.