DNA sequencing can be performed much faster and more easily by an automated DNA sequencer, which can process a large quantity of samples at one time. We use an Applied Biosystems DNA sequencer, Model 373A. Among several methods applicable to the sequencer, the dye-primer method of singlestranded template with Taq DNA polymerase gives the most reliable results. If both dye-primers (forward dye-p...

Fluorescently labeled size standards are indispensable for genotyping via an automated DNA sequencer. Microsatellites, amplified fragment-length polymorphisms (AFLPs), single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), and random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) can all be assayed on platforms such as the ABI Prism® 377 DNA Sequencer or the ABI Prism 3100-Avant Genetic Analyzer (both from Applied Biosyste...

Commercial airports are under increasing pressure to comply with the Eurocontrol Collaborative Decision Making (CDM) initiative, to ensure that information is passed between stakeholders, integrate automated decision support or make predictions. These systems can also aid effective operations beyond the airport by communicating scheduling decisions to other relevant parties, such as Eurocontrol...

Electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA) is widely used in the study of sequence-specific DNA-binding proteins, including transcription factors and mismatch binding proteins. We have established a non-radioisotope-based protocol for EMSA that features an automated DNA sequencer with an infrared fluorescent dye (IRDye) detection unit. Our modification of the elec- trophoresis unit, which incl...

Automated fluorescence-based DNA sequence analysis offers the possibility to undertake very large scale sequencing projects. Directed strategies, such as the specific-primer-directed sequencing approach ('gene walking'), should prove useful in such projects. Described herein is a study involving the use of this approach in conjunction with automated fluorescence detection on a commercial instru...

Analysis of microsatellite instability (MI) and loss of heterozygosity (LOH) is recommended for screening patients with sporadic and hereditary malignancies. This study shows an application of a fluorescent hexaplex PCR system for microsatellite typing on A.L.F. DNA Sequencer (Pharmacia Biotech). This technique detects changes in microsatellites providing a time-efficient, reliable and accurate...

The Scottish Meningococcus and Pneumococcus Reference Laboratory provides a national service for the laboratory confirmation of meningococcal and pneumococcal disease in Scotland. The main tests used for the laboratory confirmation of meningococcal disease are culture, the polymerase chain reaction (PCR), antibody testing, and more recently DNA sequencing. This paper describes the automation of...