Optimized amplification of the polymorphic system COL2A1.

The influence of various amplification parameters on the demonstration of COL2A1 patterns was examined in serial experiments. The combination of 6 optimized parameters (concentration of primers, nucleotides, Taq polymerase, K+, Mg2+, number of cycles) led to an approximately tenfold increase in sensitivity and a decrease in allelic drop-out. In unequal mixtures of DNA from 2 individuals the weakest component was detectable in dilutions down to 1:20. In a small population sample (n = 120) 10 alleles could be demonstrated.