AT1 receptor A1166C and AT2 receptor -1332A/G gene polymorphisms: efficient genotyping by single-tube PCR.

Angiotensin II type 1 receptor (AT1) and angiotensin II type 2 receptor (AT2) genes have been investigated in recent years as potential etiologic candidates for cardiovascular and renal diseases. The pathogenic implications of AT1 A1166C and AT2 A-1332G gene polymorphisms have been shown. Here we describe a rapid and reliable method for detecting both AT1 and AT2 gene polymorphisms by a single-tube PCR, to reduce analysis time and simplify the genotyping procedure. In contrast to previously described methods, our method does not require hybridization, primer extension, or nested PCR for genotyping. In most previous studies concerning gene polymorphisms of RAS, both AT1 and AT2 receptor gene polymorphisms were investigated. The advantage of our method is that it makes it possible to detect both of these polymorphisms in a duplex PCR. The procedure described is convenient for routine laboratory use with manual sample processing, and offers the potential for further automation as well. Its simplicity makes it practical for large-scale screening of individuals and families at risk for cardiovascular or renal diseases.