Multiplex PCR detection of GSTM1, GSTT1, and GSTP1 gene variants: simultaneously detecting GSTM1 and GSTT1 gene copy number and the allelic status of the GSTP1 Ile105Val genetic variant.

The glutathione S-transferase (GST) genes GSTM1, GSTT1, and GSTP1 are involved in the detoxification of a broad range of toxic substances. Genetic polymorphisms in these genes have been studied intensively for their potential role in cancer susceptibility and drug response. In Caucasians, the enzyme activity of GSTM1 and GSTT1 is absent in approximately 50 and 15% of the population, respectively, due to deletions of both chromosomal copies of the genes. A trimodal phenotype pattern exists in which individuals with two, one, or no functional genes are fast, intermediate, or slow "conjugators," respectively. Most studies investigating the effect of the GSTM1 and GSTT1 deletions do not distinguish between fast and intermediate conjugators because the applied genotyping assays only detect if at least one copy of either gene is present. We present a multiplex PCR assay that detects if an individual has none, one, or two copies of the GSTM1 and GSTT1 genes and simultaneously detects the allelic status of the GSTP1 Ile105Val genetic variant. A total of 200 Danes, 100 Somalis, and 100 Greenlanders were genotyped. This multiplex PCR assay enables future large-scale studies to investigate the role of GSTs.