Single-strand conformation polymorphism analysis by perpendicular temperature-gradient gel electrophoresis.

Using a newly developed temperature-gradient gel electrophoresis apparatus, mutations in the K-ras oncogene and p53 tumor suppressor gene were analyzed for single-strand conformation polymorphism (SSCP). The mobilities of single-stranded DNAs, carrying various mutations, change--depending on the gel temperature during electrophoresis. Therefore, temperature-gradient single-strand conformation polymorphism (TG-SSCP) analysis can provide useful information concerning the optimum temperature for SSCP and may also be used to screen for various mutations or polymorphisms in a single electrophoretic run.