Determination of allele frequencies at loci with length polymorphism by quantitative analysis of DNA amplified from pooled samples.

We present a new method that allows rapid determination of allele frequencies at loci exhibiting length polymorphism. In this method a fluorescence-labeled PCR primer is used to amplify the polymorphic region from pooled DNA samples originating from a large number of individuals. The fluorescent PCR products are separated by gel electrophoresis on an automatic DNA sequencer and the relative amount of the PCR products are determined. The distribution of the PCR products obtained from the alleles present in the pooled samples directly corresponds to the allele frequency in the population in question. The allele frequencies at a short tandem repeat locus in the von Willebrand factor gene and at the D1S80 locus were determined in the Finnish population. We found that the allele frequencies determined by quantitative analysis of PCR products from pooled DNA samples and by analyzing individual samples were in good agreement.