Allele-specific MVR-PCR analysis at minisatellite D1S8.

Minisatellite variant repeat mapping by the polymerase chain reaction (MVR-PCR) provides a digital approach to DNA typing of great potential use both in forensic medicine and, by mapping single alleles, for exploring allelic variability and mutation processes at minisatellites. The MVR haplotypes of single alleles can be determined either from physically separated alleles or by pedigree analysis of digital diploid codes generated from both alleles simultaneously. We now show that single alleles can be rapidly mapped from total genomic DNA using allele-specific PCR primers directed to polymorphic sites in the DNA flanking the minisatellite. This approach can also be used to dissect mixed DNA samples such as those often encountered in forensic DNA analysis.