Alu PCR

Alu PCR is a rapid and easy-to-perform “DNA fingerprinting” technique based on the simultaneous analysis of many genomic loci flanked by Alu repetitive elements, which allows the detection of genetic polymorphisms and mutations in human and primate genomes. In the protocol described in the present chapter, two fluorochrome-labelled primers complementary to Alu sequences are used to perform the PCR, and the amplification products are then analysed by capillary electrophoresis. The resulting ­complex electrophoretic pattern may show sample-to-sample variability due to insertion, deletion, or sequence change of Alu retrotransposons, or caused by length variation of the sequence interposed between two Alus.