A Process for Optimizing Yield of the Ligase Chain Reaction (LCR) : A DNA Probe Amplification Technology

DNA amplification is a very powerful tool that can be used to replicate one molecule of DNA into millions. The replication of very small amounts of DNA allows scientists to understand organisms more thoroughly than ever before. The amplification of DNA is used in many applications, such as diagnostics, genetic determinations, forensics and food testing. There are many DNA amplification technologies being developed. The two leading ones are the Ligase Chain Reaction (LCR) and the Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). The objective of this thesis is to develop a process for evaluating the Ligase Chain Reaction (LCR) yield. The model will be utilized for understanding critical parameters and optimizing LCR reaction yield. The work for this thesis was conducted at Abbott Laboratories with the support of the DNA Probes Program Director, Dr. Helen Lee. Proprietary information belonging to Abbott Laboratories, including methods, reagents, DNA sequences and chemicals are not disclosed in this thesis. The results and processes developed in this thesis should be used as a guide for optimizing LCR reaction yields for different DNA probe sequences