U.S. patent application number 14/165757 was filed with the patent office on 2014-07-17 for methods for amplifying hepatitis c virus nucleic acids.
This patent application is currently assigned to Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated. The applicant listed for this patent is Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated. Invention is credited to Douglas John Bartels, James Daniel Frantz, Tara Lynn Kieffer, Ann Dak-Yee Kwong, Chao Lin, Judith A. Lippke, Sheila Seepersaud, Benjamin Shames, James C. Sullivan, Eileen Z. Zhang, Yi Zhou.
Application Number | 20140199684 14/165757 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 42334055 |
Filed Date | 2014-07-17 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140199684 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Kwong; Ann Dak-Yee ; et
al. |
July 17, 2014 |
METHODS FOR AMPLIFYING HEPATITIS C VIRUS NUCLEIC ACIDS
Abstract
A method of amplifying an HCV nucleic acid in an HCV infected
sample comprises amplifying a segment of a DNA template that is
complementary to a genome of HCV RNA from the sample by a two-stage
PCR, wherein a first stage PCR employs a first outer primer and a
second outer primer, and a second stage PCR employs a first inner
primer and a second inner primer. The nucleotide sequence of the
first outer primer comprises a nucleotide sequence as set forth in
SEQ ID NO: 2; or SEQ ID NO:9, wherein optionally 1, 2 or 3
nucleotides are other nucleotides than those of SEQ ID NO: 9. The
nucleotide sequence of the second outer primer comprises a
nucleotide sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 3 or 4; or a nucleotide
sequence as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 10 or 11, wherein optionally 1,
2 or 3 nucleotides are other nucleotides than those of SEQ ID NO:
10 and 11. The nucleotide sequence of the first inner primer
comprises a nucleotide sequence as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 5; or
SEQ ID NO:12, wherein optionally 1, 2 or 3 nucleotides are other
nucleotides than those of SEQ ID NO: 12. The nucleotide sequence of
the second inner primer comprises a nucleotide sequence as set
forth in SEQ ID NO: 6 or 7; or a nucleotide sequence as set forth
in SEQ ID NO: 13 or 14, wherein optionally 1, 2 or 3 nucleotides
are other nucleotides than those of SEQ ID NO: 13 and 14.
Inventors: |
Kwong; Ann Dak-Yee;
(Cambridge, MA) ; Frantz; James Daniel; (Belmont,
MA) ; Bartels; Douglas John; (North Liberty, IA)
; Lin; Chao; (Winchester, MA) ; Shames;
Benjamin; (Arlington, MA) ; Seepersaud; Sheila;
(Acton, MA) ; Lippke; Judith A.; (Chestnut Hill,
MA) ; Kieffer; Tara Lynn; (Brookline, MA) ;
Zhou; Yi; (Lexington, MA) ; Zhang; Eileen Z.;
(Andover, MA) ; Sullivan; James C.; (Sudbury,
MA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated |
Boston |
MA |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Vertex Pharmaceuticals
Incorporated
Boston
MA
|
Family ID: |
42334055 |
Appl. No.: |
14/165757 |
Filed: |
January 28, 2014 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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13186985 |
Jul 20, 2011 |
8679740 |
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14165757 |
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PCT/US2010/021589 |
Jan 21, 2010 |
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13186985 |
|
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61146083 |
Jan 21, 2009 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
435/5 |
Current CPC
Class: |
C12Q 1/6883 20130101;
C12Q 1/707 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
435/5 |
International
Class: |
C12Q 1/70 20060101
C12Q001/70 |
Claims
1-53. (canceled)
54. A kit for assaying a hepatitis C virus (HCV) nucleic acid from
an HCV infected sample, comprising a pair of outer PCR primers
comprising a first outer primer and a second outer primer, wherein
i) the nucleotide sequence of the first outer primer comprises SEQ
ID NO: 2: TABLE-US-00020 (SEQ ID NO: 2) 5'-GAGTAGTGTTGGGTCG-3',
and ii) the nucleotide sequence of the second outer primer
comprises SEQ ID NO: 3 or SEQ ID NO: 4: TABLE-US-00021 (SEQ ID NO:
3) 5'-CACGCTGTGATAAATG-3' or (SEQ ID NO: 4)
5'-CAVGCTGTGATATATG-3',
wherein V is A, C or G; and iii) the nucleotide sequence of the
first inner primer comprises SEQ ID NO: 5: TABLE-US-00022 (SEQ ID
NO: 5) 5'-GGTGCTTGCGAGTGCC-3',
and iv) the nucleotide sequence of the second inner primer
comprises SEQ ID NO: 6 or SEQ ID NO: 7: TABLE-US-00023 (SEQ ID NO:
6) 5'-TAGCCAGCCGTGAACC-3' or (SEQ ID NO: 7)
5'-TARCCAGCRACGAACC-3',
wherein R is A or G.
55. The kit of claim 54, wherein: i) the nucleotide sequence of the
first outer primer comprises at its 3' end a nucleotide sequence as
set forth SEQ ID NO: 9 wherein optionally one, two or three
nucleotides thereof independently are other nucleotides than those
of SEQ ID NO: 9: TABLE-US-00024 (SEQ ID NO: 9)
5'-CAAGACTGCTAGCCGAGTAGTGTTGGGTCG-3',
and ii) the nucleotide sequence of the second outer primer
comprises at its 3' end a nucleotide sequence as set forth SEQ ID
NO: 10 or SEQ ID NO: 11, wherein optionally one, two or three
nucleotides thereof independently are other nucleotides than those
of SEQ ID NO: 10 and SEQ ID NO: 11: TABLE-US-00025 (SEQ ID NO: 10)
5'-CCGGGCAYGAGACACGCTGTGATAAATG-3', or (SEQ ID NO: 11)
5'-TCGGGCACGAGACAVGCTGTGATATATG-3',
wherein Y is C, T or U, and V is A, C or G.
56. (canceled)
57. The kit of claim 54, wherein: i) the nucleotide sequence of the
first inner primer comprises at its 3' end a nucleotide sequence as
set forth SEQ ID NO: 12 wherein optionally one, two or three
nucleotides thereof independently are other nucleotides than those
of SEQ ID NO: 12: TABLE-US-00026 (SEQ ID NO: 12)
5'-GTACTGCCTGATAGGGTGCTTGCGAGTGCC-3';
and ii) the nucleotide sequence of the second inner primer
comprises at its 3' end a nucleotide sequence as set forth SEQ ID
NO: 13 or SEQ ID NO: 14, wherein optionally one, two or three
nucleotides thereof independently are other nucleotides than those
of SEQ ID NO: 13 and SEQ ID NO: 14: TABLE-US-00027 (SEQ ID NO: 13)
5'-TCTCCCCCGCTGTAGCCAGCCGTGAACC-3' or (SEQ ID NO: 14)
5'-TCTCCCCCGCTGTARCCAGCRACGAACC-3',
wherein R is A or G.
58. The kit of claim 57, wherein: i) the nucleotide sequence of the
first inner primer comprises SEQ ID NO: 15: TABLE-US-00028 (SEQ ID
NO: 15) 5'-AAGTACTGCCTGATAGGGTGCTTGCGAGTGCC-3';
and ii) the nucleotide sequence of the second inner primer
comprises SEQ ID NO: 16 or SEQ ID NO: 17: TABLE-US-00029 (SEQ ID
NO: 16) 5'-ATCTCCCCCGCTGTAGCCAGCCGTGAACC-3' or (SEQ ID NO: 17)
5'-ATCTCCCCCGCTGTARCCAGCRACGAACC-3',
wherein R is A or G.
59. The kit of claim 54, further comprising an RT primer, wherein
the nucleotide sequence of the RT primer comprises SEQ ID NO: 1:
5'-(A).sub.n-AAAA-3' (SEQ ID NO: 1), wherein n is an integer of
1-26.
60-63. (canceled)
64. A kit for assaying a hepatitis C virus (HCV) nucleic acid from
an HCV infected sample, comprising: a) an RT primer, wherein the
nucleotide sequence of the RT primer comprises SEQ ID NO: 1 at its
3' end: TABLE-US-00030 (SEQ ID NO: 1) 5'-(A).sub.n-AAAA-3',
wherein n is an integer of 1-26; b) a pair of outer PCR primers
comprising a first outer primer and a second outer primer, wherein
i) the nucleotide sequence of the first outer primer comprises at
its 3' end a nucleotide sequence as set forth SEQ ID NO: 9 wherein
optionally one, two or three nucleotides thereof independently are
other nucleotides than those of SEQ ID NO: 9: TABLE-US-00031 (SEQ
ID NO: 9) 5'-CAAGACTGCTAGCCGAGTAGTGTTGGGTCG-3',
and ii) the nucleotide sequence of the second outer primer
comprises at its 3' end a nucleotide sequence as set forth SEQ ID
NO: 10 or SEQ ID NO: 11, wherein optionally one, two or three
nucleotides thereof independently are other nucleotides than those
of SEQ ID NO: 10 and SEQ ID NO: 11: TABLE-US-00032 (SEQ ID NO: 10)
5'-CCGGGCAYGAGACACGCTGTGATAAATG-3', or (SEQ ID NO: 11)
5'-TCGGGCACGAGACAVGCTGTGATATATG-3',
wherein Y is C, T or U, and V is A, C or G; and c) a pair of inner
PCR primers comprising a first inner primer and a second inner
primer, wherein i) the nucleotide sequence of the first inner
primer comprises at its 3' end a nucleotide sequence as set forth
SEQ ID NO: 12 wherein optionally one, two or three nucleotides
thereof independently are other nucleotides than those of SEQ ID
NO: 12: TABLE-US-00033 (SEQ ID NO: 12) 5'
-GTACTGCCTGATAGGGTGCTTGCGAGTGCC-3';
and ii) the nucleotide sequence of the second inner primer
comprises at its 3' end a nucleotide sequence as set forth SEQ ID
NO: 13 or SEQ ID NO: 14, wherein optionally one, two or three
nucleotides thereof independently are other nucleotides than those
of SEQ ID NO: 13 and SEQ ID NO: 14: TABLE-US-00034 (SEQ ID NO: 13)
5'-TCTCCCCCGCTGTAGCCAGCCGTGAACC-3' or (SEQ ID NO: 14)
5'-TCTCCCCCGCTGTARCCAGCRACGAACC-3',
wherein R is A or G.
65. The kit of claim 64, wherein the nucleotide sequence of the RT
primer comprises SEQ ID NO: 8: TABLE-US-00035 (SEQ ID NO: 8)
5'-AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA-3'
66. A kit for assaying a hepatitis C virus (HCV) nucleic acid from
an HCV infected sample, comprising: a) an RT primer, wherein the
nucleotide sequence of the RT primer comprises SEQ ID NO: 8:
TABLE-US-00036 (SEQ ID NO: 8) 5'-AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA-3';
b) a pair of outer PCR primers comprising a first outer primer and
a second outer primer, wherein i) the nucleotide sequence of the
first outer primer comprises SEQ ID NO: 9: TABLE-US-00037 (SEQ ID
NO: 9) 5'-CAAGACTGCTAGCCGAGTAGTGTTGGGTCG-3',
and ii) the nucleotide sequence of the second outer primer
comprises SEQ ID NO: 10 or SEQ ID NO: 11: TABLE-US-00038 (SEQ ID
NO: 10) 5'-CCGGGCAYGAGACACGCTGTGATAAATG-3', or (SEQ ID NO: 11)
5'-TCGGGCACGAGACAVGCTGTGATATATG-3',
wherein Y is C, T or U, and V is A, C or G; and c) a pair of inner
PCR primers comprising a first inner primer and a second inner
primer, wherein i) the nucleotide sequence of the first inner
primer comprises SEQ ID NO: 15: TABLE-US-00039 (SEQ ID NO: 15)
5'-AAGTACTGCCTGATAGGGTGCTTGCGAGTGCC-3';
and ii) the nucleotide sequence of the second inner primer
comprises SEQ ID NO: 16 or SEQ ID NO: 17: TABLE-US-00040 (SEQ ID
NO: 16) 5'-ATCTCCCCCGCTGTAGCCAGCCGTGAACC-3' or (SEQ ID NO: 17)
5'-ATCTCCCCCGCTGTARCCAGCRACGAACC-3',
wherein R is A or G.
Description
RELEVANT APPLICATION(S)
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 13/186,985 which is a continuation of PCT
Application Number PCT/US2010/021589, filed Jan. 21, 2010 which in
turn claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No.
61/146,083, filed on Jan. 21, 2009. The entire teachings of these
applications are incorporated herein by reference.
SEQUENCE LISTING
[0002] The instant application contains a Sequence Listing
submitted concurrently herewith via EFS-Web and is hereby
incorporated by reference in its entirety. Said ASCII copy, created
on Mar. 25, 2010, is named VPI08120.txt and is 4,614 bytes in
size.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) is a positive sense single-strand
RNA virus in the family of flavirividae. HCV is a major cause of
chronic liver disease worldwide, and remains one of the most common
causes of post-transfusion non-A, non-B hepatitis. Of persons who
become infected with HCV, 20-25% may be able to clear the virus
after the acute infection, but 75-80% will develop chronic
Hepatitis C infection. (See, e.g., preface, Frontiers in Viral
Hepatitis, Ed. R. F. Chinazi, J.-P. Sommadossi, and C. M. Rice, p.
xi., Elsevier (2003)). This usually results in recurrent and
progressively worsening liver inflammation, which often leads to
more severe states, such as cirrhosis and hepatocellular
carcinoma.
[0004] Obtaining information of, and quantifying, the HCV genome
can facilitate development of a number of approaches for diagnosing
and/or treating HCV infection in patients. Generally, analysis of a
relatively long fragment of the HCV genome would provide more
sequence information which cannot be obtained from multiple,
relatively shorter fragments. However, it generally has been
difficult to amplify long RNA genomes (e.g., having over 5
kilobases) that require a reverse transcription (RT) step prior to
PCR amplification with conventional polymerase chain reactions
(PCRs). Such situations are even more challenging when trying to
amplify an HCV genome having, for example, greater than 8,000 base
pairs, or full-length HCV genome. Also, it has generally been
difficult to amplify such a long HCV genome from specimens obtained
from clinical and epidemiological studies with relatively high
reproducibility.
[0005] Therefore, there is a need for new amplification and assay
methods of an HCV genome. In particular, there is a need for new
amplification and assay methods of an HCV nucleic acid having
greater than 8,000 base pairs (e.g., full-length HCV) with
relatively high reproducibility (e.g., greater than 80%, greater
than 85%, or greater than 90%).
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] The present invention generally provides methods of
amplifying an HCV nucleic acid, methods of assaying an HCV nucleic
acid, kits and primers therefor.
[0007] In one aspect, the present invention provides a method of
amplifying a hepatitis C virus (HCV) nucleic acid from an
HCV-infected sample. The method comprises amplifying a segment of a
DNA template that is complementary to a genome of HCV RNA from the
sample by a two-stage polymerase chain reaction (PCR), wherein a
first stage PCR employs a first outer primer and a second outer
primer, and a second stage PCR employs a first inner primer and a
second inner primer. In one embodiment, the method further
comprises forming the DNA template that is complementary to a
genome of HCV RNA from the sample by reverse transcription (RT)
using an RT primer.
[0008] In another aspect, the present invention provides a method
of assaying a hepatitis C virus (HCV) nucleic acid from an HCV
infected sample. The method comprises amplifying a segment of a DNA
template that is complementary to a genome of HCV RNA from the
sample by a two-stage polymerase chain reaction (PCR), wherein a
first stage PCR employs a first outer primer and a second outer
primer, and a second stage PCR employs a first inner primer and a
second inner primer. The method further comprises sequencing the
amplified HCV nucleic acid. In one embodiment, the method further
comprises forming the DNA template that is complementary to a
genome of HCV RNA from the sample by reverse transcription (RT)
using an RT primer.
[0009] In yet another aspect, the present invention provides a kit
for amplifying and/or assaying an HCV nucleic acid in an HCV
infected sample. In one embodiment, the kit comprises a pair of
outer PCR primers comprising a first outer primer and a second
outer primer. In another embodiment, the kit comprises a pair of
inner PCR primers comprising a first inner primer and a second
inner primer. In yet another embodiment, the kit comprises an RT
primer, a pair of outer PCR primers comprising a first outer primer
and a second outer primer, and a pair of inner PCR primers
comprising a first inner primer and a second inner primer.
[0010] In one embodiment, the nucleotide sequence of the RT primer
comprises SEQ ID NO: 1; the nucleotide sequence of the first outer
primer comprises SEQ ID NO: 2; the nucleotide sequence of the
second outer primer comprises SEQ ID NO: 3 or SEQ ID NO: 4; the
nucleotide sequence of the first inner primer comprises SEQ ID NO:
5; and the nucleotide sequence of the second inner primer comprises
SEQ ID NO: 6 or SEQ ID NO: 7:
TABLE-US-00001 (SEQ ID NO: 1) 5'-(A).sub.n-AAAA-3', where n is an
integer of 1-26; (SEQ ID NO: 2) 5'-GAGTAGTGTTGGGTCG-3'; (SEQ ID NO:
3) 5'-CACGCTGTGATAAATG-3'; (SEQ ID NO: 4) 5'-CAVGCTGTGATATATG-3';
(SEQ ID NO: 5) 5'-GGTGCTTGCGAGTGCC-3'; (SEQ ID NO: 6)
5'-TAGCCAGCCGTGAACC-3'; and (SEQ ID NO: 7)
5'-TARCCAGCRACGAACC-3',
[0011] wherein V is A, C or G; and R is A or G.
[0012] In another embodiment, the nucleotide sequence of the RT
primer comprises SEQ ID NO: 1 at its 3' end; the nucleotide
sequence of the first outer primer comprises at its 3' end a
nucleotide sequence as set forth SEQ ID NO: 9, wherein optionally
one, two or three nucleotides thereof independently are other
nucleotides than those of SEQ ID NO: 9; the nucleotide sequence of
the second outer primer comprises at its 3' end a nucleotide
sequence as set forth SEQ ID NO: 10 or SEQ ID NO: 11, wherein
optionally one, two or three nucleotides thereof independently are
other nucleotides than those of SEQ ID NO: 10 and SEQ ID NO: 11;
the nucleotide sequence of the first inner primer comprises at its
3' end a nucleotide sequence as set forth SEQ ID NO: 12, wherein
optionally one, two or three nucleotides thereof independently are
other nucleotides than those of SEQ ID NO: 12; the nucleotide
sequence of the second inner primer comprises at its 3' end a
nucleotide sequence as set forth SEQ ID NO: 13 or SEQ ID NO: 14,
wherein optionally one, two or three nucleotides thereof
independently are other nucleotides than those of SEQ ID NO: 13 and
SEQ ID NO: 14:
TABLE-US-00002 (SEQ ID NO: 1) 5'-(A).sub.n-AAAA-3', where n is an
integer of 1-26; (SEQ ID NO: 9)
5'-CAAGACTGCTAGCCGAGTAGTGTTGGGTCG-3'; (SEQ ID NO: 10)
5'-CCGGGCAYGAGACACGCTGTGATAAATG-3'; (SEQ ID NO: 11)
5'-TCGGGCACGAGACAVGCTGTGATATATG-3'; (SEQ ID NO: 12)
5'-GTACTGCCTGATAGGGTGCTTGCGAGTGCC-3'; (SEQ ID NO: 13)
5'-TCTCCCCCGCTGTAGCCAGCCGTGAACC-3'; and (SEQ ID NO: 14)
5'-TCTCCCCCGCTGTARCCAGCRACGAACC-3',
[0013] wherein V is A, C or G; R is A or G; and Y is C, T or U.
[0014] In yet another embodiment, the nucleotide sequence of the RT
primer comprises SEQ ID NO: 1 at its 3' end; the nucleotide
sequence of the first outer primer comprises at its 3' end a
nucleotide sequence as set forth SEQ ID NO: 9, wherein optionally
one, two or three nucleotides thereof independently are other
nucleotides than those of SEQ ID NO: 9; the nucleotide sequence of
the second outer primer comprises at its 3' end a nucleotide
sequence as set forth SEQ ID NO: 10 or SEQ ID NO: 11, wherein
optionally one, two or three nucleotides thereof independently are
other nucleotides than those of SEQ ID NO: 10 and SEQ ID NO: 11;
the nucleotide sequence of the first inner primer comprises at its
3' end a nucleotide sequence as set forth SEQ ID NO: 15, wherein
optionally one, two or three nucleotides thereof independently are
other nucleotides than those of SEQ ID NO: 15; the nucleotide
sequence of the second inner primer comprises at its 3' end a
nucleotide sequence as set forth SEQ ID NO: 16 or SEQ ID NO: 17,
wherein optionally one, two or three nucleotides thereof
independently are other nucleotides than those of SEQ ID NO: 16 and
SEQ ID NO: 17:
TABLE-US-00003 (SEQ ID NO: 1) 5'-(A).sub.n-AAAA-3', where n is an
integer of 1-26; (SEQ ID NO: 9)
5'-CAAGACTGCTAGCCGAGTAGTGTTGGGTCG-3'; (SEQ ID NO: 10)
5'-CCGGGCAYGAGACACGCTGTGATAAATG-3'; (SEQ ID NO: 11)
5'-TCGGGCACGAGACAVGCTGTGATATATG-3'; (SEQ ID NO: 15)
5'-AAGTACTGCCTGATAGGGTGCTTGCGAGTGCC-3'; (SEQ ID NO: 16)
5'-ATCTCCCCCGCTGTAGCCAGCCGTGAACC-3'; and (SEQ ID NO: 17)
5'-ATCTCCCCCGCTGTARCCAGCRACGAACC-3',
[0015] wherein V is A, C or G; R is A or G; and Y is C, T or U.
[0016] In yet another embodiment, the nucleotide sequence of the RT
primer comprises SEQ ID NO: 1; the nucleotide sequence of the first
outer primer comprises a nucleotide sequence as set forth in SEQ ID
NO: 9, wherein optionally one, two or three nucleotides at
positions 1 through 14 from the 5' end of SEQ ID NO:9 are
independently other nucleotides than those of SEQ ID NO:9; the
nucleotide sequence of the second outer primer comprises a
nucleotide sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 10 or 11, wherein
optionally one, two or three nucleotides at positions 1 through 12
from the 5' end of SEQ ID NOs: 10 and 11 are independently other
nucleotides than those of SEQ ID NOs: 10 and 11; the nucleotide
sequence of the first inner primer comprises a nucleotide sequence
as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 12, wherein optionally one, two or three
nucleotides at positions 1 through 14 from the 5' end of SEQ ID
NO:12 are independently other nucleotides than those of SEQ ID
NO:12; and the nucleotide sequence of the second inner primer
comprises a nucleotide sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 13 or 14,
wherein optionally one, two or three nucleotides at positions 1
through 12 from the 5' end of SEQ ID NOs: 13 and 14 are
independently other nucleotides than those of SEQ ID NOs: 13 and
14.
[0017] In yet another embodiment, the nucleotide sequence of the RT
primer comprises SEQ ID NO: 8; the nucleotide sequence of the first
outer primer comprises SEQ ID NO: 9; the nucleotide sequence of the
second outer primer comprises SEQ ID NO: 10 or SEQ ID NO: 11; the
nucleotide sequence of the first inner primer comprises SEQ ID NO:
12; and the nucleotide sequence of the second inner primer
comprises SEQ ID NO: 13 or SEQ ID NO: 14:
TABLE-US-00004 (SEQ ID NO: 8) 5'-AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA-3'; (SEQ ID
NO: 9) 5'-CAAGACTGCTAGCCGAGTAGTGTTGGGTCG-3'; (SEQ ID NO: 10)
5'-CCGGGCAYGAGACACGCTGTGATAAATG-3'; (SEQ ID NO: 11)
5'-TCGGGCACGAGACAVGCTGTGATATATG-3'; (SEQ ID NO: 12)
5'-GTACTGCCTGATAGGGTGCTTGCGAGTGCC-3'; (SEQ ID NO: 13)
5'-TCTCCCCCGCTGTAGCCAGCCGTGAACC-3'; (SEQ ID NO: 14)
5'-TCTCCCCCGCTGTARCCAGCRACGAACC-3',
[0018] wherein V is A, C or G; R is A or G; and Y is C, T or U.
[0019] In yet another embodiment, the nucleotide sequence of the RT
primer comprises SEQ ID NO: 8; the nucleotide sequence of the first
outer primer comprises SEQ ID NO: 9; the nucleotide sequence of the
second outer primer comprises SEQ ID NO: 10 or SEQ ID NO: 11; the
nucleotide sequence of the first inner primer comprises SEQ ID NO:
15; and the nucleotide sequence of the second inner primer
comprises SEQ ID NO: 16 or SEQ ID NO: 17:
TABLE-US-00005 (SEQ ID NO: 8) 5'-AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA-3'; (SEQ ID
NO: 9) 5'-CAAGACTGCTAGCCGAGTAGTGTTGGGTCG-3'; (SEQ ID NO: 10)
5'-CCGGGCAYGAGACACGCTGTGATAAATG-3'; (SEQ ID NO: 11)
5'-TCGGGCACGAGACAVGCTGTGATATATG-3'; (SEQ ID NO: 15)
5'-AAGTACTGCCTGATAGGGTGCTTGCGAGTGCC-3'; (SEQ ID NO: 16)
5'-ATCTCCCCCGCTGTAGCCAGCCGTGAACC-3'; (SEQ ID NO: 17)
5'-ATCTCCCCCGCTGTARCCAGCRACGAACC-3',
[0020] wherein V is A, C or G; R is A or G; and Y is C, T or U.
[0021] The present invention can be used for amplification of HCV
nucleic acid from, for example, clinical isolates, such as those
derived from the tissue of a patient infected with HCV. With the
present PCR methods, an HCV genomic sequences having, for example,
greater than 8,000 base pairs can be amplified and sequenced with
relatively high reproducibility, e.g., greater than 80%, greater
than 85%, or greater than 90% successful rate, even with HCV
samples of 10.sup.3 to 10.sup.4 IU/ml. The PCR methods of the
invention can also be employed for amplifying and sequencing of an
HCV genome in HCV samples of less than 10.sup.3 IU/ml. The sequence
information of the HCV genome can be used for development of
diagnosing and/or treating HCV infection in patients, and also for
other various experimental purposes, for example, generating
vectors comprising the HCV genome or a fragment thereof. For
example, the present invention can be employed for monitoring or
following-up an HCV patient's resistance profile, or response
(e.g., exhibiting a particular polymorphism) to a particular
therapy; and for a diagnosis kit therefor.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0022] FIG. 1 is a schematic drawing showing HCV genome known in
the art.
[0023] FIG. 2 is a schematic drawing showing HCV genome and primer
positions in one embodiment of the invention.
[0024] FIGS. 3 and 4 show electrophoreses images illustrating
sensitivity of an RT-PCR method of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0025] The present invention provides methods and kits useful for
amplifying, assaying, identifying, sequencing and/or quantifying
particular nucleic acid sequences of HCV nucleic acid
molecules.
[0026] HCV has a positive sense RNA genome of about 9600 nucleoside
bases. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of approximately 9.5 kb HCV
RNA. As shown in FIG. 1, at the 5' and 3' ends of the RNA are the
5' UTR and 3' UTR regions, respectively. Moving forward from the 5'
UTR region to the 3' UTR region, located are sequences that encode
active structural, core (C), envelope (E1 and E2) and P7 proteins,
and non-structural, NS2, NS3, NS4a, NS4b, NSSa and NSSb proteins.
The 3' end of the RNA comprises either a poly(A) or poly(U) tail,
depending on the type of HCV. The 5' UTR and 3' UTR regions are not
translated into proteins but are important to translation and
replication of the viral RNA. In particular, the 5' UTR has a
ribosome binding site (IRES--Internal Ribosomal Entry Site) that
starts the translation of a 3000 amino acid containing protein that
is later cut by cellular and viral proteases into active structural
(core (C), envelope (E1 and E2) and P7 proteins) and non-structural
smaller proteins, including NS2, NS3, NS4a, NS4b, NSSa and NSSb
proteins. The HCV nonstructural (NS) proteins are believed to
provide the essential catalytic machinery for viral replication.
The NS proteins are derived by proteolytic cleavage of the
polyprotein. The HCV NS protein 3 (NS3) contains a serine protease
activity that helps process the majority of the viral enzymes, and
is thus considered essential for viral replication and infectivity.
The first 181 amino acids of NS3 (residues 1027-1207 of the viral
polyprotein) have been shown to contain the serine protease domain
of NS3 that processes all four downstream sites of the HCV
polyprotein. The HCV NS3 serine protease and its associated
cofactor, NS4A, help process all of the viral enzymes. The 5' UTR
is the most highly conserved part of the HCV genome, whereas the
sequence of the two envelope proteins (E1 and E2) is highly
variable among different HCV isolates.
[0027] Typically, the genetic heterogeneity of HCV has been
classified by quasispecies and genotype. As used herein, the term
"quasispecies" refers to the genetic heterogeneity of the HCV
population within an infected individual. As used herein, the terms
"genotype" and "subtype" refer to the genomic heterogeneity
observed among different HCV isolates. Multiple types and subtypes
of HCV have been known in the art, including, e.g., genotypes 1a,
1b, 1c, 2a, 2b, 2c, 3a, 3b, 4a, 5a and 6a (using the classification
system of Simmonds et al., 1994, Hepatology 19:1321-24; Zein, 2000,
Clin. Microbiol. Rev. 13:223-235).
[0028] As used herein, the term "HCV" includes any types and
subtypes of HCV, including genotypes 1a, 1b, 1c, 2a, 2b, 2c, 3a,
3b, 4a, 5a and 6a; and variants thereof. Generally, a "variant"
includes a sequence that has one or more changes relative to a
reference virus, gene or protein. The origin of the variants
includes, for example, gene mutations and polymorphisms. Also, the
term "HCV nucleic acid" includes the full-length HCV, and fragments
of HCV having partial sequences.
[0029] In one aspect, the present invention provides a method of
amplifying an HCV nucleic acid obtained from an HCV infected sample
by employing RT to prepare a DNA template (cDNA) complementary to a
genome of HCV RNA from the sample. A segment of the DNA template is
then amplified by employing a two-stage PCR. The DNA template
segment includes a target HCV nucleic acid molecule subject to
amplification, and amplicons of the target HCV nucleic acid
molecule are produced via the two-stage PCR. Each of the RT and PCR
processes independently employs one or more primers disclosed
herein (for example, SEQ ID NOs. 1-17).
[0030] In some embodiments, the amplified target HCV nucleic acid
molecule has greater than 8,000 base pairs. In other embodiments,
the amplified target HCV nucleic acid molecule has greater than
9,000 base pairs. In yet other embodiments, the amplified target
HCV nucleic acid molecule comprises genomes that encode C, E1, E2,
NS2, NS3, NS4A, NS4B, NSSA and NSSB proteins. In yet other
embodiments, the amplified target HCV nucleic acid molecule has the
full-length of nucleotides.
[0031] A sample from which a target HCV nucleic acid molecule can
be detected is any HCV-infected bodily fluid, cells or cellular
debris. Samples from patients, in which the presence of HCV is to
be determined, may be, for example, blood, serum, plasma and other
body fluids or tissues. An "HCV infected sample" includes HCV RNA
in any amount. In some embodiments, the HCV-infected sample is from
a HCV positive sample. As used herein, the phrase "HCV positive"
sample means that the sample includes HCV RNA in an amount greater
than 1000 IU/mL. In some embodiments, the HCV-infected sample
includes HCV RNA in an amount less than, or equal to, 1000 IU/mL,
for example, in a range of between 10 IU/mL and 1000 IU/mL; between
100 IU/mL and 1000 IU/mL; between 500 IU/mL and 1000 IU/mL; or 700
IU/mL and 1000 IU/mL. In some embodiments, the HCV infected sample
from which the target HCV nucleic acid molecule is obtained is an
HCV infected patient's plasma.
[0032] A "primer" is an oligonucleotide which, upon hybridizing to
a template nucleic acid molecule, is capable of acting as a point
of synthesis initiation, for example, during an amplification or RT
reaction. The length of the primers of the present invention is not
critical. Typically, the primer length ranges from 5-150
nucleotides, such as 10-100 nucleotides, 15-80 nucleotides, 15-50
nucleotides, 25-80 nucleotides, 28-80 nucleotides, 20-45
nucleotides, 15-35 nucleotides, or 25-35 nucleotides. For example,
additional sequences of 1-100 nucleotides (such as a Tag having
1-50, 1-30, or 1-20 nucleotides) can be added at the 5' end of any
one of SEQ ID NOs. 1-17 and variants thereof. In some embodiments,
random sequences of 1-100 nucleotides (such as random sequences of
1-50, 1-30, or 1-20 nucleotides) are added at the 5' end of the
primers disclosed herein (e.g., oligonucleotides of SEQ ID NOs.
1-14 and variants thereof), but not at their 3' end. In some
embodiments, the primers of the invention comprise SEQ ID NOs. 1-17
or variants thereof at their 3' end.
[0033] The term "nucleic acid," "nucleotide" and "oligonucleotide"
are used interchangeably throughout. Unless noted otherwise, when
polynucleotide sequences are presented as a series of one-letter
and/or three-letter abbreviations, the sequences are presented in
the 5' to 3' direction, in accordance with common practice. The
abbreviations used throughout the specification to refer to nucleic
acids comprising specific nucleobase sequences are the conventional
one-letter abbreviations. Thus, when included in a nucleic acid,
the naturally occurring encoding nucleobases are abbreviated as
follows: adenine (A), guanine (G), cytosine (C), thymine (T) and
uracil (U).
[0034] In the invention, the RT step is performed using an RT
primer, the nucleotide sequence of which comprises SEQ ID NO: 1 or
SEQ ID NO: 8:
TABLE-US-00006 (SEQ ID NO: 1) 5'-(A).sub.n-AAAA-3', or (SEQ ID NO:
8) 5'-AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA-3'.
The "n" of SEQ ID NO: 1 is typically an integer of 1-26, more
typically an integer of 4-20, and even more typically an integer of
10-20.
[0035] In some embodiments, the RT primer is a 10-80 mer. In other
embodiments, the RT primer is a 15-80 mer. In yet other
embodiments, the RT primer is a 15-50 mer. In yet other
embodiments, the RT primer is a 15-30 mer. In yet other
embodiments, the RT primer is a 18-30 mer.
[0036] In some embodiments, the RT primer comprises SEQ ID NO: 1 or
SEQ ID NO: 8 at its 3' end.
[0037] In some embodiments, the target HCV RNA is primed with an RT
primer described above at a 3' untranslated region (3' UTR) of the
HCV genome.
[0038] Generally, the RT step can be carried out as a separate
step. Optionally, it can be carried out in a combined reverse
transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The RT-PCR
amplification of RNA is well known in the art and described in, for
example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,322,770 and 5,310,652; Myers and Gelfand,
1991, Biochemistry 30(31):7661-7666; U.S. Pat. No. 5,527,669; Young
et al., 1993, J. Clin. Microbiol. 31(4):882-886; and Young et al.,
1995, J. Clin. Microbiol. 33(3):654-657.
[0039] During the RT step, in general, HCV RNA comprising the
target nucleic acid is isolated from the HCV infected sample in a
manner typically performed in a laboratory to prepare an RNA
template. In some embodiments, the HCV RNA is isolated from the HCV
infected sample using a carrier RNA. Examples of carrier RNAs that
can be employed in the invention include poly-A RNA and bacterial
tRNA. In certain specific embodiments, bacterial tRNA is employed.
A complementary DNA template is prepared from the HCV RNA template
using the RT primer and one or more RT enzymes. Any suitable RT
condition and RT enzyme, known in the art, can be employed in the
invention. Specific examples of RT enzymes that can be employed in
the invention include M-MuLV (Moloney Murine Leukemia Virus), such
as SuperScript, PrimeScript, PowerScript, Accuscript, ArrayScript
and MultiScribe; AMV (Avian Myeloblastosis Virus); and HIV (Human
Immunodeficency Virus).
[0040] The cDNA template can then be employed for amplification
using a two-stage PCR. Generally, the two-stage PCR employs a first
stage PCR and a second stage PCR. With the first stage PCR, the HCV
cDNA template (or a segment of the HCV cDNA template) that includes
the target HCV nucleic acid is amplified by employing a pair of
outer primers, i.e., a first outer primer and a second outer primer
to produce a first amplification product (amplicons). For example,
at least a portion of the amplification product (or a segment of
the amplification product) of the first stage PCR is then
subsequently further amplified by the second stage PCR employing a
pair of inner primers, i.e., a first inner primer and a second
inner primer, to produce a second amplification product
(amplicons). As in conventional PCR, in each cycle of the
amplification reaction any double-stranded nucleic acid molecules
in a sample can be rendered single-stranded by denaturation.
Hybridization can then take place between the primers and the
target nucleic acid molecules.
[0041] Typically, the inner or outer primer pair can be the same or
different in length. For example, for each of the inner and outer
primer pairs, the first primer may be made up of twenty-nine
nucleotides; while the second primer can be made up of twenty-two
nucleotides. In some embodiments, each of the outer and inner
primers independently is a 15-80 mer. In other embodiments, each of
the outer and inner primers independently is a 15-50 mer. In yet
other embodiments, each of the outer and inner primers
independently is a 25-80 mer. In yet other embodiments, each of the
outer and inner primers independently is a 28-80 mer. In yet other
embodiments, each of the outer and inner primers independently is a
25-50 mer.
[0042] In one embodiment, the first inner and outer primers
independently are primed at a 5' UTR of the HCV genome, and the
second inner and outer primers independently are primed at a NSSB
region of the HCV genome. In a specific embodiment, the 5' UTR
regions where the first inner and outer primers are primed comprise
the regions shown in FIG. 2 for F1 and F2 primers, independently;
and the NSSB regions where the second inner and outer primers are
primed comprise the regions shown in FIG. 2 for R1 and R2 primers,
independently.
[0043] In one embodiment, the first outer primer comprises a
nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO.2:
TABLE-US-00007 (SEQ ID NO: 2) 5'-GAGTAGTGTTGGGTCG-3'.
[0044] In another embodiment, the first outer primer comprises a
nucleotide sequence as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 9, wherein
optionally one, two or three (alternatively one or two) nucleotides
at positions 1 through 14 from the 5' end of SEQ ID NO: 9 are
independently other nucleotides than those of SEQ ID NO: 9:
TABLE-US-00008 (SEQ ID NO: 9)
5'-CAAGACTGCTAGCCGAGTAGTGTTGGGTCG-3'.
[0045] In yet another embodiment, the first outer primer comprises
at its 3' end a nucleotide sequence as set froth SEQ ID NO: 9,
wherein optionally one, two or three (alternatively one or two)
nucleotides thereof independently are other nucleotides than those
of SEQ ID NO: 9.
[0046] In yet another embodiment, the first outer primer comprises
a nucleotide sequence as set froth SEQ ID NO: 9. In yet another
embodiment, the first outer primer comprises a nucleotide sequence
as set froth SEQ ID NO: 9 at its 3' end.
[0047] In one embodiment, the second outer primer comprises a
nucleotide sequence as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 3 or SEQ ID NO:
4:
TABLE-US-00009 (SEQ ID NO: 3) 5'-CACGCTGTGATAAATG-3'; (SEQ ID NO:
4) 5'-CAVGCTGTGATATATG-3'.
[0048] In another embodiment, the second outer primer comprises a
nucleotide sequence as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 10 or 11, wherein
optionally one, two or three (alternatively one or two) nucleotides
at positions 1 through 12 from the 5' end of SEQ ID NOs: 10 and 11
are independently other nucleotides than those of SEQ ID NOs: 10
and 11:
TABLE-US-00010 (SEQ ID NO: 10) 5'-CCGGGCAYGAGACACGCTGTGATAAATG-3';
(SEQ ID NO: 11) 5'-TCGGGCACGAGACAVGCTGTGATATATG-3'.
[0049] In yet another embodiment, the second outer primer comprises
at its 3' end a nucleotide sequence as set froth in SEQ ID NO: 10
or 11, wherein optionally one, two or three (alternatively one or
two) nucleotides thereof independently are other nucleotides than
those of SEQ ID NOs: 10 and 11.
[0050] In yet another embodiment, the second outer primer comprises
a nucleotide sequence as set froth in SEQ ID NO: 10 or 11. In yet
another embodiment, the second outer primer comprises a nucleotide
sequence as set froth in SEQ ID NO: 10 or 11 at its 3' end.
[0051] In one embodiment, the first inner primer comprises a
nucleotide sequence as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 5:
TABLE-US-00011 (SEQ ID NO: 5) 5'-GGTGCTTGCGAGTGCC-3'.
[0052] In another embodiment, the first inner primer comprises a
nucleotide sequence as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 12, wherein
optionally one, two or three (alternatively one or two) nucleotides
at positions 1 through 14 from the 5' end of SEQ ID NO: 12
independently are other nucleotides than those of SEQ ID NO:
12:
TABLE-US-00012 (SEQ ID NO: 12)
5'-GTACTGCCTGATAGGGTGCTTGCGAGTGCC-3'.
[0053] In yet another embodiment, the first inner primer comprises
at its 3' end a nucleotide sequence as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 12,
wherein optionally one, two or three (alternatively one or two)
nucleotides thereof independently are other nucleotides than those
of SEQ ID NO:12.
[0054] In yet another embodiment, the first inner primer comprises
a nucleotide sequence as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 12. In yet another
embodiment, the first inner primer comprises a nucleotide sequence
as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 12 at its 3' end.
[0055] In yet another embodiment, the first inner primer comprises
a nucleotide sequence as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 15, wherein
optionally one, two or three (alternatively one or two) nucleotides
at positions 1 through 16 from the 5' end of SEQ ID NO: 15
independently are other nucleotides than those of SEQ ID NO:
15:
TABLE-US-00013 (SEQ ID NO: 15)
5'-AAGTACTGCCTGATAGGGTGCTTGCGAGTGCC-3'.
[0056] In yet another embodiment, the first inner primer comprises
at its 3' end a nucleotide sequence as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 15,
wherein optionally one, two or three (alternatively one or two)
nucleotides thereof independently are other nucleotides than those
of SEQ ID NO:15.
[0057] In yet another embodiment, the first inner primer comprises
a nucleotide sequence as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 15. In yet another
embodiment, the first inner primer comprises a nucleotide sequence
as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 15 at its 3' end.
[0058] In one embodiment, the second inner primer comprises a
nucleotide sequence as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 6 or 7:
TABLE-US-00014 (SEQ ID NO: 6) 5'-TAGCCAGCCGTGAACC-3' or (SEQ ID NO:
7) 5'-TARCCAGCRACGAACC-3'.
[0059] In another embodiment, the second inner primer comprises a
nucleotide sequences as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 13 or 14, wherein
optionally one, two or three (alternatively one or two) nucleotides
at positions 1 through 12 from the 5' end of SEQ ID NOs: 13 and 14
are independently other nucleotides than those of SEQ ID NOs: 13
and 14:
TABLE-US-00015 (SEQ ID NO: 13) 5'-TCTCCCCCGCTGTAGCCAGCCGTGAACC-3'
or (SEQ ID NO: 14) 5'-TCTCCCCCGCTGTARCCAGCRACGAACC-3'.
[0060] In yet another embodiment, the second inner primer comprises
at its 3' end a nucleotide sequences as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 13
or 14, wherein optionally one, two or three (alternatively one or
two) nucleotides thereof independently are other nucleotides than
those of SEQ ID NOs: 13 and 14.
[0061] In another embodiment, the second inner primer comprises a
nucleotide sequences as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 16 or 17, wherein
optionally one, two or three (alternatively one or two) nucleotides
at positions 1 through 13 from the 5' end of SEQ ID NOs: 16 and 17
are independently other nucleotides than those of SEQ ID NOs: 16
and 17:
TABLE-US-00016 (SEQ ID NO: 16) 5'-ATCTCCCCCGCTGTAGCCAGCCGTGAACC-3'
or (SEQ ID NO: 17) 5'-ATCTCCCCCGCTGTARCCAGCRACGAACC-3'.
[0062] In yet another embodiment, the second inner primer comprises
at its 3' end a nucleotide sequences as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 16
or 17, wherein optionally one, two or three (alternatively one or
two) nucleotides thereof independently are other nucleotides than
those of SEQ ID NOs: 16 and 17.
[0063] In yet another embodiment, the second inner primer comprises
a nucleotide sequences as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 16 or 17. In yet
another embodiment, the second inner primer comprises a nucleotide
sequences as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 16 or 17 at its 3' end.
[0064] In a first specific embodiment, the first outer primer
comprises a nucleotide sequence as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 9,
wherein optionally one, two or three (alternatively one or two)
nucleotides at positions 1 through 14 from the 5' end of SEQ ID
NO:9 are independently other nucleotides than those of SEQ ID NO:9;
and the second outer primer comprises a nucleotide sequence set
forth in SEQ ID NO: 10 or 11, wherein optionally one, two or three
(alternatively one or two) nucleotides at positions 1 through 12
from the 5' end of SEQ ID NOs: 10 and 11 are independently other
nucleotides than those of SEQ ID NOs: 10 and 11.
[0065] In a second specific embodiment, the first inner primer
comprises a nucleotide sequence as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 12,
wherein optionally one, two or three (alternatively one or two)
nucleotides at positions 1 through 14 from the 5' end of SEQ ID
NO:12 are independently other nucleotides than those of SEQ ID
NO:12; and the second inner primer comprises a nucleotide sequence
set forth in SEQ ID NO: 13 or 14, wherein optionally one, two or
three (alternatively one or two) nucleotides at positions 1 through
12 from the 5' end of SEQ ID NOs: 13 and 14 are independently other
nucleotides than those of SEQ ID NOs: 13 and 14.
[0066] In a third specific embodiment, the first outer primer
comprises a nucleotide sequence as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 9,
wherein optionally one, two or three (alternatively one or two)
nucleotides at positions 1 through 14 from the 5' end of SEQ ID
NO:9 are independently other nucleotides than those of SEQ ID NO:9;
the second outer primer comprises a nucleotide sequence set forth
in SEQ ID NO: 10 or 11, wherein optionally one, two or three
(alternatively one or two) nucleotides at positions 1 through 12
from the 5' end of SEQ ID NOs: 10 and 11 are independently other
nucleotides than those of SEQ ID NOs: 10 and 11; the first inner
primer comprises a nucleotide sequence as set forth in SEQ ID NO:
12, wherein optionally one, two or three (alternatively one or two)
nucleotides at positions 1 through 14 from the 5' end of SEQ ID
NO:12 are independently other nucleotides than those of SEQ ID
NO:12; and the second inner primer comprises a nucleotide sequence
set forth in SEQ ID NO: 13 or 14, wherein optionally one, two or
three (alternatively one or two) nucleotides at positions 1 through
12 from the 5' end of SEQ ID NOs: 13 and 14 are independently other
nucleotides than those of SEQ ID NOs: 13 and 14. In one aspect of
this embodiment, the target HCV nucleic acid molecule has greater
than 8,000 base pairs. In another aspect of this embodiment, the
target HCV nucleic acid molecule is genotype 1a or 1b. In yet
another aspect of this embodiment, the target HCV nucleic acid
molecule is genotype 1a or 1b having greater than 8,000 base
pairs.
[0067] In a fourth specific embodiment, the first outer primer
comprises a nucleotide sequence as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 9 at its
3' end, wherein optionally one, two or three (alternatively one or
two) nucleotides are independently other nucleotides than those of
SEQ ID NO:9; the second outer primer comprises a nucleotide
sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 10 or 11 at its 3' end, wherein
optionally one, two or three (alternatively one or two) nucleotides
are independently other nucleotides than those of SEQ ID NOs: 10
and 11; the first inner primer comprises a nucleotide sequence as
set forth in SEQ ID NO: 12 at its 3' end, wherein optionally one,
two or three (alternatively one or two) nucleotides are
independently other nucleotides than those of SEQ ID NO:12; and the
second inner primer comprises a nucleotide sequence set forth in
SEQ ID NO: 13 or 14 at its 3' end, wherein optionally one, two or
three (alternatively one or two) nucleotides are independently
other nucleotides than those of SEQ ID NOs: 13 and 14. In one
aspect of this embodiment, the target HCV nucleic acid molecule has
greater than 8,000 base pairs. In another aspect of this
embodiment, the target HCV nucleic acid molecule is genotype 1a or
1b. In yet another aspect of this embodiment, the target HCV
nucleic acid molecule is genotype 1a or 1b having greater than
8,000 base pairs.
[0068] In a fifth specific embodiment, the target HCV nucleic acid
molecule is genotype 1a having greater than 8,000 base pairs. In
one aspect of this embodiment, the outer primer comprises a
nucleotide sequence as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 9, wherein
optionally one, two or three (alternatively one or two) nucleotides
at positions 1 through 14 from the 5' end of SEQ ID NO:9 are
independently other nucleotides than those of SEQ ID NO:9; the
second outer primer comprises a nucleotide sequence set forth in
SEQ ID NO: 10, wherein optionally one, two or three (alternatively
one or two) nucleotides at positions 1 through 12 from the 5' end
of SEQ ID NO: 10 are independently other nucleotides than those of
SEQ ID NO: 10; the first inner primer comprises a nucleotide
sequence as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 12, wherein optionally one, two
or three (alternatively one or two) nucleotides at positions 1
through 14 from the 5' end of SEQ ID NO:12 are independently other
nucleotides than those of SEQ ID NO:12; and the second inner primer
comprises a nucleotide sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 13, wherein
optionally one, two or three (alternatively one or two) nucleotides
at positions 1 through 12 from the 5' end of SEQ ID NO: 13 are
independently other nucleotides than those of SEQ ID NO: 13. In
another aspect of this embodiment, the outer primer comprises a
nucleotide sequence as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 9 at its 3' end,
wherein optionally one, two or three (alternatively one or two)
nucleotides are independently other nucleotides than those of SEQ
ID NO:9; the second outer primer comprises a nucleotide sequence
set forth in SEQ ID NO: 10 at its 3' end, wherein optionally one,
two or three (alternatively one or two) nucleotides are
independently other nucleotides than those of SEQ ID NO: 10; the
first inner primer comprises a nucleotide sequence as set forth in
SEQ ID NO: 12 at its 3' end, wherein optionally one, two or three
(alternatively one or two) nucleotides are independently other
nucleotides than those of SEQ ID NO:12; and the second inner primer
comprises a nucleotide sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 13 at its
3' end, wherein optionally one, two or three (alternatively one or
two) nucleotides are independently other nucleotides than those of
SEQ ID NO: 13. In yet another aspect of this embodiment, the first
outer primer comprises a nucleotide sequence as set forth in SEQ ID
NO: 9; the second outer primer comprises a nucleotide sequence set
forth in SEQ ID NO: 10; the first inner primer comprises a
nucleotide sequence as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 12; and the second
inner primer comprises a nucleotide sequence set forth in SEQ ID
NO: 13. In yet another aspect of this embodiment, the first outer
primer comprises a nucleotide sequence as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 9
at its 3' end; the second outer primer comprises a nucleotide
sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 10 at its 3' end; the first inner
primer comprises a nucleotide sequence as set forth in SEQ ID NO:
12 at its 3' end; and the second inner primer comprises a
nucleotide sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 13 at its 3' end.
[0069] In a sixth specific embodiment, the target HCV nucleic acid
molecule is genotype 1b having greater than 8,000 base pairs. In
one aspect of this embodiment, the first outer primer comprises a
nucleotide sequence as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 9, wherein
optionally one, two or three (alternatively one or two) nucleotides
at positions 1 through 14 from the 5' end of SEQ ID NO:9 are
independently other nucleotides than those of SEQ ID NO:9; the
second outer primer comprises a nucleotide sequence set forth in
SEQ ID NO: 11, wherein optionally one, two or three (alternatively
one or two) nucleotides at positions 1 through 12 from the 5' end
of SEQ ID NO: 11 are independently other nucleotides than those of
SEQ ID NO: 11; the first inner primer comprises a nucleotide
sequence as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 12, wherein optionally one, two
or three (alternatively one or two) nucleotides at positions 1
through 14 from the 5' end of SEQ ID NO:12 are independently other
nucleotides than those of SEQ ID NO:12; and the second inner primer
comprises a nucleotide sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 14, wherein
optionally one, two or three (alternatively one or two) nucleotides
at positions 1 through 12 from the 5' end of SEQ ID NO: 14 are
independently other nucleotides than those of SEQ ID NO: 14. In
another aspect of this embodiment, the first outer primer comprises
a nucleotide sequence as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 9 at its 3' end,
wherein optionally one, two or three (alternatively one or two)
nucleotides are independently other nucleotides than those of SEQ
ID NO:9; the second outer primer comprises a nucleotide sequence
set forth in SEQ ID NO: 11 at its 3' end, wherein optionally one,
two or three (alternatively one or two) nucleotides are
independently other nucleotides than those of SEQ ID NO: 11; the
first inner primer comprises a nucleotide sequence as set forth in
SEQ ID NO: 12 at its 3' end, wherein optionally one, two or three
(alternatively one or two) nucleotides are independently other
nucleotides than those of SEQ ID NO:12; and the second inner primer
comprises a nucleotide sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 14 at its
3' end, wherein optionally one, two or three (alternatively one or
two) nucleotides are independently other nucleotides than those of
SEQ ID NO: 14. In yet another aspect of this embodiment, the first
outer primer comprises a nucleotide sequence as set forth in SEQ ID
NO: 9; the second outer primer comprises a nucleotide sequence set
forth in SEQ ID NO: 11; the first inner primer comprises a
nucleotide sequence as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 12; and the second
inner primer comprises a nucleotide sequence set forth in SEQ ID
NO: 14. In yet another aspect of this embodiment, the first outer
primer comprises a nucleotide sequence as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 9
at its 3' end; the second outer primer comprises a nucleotide
sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 11 at its 3' end; the first inner
primer comprises a nucleotide sequence as set forth in SEQ ID NO:
12 at its 3' end; and the second inner primer comprises a
nucleotide sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 14 at its 3' end.
[0070] In some specific embodiments, the first and second outer
primers are as described above in each of the first through fourth
specific embodiments; and the first inner primer comprises a
nucleotide sequence as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 15, wherein
optionally one, two or three (alternatively one or two) nucleotides
are independently other nucleotides than those of SEQ ID NO:15; and
the second inner primer comprises a nucleotide sequence as set
forth in SEQ ID. NO. 16 or 17, wherein optionally one, two or three
(alternatively one or two) nucleotides are independently other
nucleotides than those of SEQ ID NOs:16 and 17. In some more
specific embodiments, the nucleotide(s) that are optionally
different from those of SEQ ID NO:15 are independently at positions
1 through 16 from the 5' end of SEQ ID NO:15; and the nucleotide(s)
that are optionally different from those of SEQ ID NOs:16 and 17
are independently at positions 1 through 13 from the 5' end of SEQ
ID. NOs. 16 and 17. In some more specific embodiments, the first
inner primer comprises a nucleotide sequence as set forth in SEQ ID
NO: 15; and the second inner primer comprises a nucleotide sequence
as set forth in SEQ ID. NO. 16 or 17.
[0071] In some specific embodiments, the target HCV nucleic acid
molecule is genotype 1a having greater than 8,000 base pairs; the
first and second outer primers are as described above in the fifth
specific embodiment; and the first inner primer comprises a
nucleotide sequence as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 15, wherein
optionally one, two or three (alternatively one or two) nucleotides
are independently other nucleotides than those of SEQ ID NO:15; and
the second inner primer comprises a nucleotide sequence as set
forth in SEQ ID. NO. 16, wherein optionally one, two or three
(alternatively one or two) nucleotides are independently other
nucleotides than those of SEQ ID NO:16. In some more specific
embodiments, the nucleotide(s) that are optionally different from
those of SEQ ID NO:15 are independently at positions 1 through 16
from the 5' end of SEQ ID NO:15; and the nucleotide(s) that are
optionally different from those of SEQ ID NO:16 are independently
at positions 1 through 13 from the 5' end of SEQ ID. NO. 16. In
some more specific embodiments, the first inner primer comprises a
nucleotide sequence as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 15; and the second
inner primer comprises a nucleotide sequence as set forth in SEQ
ID. NO. 16.
[0072] In some specific embodiments, the target HCV nucleic acid
molecule is genotype 1b having greater than 8,000 base pairs; the
first and second outer primers are as described above in the fifth
specific embodiment; and the first inner primer comprises a
nucleotide sequence as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 15, wherein
optionally one, two or three (alternatively one or two) nucleotides
are independently other nucleotides than those of SEQ ID NO:15; and
the second inner primer comprises a nucleotide sequence as set
forth in SEQ ID. NO. 17, wherein optionally one, two or three
(alternatively one or two) nucleotides are independently other
nucleotides than those of SEQ ID NO:17. In some more specific
embodiments, the nucleotide(s) that are optionally different from
those of SEQ ID NO:15 are independently at positions 1 through 16
from the 5' end of SEQ ID NO:15; and the nucleotide(s) that are
optionally different from those of SEQ ID NO:17 are independently
at positions 1 through 13 from the 5' end of SEQ ID. NO. 17. In
some more specific embodiments, the first inner primer comprises a
nucleotide sequence as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 15; and the second
inner primer comprises a nucleotide sequence as set forth in SEQ
ID. NO. 17.
[0073] Any suitable PCR condition known in the art can be employed
in the invention. For example, a number of guidance can be found in
the art, e.g., Sambrook et al., 1989, Molecular Cloning-A
Laboratory Manual, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring
Harbor, N.Y.; Wetmur, 1991, Critical Reviews in Biochem. and Mol.
Biol. 26(3/4):227-259; Ausubel et al. (eds.), 1995, Current
Protocols in Molecular Biology, (John Wiley & Sons, Inc., New
York) at Unit 2.10; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,789,550. Also, such
guidance can be found in PCR protocols published by PCR reagent
makers and/or vendors, such as Perkin Elmer (Norwalk, Conn.).
Specifically, suitable PCR conditions can be determined
considering, for example, a number of variables including the
length and base pair concentration of the oligonucleotides, ionic
strength, the incidence of mismatched base pairs, and the
temperature chosen for oligonucleotide annealing, following the
guidance provided in the art.
[0074] Generally, a PCR amplification reaction mixture that
includes the DNA template contains reagents necessary to carry out
an amplification reaction. Typically, the mixture contains an agent
for polymerization, such as thermostable DNA polymerase. More
typically, in addition to thermostable DNA polymerase, the mixture
deoxynucleoside 5' triphosphates (dNTP's), and a divalent metal
cation in a suitable buffer. Typical examples of thermostable DNA
polymerases that can be employed in the invention include Taq DNA
polymerase, Klentaq DNA polymerase, Pfu DNA polymerase, Tth DNA
polymerase, Pwo DNA polymerase, Pfx DNA polymerase and Tfl DNA
polymerase.
[0075] In one specific embodiment, Klentaq and Pfu DNA polymerases
are employed in the invention. In another specific embodiment,
Klentaq and Pfu DNA polymerases are employed in the invention in a
ratio of Klentaq DNA polymerase: Pfu DNA polymerase between 1:1 and
3:1. It is noted that the ranges described herein with reference to
"between" two end points also include the end points. In yet
another specific embodiment of the invention, the PCR reaction
mixture of the first stage PCR comprises between 2 units and 3
units of Klentaq DNA polymerase, and between 1 unit and 1.5 units
of Pfu DNA polymerase. In yet another specific embodiment of the
invention, the PCR reaction mixture of the second stage PCR
comprises between 2.5 units and 3.5 units of Klentaq DNA
polymerase, and between 1 unit and 2 units of Pfu DNA
polymerase.
[0076] In yet another specific embodiment of the invention, betaine
is employed in each of the first and second PCR stages
independently. In yet another specific embodiment of the invention,
the PCR reaction mixture for each of the first and second PCR
stages independently comprises betaine in an amount of between 0.75
M and 2 M.
[0077] In one embodiment, during each of the first and second stage
PCRs, each PCR reaction mixture independently is incubated at
temperature T1 for time period R1, and subsequently followed by a
plurality of touchdown PCR cycles. Each touchdown cycle comprises
incubation of the PCR reaction mixture at temperature T2 for time
period R2, subsequently at a temperature of [T3-(V.degree.
C..times.m)] for m.sup.th cycle for time period R3, and
subsequently at temperature T4 for time period R4. Typically, T1
and T2 independently are in a range of between 90.degree. C. and
100.degree. C.; T3 and T4 independently are in a range of between
65.degree. C. and 70.degree. C.; R1 is in a range of between 1
minute and 5 minutes; R2 is in a range of 5 seconds and 45 seconds;
R3 is in a range of between 10 seconds and 40 seconds; R4 is in a
range of between 5 minutes and 20 minutes; and V is in a range of
between 0.2.degree. C. and 0.8.degree. C. (e.g., 0.5.degree. C.).
More typically, R1 is in a range of between 1 minute and 3 minutes;
R2 is in a range of 10 seconds and 20 seconds; R3 is in a range of
between 15 seconds and 25 seconds; and R4 is in a range of between
8 minutes and 15 minutes. In a specific embodiment, R1 is in a
range of between 1 minute and 3 minutes; R2 is in a range of 10
seconds and 20 seconds; R3 is in a range of between 15 seconds and
25 seconds; R4 is in a range of between 8 minutes and 15 minutes;
T1 is 94.degree. C.; T2 is 94.degree. C.; T3 is 68.degree. C.; T4
is 68.degree. C.; V is 0.5.degree. C.
[0078] Typically, the number of the touchdown PCR cycles is in a
range of between 20 and 50, such as between 20 and 40. In a
specific embodiment, the number of the touchdown PCR cycles is
30.
[0079] As described above, typically, the RT and PCR steps can be
carried out in a combined reverse transcription-polymerase chain
reaction (RT-PCR). In some specific embodiments, the RT and PCR
steps are combined in a reverse transcription-polymerase chain
reaction (RT-PCR), preferably nested RT-PCR.
[0080] In another aspect, the present invention provides methods of
assaying an HCV nucleic acid molecule in an HCV infected sample. In
the assay methods, the amplified HCV nucleic acid molecule prepared
by an amplification method described above is the sequenced by any
suitable method known in the art. The determined sequence of the
HCV nucleic acid molecule can be useful for, for example,
developing new approaches for diagnosing and/or treating HCV
infection in patients.
[0081] In yet another aspect, the present invention provides kits
for amplifying and/or assaying an HCV nucleic acid molecule from an
HCV infected sample. Typically, the kits of the invention comprise
an RT primer described above; a pair of outer PCR primers (a first
outer primer and a second outer primer) described above; and a pair
of inner PCR primers (a first outer primer and a second outer
primer) described above. In some embodiments, the kits of the
invention further include a reverse transcriptase and a DNA
polymerase. Specific examples of such RT and PCR primers, reverse
transcriptases, and DNA polymerases are as described above. The
kits can further comprise written instructions describing how to
use the kits (e.g., instructions describing methods for HCV
amplification and/or assaying) and chemical reagents required for
the method, as well as any other components. These kits can further
comprise, for example, reagents for sample collection (e.g., the
collection of a blood sample) and reagents for the collection and
purification of HCV RNA from a HCV infected sample.
[0082] The present invention also provides PCR primers. In one
embodiment, a primer of the invention comprises a nucleotide
sequence as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 9, wherein optionally one, two
or three (alternatively one or two) nucleotides at positions 1
through 14 from the 5' end of SEQ ID NO:9 are independently other
nucleotides than those of SEQ ID NO:9; a nucleotide sequence set
forth in SEQ ID NO: 10, wherein optionally one, two or three
(alternatively one or two) nucleotides at positions 1 through 12
from the 5' end of SEQ ID NO: 10 are independently other
nucleotides than those of SEQ ID NO: 10; a nucleotide sequence set
forth in SEQ ID NO: 11, wherein optionally one, two or three
(alternatively one or two) nucleotides at positions 1 through 12
from the 5' end of SEQ ID NO: 11 are independently other
nucleotides than those of SEQ ID NO: 11; a nucleotide sequence as
set forth in SEQ ID NO: 12, wherein optionally one, two or three
(alternatively one or two) nucleotides at positions 1 through 14
from the 5' end of SEQ ID NO:12 are independently other nucleotides
than those of SEQ ID NO:12; a nucleotide sequence set forth in SEQ
ID NO: 13, wherein optionally one, two or three (alternatively one
or two) nucleotides at positions 1 through 12 from the 5' end of
SEQ ID NO: 13 are independently other nucleotides than those of SEQ
ID NO: 13; a nucleotide sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 14,
wherein optionally one, two or three (alternatively one or two)
nucleotides at positions 1 through 12 from the 5' end of SEQ ID NO:
14 are independently other nucleotides than those of SEQ ID NO: 14;
a nucleotide sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 15, wherein
optionally one, two or three (alternatively one or two) nucleotides
at positions 1 through 16 from the 5' end of SEQ ID NO: 15 are
independently other nucleotides than those of SEQ ID NO: 15; a
nucleotide sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 16, wherein optionally
one, two or three (alternatively one or two) nucleotides at
positions 1 through 13 from the 5' end of SEQ ID NO: 16 are
independently other nucleotides than those of SEQ ID NO: 16; or a
nucleotide sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 17, wherein optionally
one, two or three (alternatively one or two) nucleotides at
positions 1 through 13 from the 5' end of SEQ ID NO: 17 are
independently other nucleotides than those of SEQ ID NO: 17. In
another embodiment, a primer of the invention comprises a
nucleotide sequence as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 9 at its 3' end,
wherein optionally one, two or three (alternatively one or two)
nucleotides are independently other nucleotides than those of SEQ
ID NO:9; a nucleotide sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 10 at its 3'
end, wherein optionally one, two or three (alternatively one or
two) nucleotides are independently other nucleotides than those of
SEQ ID NO: 10; a nucleotide sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 11 at
its 3' end, wherein optionally one, two or three (alternatively one
or two) nucleotides are independently other nucleotides than those
of SEQ ID NO: 11; a nucleotide sequence as set forth in SEQ ID NO:
12 at its 3' end, wherein optionally one, two or three
(alternatively one or two) nucleotides are independently other
nucleotides than those of SEQ ID NO:12; a nucleotide sequence set
forth in SEQ ID NO: 13, wherein optionally one, two or three
(alternatively one or two) nucleotides are independently other
nucleotides than those of SEQ ID NO: 13; or a nucleotide sequence
set forth in SEQ ID NO: 14 at its 3' end, wherein optionally one,
two or three (alternatively one or two) nucleotides are
independently other nucleotides than those of SEQ ID NO: 14. In yet
another embodiment, a primer of the invention comprises a
nucleotide sequence as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 9; a nucleotide
sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 10; a nucleotide sequence set
forth in SEQ ID NO: 11; a nucleotide sequence as set forth in SEQ
ID NO: 12; a nucleotide sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 13; a
nucleotide sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 14; a nucleotide
sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 15, wherein optionally one, two or
three (alternatively one or two) nucleotides of SEQ ID NO: 15 are
independently other nucleotides than those of SEQ ID NO: 15; a
nucleotide sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 16, wherein optionally
one, two or three (alternatively one or two) nucleotides of SEQ ID
NO: 16 are independently other nucleotides than those of SEQ ID NO:
16; or a nucleotide sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 17, wherein
optionally one, two or three (alternatively one or two) nucleotides
of SEQ ID NO: 17 are independently other nucleotides than those of
SEQ ID NO: 17. In yet another embodiment, a primer of the invention
comprises a nucleotide sequence as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 9 at its
3' end; a nucleotide sequence as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 10 at its
3' end; a nucleotide sequence as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 11 at its
3' end; a nucleotide sequence as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 12 at its
3' end; a nucleotide sequence as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 13 at its
3' end; a nucleotide sequence as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 14 at its
3' end. In yet another embodiment, a primer of the invention
comprises a nucleotide sequence as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 15 at
its 3' end; a nucleotide sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 16 at its
3' end; or a nucleotide sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 17 at its
3' end. Any combinations of these primers are also encompassed by
the present invention. Specific lengths of the primers of the
invention are as described above for the amplification methods of
the invention.
[0083] The present invention also provides kits for assaying an HCV
nucleic acid. In one embodiment, a kit of the invention comprises a
PCR primer of the invention described in above. In one specific
embodiment, the kit comprises a pair of the outer PCR primers
described above. In another specific embodiment, the kit comprises
a pair of the inner PCR primers. In yet another embodiment, a kit
of the invention comprises a PCR primer of the invention and an RT
primer described above. Specific examples of the RT and PCR primers
included in the kits are as described above.
[0084] In some embodiments, each of the PCR primer(s) employed in
the methods and kits of the invention comprises a nucleotide
sequence at least 80%, 85%, 89% or 90% identical to SEQ ID Nos. 2-7
and 9-17, respectively.
[0085] The sequence of the population of PCR amplicons obtained via
the RT-PCR methods described above can be sequenced directly.
Alternatively, the PCR amplicons from the population of amplified
DNA can be molecularly cloned (or subcloned), and the cloned (or
subcloned) products can then be used for nucleotide sequence
determination.
[0086] In one embodiment, the amplicons prepared by the RT-PCR
methods described above are cloned (or subcloned). Such cloning can
be done by any suitable method known in the art. The inner PCR
primers could be modified to allow complementarities to restriction
endonuclease sites, allowing the product to be ligated into a
vector digested with the appropriate restriction endonuclease.
Alternatively, blunt end cloning can be utilized to directly insert
a PCR amplicon into a non-product specific vector sequence. Since
DNA polymerases commonly utilized in PCR may polymerize an
additional deoxyadenosine at the 3' end of a PCR amplicon, TA
cloning can be used to subclone an amplicon as well. The efficiency
of this non-specific addition of deoxyadenosine to the 3' end of
PCR amplicons can be modulated by modifying sequence at the 5' end
of PCR primers, such that a 5' terminal deoxyadenosine residue
increases the fraction of PCR amplicons possessing a 3'
deoxyadenosine overhang, thereby improving efficiency of TA cloning
(see Peng et al., Adenosine added on the primer 5' end improved TA
cloning efficiency of polymerase chain reaction products,
Analytical Biochemistry, Volume 363, Issue 1, 1 Apr. 2007, Pages
163-165).
[0087] In one specific embodiment, the cloned products are prepared
from the amplicons prepared by the RT-PCR methods described above,
wherein and the first inner primer comprises a nucleotide sequence
as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 15, and the second inner primer
comprises a nucleotide sequence as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 16 or
17. In another specific embodiment, the first inner primer
comprises a nucleotide sequence as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 15,
wherein optionally one, two or three nucleotides of SEQ ID NO: 15
independently are other nucleotides than those of SEQ ID NO: 15;
and the second inner primer comprises a nucleotide sequence as set
forth in SEQ ID NO: 16 or 17, wherein optionally one, two or three
nucleotides of SEQ ID NO: 16 and SEQ ID NO: 17 are independently
other nucleotides than those of SEQ ID NO: 16 and SEQ ID NO: 17. In
yet another specific embodiment, the first inner primer comprises a
nucleotide sequence as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 15, wherein
optionally one, two or three nucleotides at positions 1 through 16
from the 5' end of SEQ ID NO: 15 independently are other
nucleotides than those of SEQ ID NO: 15; and the second inner
primer comprises a nucleotide sequence as set forth in SEQ ID NO:
16 or 17, wherein optionally one, two or three nucleotides at
positions 1 through 13 from the 5' end of SEQ ID NO: 16 and SEQ ID
NO: 17 are independently other nucleotides than those of SEQ ID NO:
16 and SEQ ID NO: 17.
[0088] The cloned (or subcloned) products can then be used in
multiple downstream applications, including nucleotide sequence
determination. For example, the cloned products can be used for
transfecting a host organism, and plasmids from the host organism
can be amplified in vivo, allowing sequence analysis of individual
viral variants. Cloned amplicons or fragments thereof can also be
cloned into other vectors. Numerous methods can be employed to
introduce amplicons into an appropriate vector (see, for example,
Sambrook et al., 1989, Molecular Cloning-A Laboratory Manual, Cold
Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, N.Y.; Wetmur, 1991,
Current Protocols in Molecular Biology, (John Wiley & Sons,
Inc., New York):
[0089] The primers can be natural or synthetic. For PCR, the
primers are preferably single-stranded oligodeoxyribonucleotides.
Typically, the primers disclosed herein can be synthesized by any
suitable method known in the art, e.g. Ozaki et al, Nuc. Acids Res.
20: 5205-5214 (1992); Agrawal et al, Nuc. Acids Res. 18: 5419-5423
(1990) or the like. Conveniently, the oligonucleotide primers are
synthesized on an automated DNA synthesizer, e.g. an Applied
Biosystems, Inc, Foster City, Calif. model 392, 394, or 3900
DNA/RNA synthesizer using standard chemistries such as
phosphoramidite chemistry (Beaucage and Iyer, Tetrahedron 48:
2223-2311 (1992), U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,980,460, 4,725,677, 4,415,732,
4,458,066 and 4,973,679), or are obtained from commercial vendors
(Invitrogen, Carlsbad, Calif. USA).
[0090] All cited documents are incorporated herein by
reference.
[0091] In order that this invention is more fully understood, the
following preparative and testing examples are set forth. These
examples are for the purpose of illustration only and are not to be
construed as limiting the scope of the invention in any way.
Exemplification
1. Methods and Material:
[0092] Extraction of RNA from Plasma
[0093] Extraction of RNA, including HCV viral RNA, from plasma was
carried out with the QIAamp Virus BioRobot 9604 Kit (Qiagen,
Valencia, Calif. USA), except that the manufacturer's instructions
were modified for manually isolation. Briefly, plasma
(220.about.660 .mu.l) was mixed with Protease (40.about.120 .mu.l)
and QIAamp AL buffer (240.about.720 .mu.l) supplemented with 20
.mu.g of carrier RNA per column. The mixture was incubated for 15
min at 56.degree. C. Absolute ethanol (293.about.875 .mu.l) was
added to each well and mixed well. The mixture was loaded into
QIAamp column and passed through the column by suction with a
peristaltic micropump (IPS-16; Ismatec, Zurich, Switzerland). The
column was washed with 1000 .mu.l of AW1 buffer and 1000 .mu.l of
AW2 buffer (Qiagen), respectively, by applying vacuum as described
above. The column was washed with 1000 .mu.l AW2 buffer by spinning
at 6,000.times.g for 10 min and then dried by spinning at
6,000.times.g for 15 min. 40 .mu.l of RNA storage solution (Ambion)
was loaded into each column and incubated at RT for 5 min. The RNA
was eluted by centrifugation at 6,000.times.g for 10 min. The
elution was repeated once to increase the yield. The isolated RNA
was preferably used immediately or stored at -80.degree. C. Up to
96 specimens could be processed from one QIAamp 96 plate and
multiple plates can be used to increase throughput.
Amplification and Sequencing of the HCV Polyprotein Coding Region
from Patient Plasma
[0094] Sequence analysis of HCV was done by nested
reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR)
amplification of an approximately 8991 nucleotide HCV RNA fragment
(residues 286 to 9277, HCV reference sequence H77, NCBI accession
NC.sub.--004102), spanning the HCV polyprotein coding region. A
complementary DNA (cDNA) fragment spanning the HCV polyprotein
coding region was synthesized from viral RNA, primed with 2.5 mM
oligo-dA.sub.20, using a modified Superscript III RNase H-Reverse
Transcriptase kit (Invitrogen, CA); modifications include using 400
units of Superscript III, 40 units of RNAseOUT (Invitrogen), PC2
reaction buffer (50 mM Tris-HCl pH 9.1, 16 mM ammonium sulfate, 3.5
mM magnesium chloride, and 150 mg/ml BSA; AB Peptides, MO), and
ramping extension temperatures (25.degree. C. for 10 min,
42.degree. C. for 60 min, 50.degree. C. for 30 min, and 55.degree.
C. for 30 min) in the RT reaction. The completed RT reaction was
diluted 1:1 into the first PCR reaction (40 .mu.l), containing PC2
reaction buffer, 200 mM dNTPs (Clontech, CA), 1.5 M betaine (Sigma
Aldrich, MO), 2.56 units Klentaq DNA polymerase (AB Peptides, MO),
1.28 units Pfu DNA polymerase (Stratagene, CA), and 400 mM each
primer:
TABLE-US-00017 TABLE 1 List of primers used for the amplification
of HCV coding region RT primer Oligo d(A)
5'-AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA-3' Genotype 1a GEN1.F1:
5'-CAAGACTGCTAGCCGAGTAGTGTTGGGTCG-3' PCR1 GEN1A.R1
5'-CCGGGCAYGAGACACGCTGTGATAAATG-3' Genotype 1a GEN1.F2
5'-GTACTGCCTGATAGGGTGCTTGCGAGTGCC-3' PCR2 GEN1A.R2
5'-TCTCCCCCGCTGTAGCCAGCCGTGAACC-3' Genotype 1b GEN1.F1
5'-CAAGACTGCTAGCCGAGTAGTGTTGGGTCG-3' PCR1 GEN1B.R1
5'-TCGGGCACGAGACAVGCTGTGATATATG-3' Genotype 1b GEN1.F2
5'-GTACTGCCTGATAGGGTGCTTGCGAGTGCC-3' PCR2 GEN1B.R2
5'-TCTCCCCCGCTGTARCCAGCRACGAACC Genotype GEN1.Cl.F2
5'-AAGTACTGCCTGATAGGGTGCTTGCGAGTGCC-3' 1a/1b; PCR2 TA cloning
Genotpye 1a GEN1A.Cl.R2 5'-ATCTCCCCCGCTGTAGCCAGCCGTGAACC-3' PCR 2
TA Cloning Genotype 1b GEN1B.Cl.R2
5'-ATCTCCCCCGCTGTARCCAGCRACGAACC-3' PCR2 TA Cloning
For HCV genotype 1A, GEN1.F1 and GEN1A.R1 were employed, and for
HCV genotype 1B, GEN1.F1 and GEN1B.R1 were employed. Specific
primers positions are shown in FIG. 2. The PCR reaction was
incubated at 94.degree. C. for 2 min, followed by 30 cycles at
94.degree. C. for 15 sec, 68.degree. C.-0.5.degree. C./cycle
(`touchdown` PCR) for 20 sec, and 68.degree. C. for 12 min, and
followed by incubation at 68.degree. C. for 12 min. The completed
PCR reaction was diluted 1:10 into the second PCR reaction (50
.mu.l), with the same composition and PCR cycling parameters as in
the first PCR reaction, except 3.2 units Klentaq DNA polymerase,
1.6 units of Pfu DNA polymerase, and nested primers were utilized
(for HCV genotype 1A: GEN1.F2: and GEN1A.R2; for HCV genotype 1B:
GEN1.F2 and GEN1B.R2:). The DNA from this PCR (approximately 8991
bp) was purified using the QIAquick 96 PCR Purification kit
(Qiagen, CA), and was analyzed by an agarose gel electrophoresis
and quantified on a UV Spectrometer U-64 (Beckman).
TA Cloning of Amplicons
[0095] PCR products were prepared as described above using Oligo
d(A) as an RT primer; and GEN1.C1.F2 and GEN1A.C1.R2 as the inner
primers for HCV genotype 1a, or GEN1.C1.F2 and GEN1B.C1.R2 as the
inner primers for HCV genotype 1b. The prepared PCR products were
electrophoresed at 80V on a 0.8% agarose gel. The agarose gel was
prepared with 1.2 .mu.g crystal violet per 1 ml of TAE buffer used
in gel preparation. The gel was visualized using a `visible light`
light box. Appropriately sized bands representing the .about.8991
bp product were excised from the gel. DNA was isolated from the gel
slices using a standard gel extraction kit (e.g., QIAquick Gel
Extraction Kit, Qiagen, Catalog #28704). Purified products were
inserted in the pCR.RTM.-XL-TOP.RTM.) vector (Invitrogen, CA, USA).
Plasmid was electroporated into electrocompetent E. coli, cultured
in SOC media for 1 hour at 36.degree. C., and then cultured with
Luria broth containing 50 .mu.g Kanamycin as a selective agent per
milliliter Luria broth.
2. Results:
2.1 Determination of the Sensitivity of the RT-PCR Assay Using
Dilutions of HCV RNA
[0096] In this study, the estimated sensitivity of the RT-PCR
method described herein, using the RNA isolated from HCV-infected
plasma (Promax), was determined RNA was isolated from 220, 330 and
660 ul of plasma, with different amounts of carrier RNA. In order
to determine the relative detection limits (expressed as number of
HCV copies/reaction), the isolated RNA was diluted for RT-PCR as
shown in FIG. 3. When 220 .mu.l of plasma with 20 ug of poly(rA)
carrier RNA was used, the sensitivity was about 63 copies/reaction.
However, RT-PCR band densities varied, implying that either
poly(rA) carrier RNA or the amount of HCV RNA in the specimen, was
not optimal. When 440 .mu.l of plasma with 40 .mu.g of poly(rA)
carrier RNA was used, the sensitivity was about 50 copies/reaction.
In addition, the band densities were consistent. When 660 .mu.l of
plasma with 60 .mu.g of poly(rA) carrier RNA was used, the
sensitivity was better than 30 copies/reaction. Although the 660
.mu.l of plasma with 60 .mu.g carrier RNA gave the best
sensitivity, a 2.5-fold dilution did not yield a RT-PCR product,
suggesting a possible inhibitory substance was present in the
sample. Further analysis has indicated that 40 .mu.g of carrier RNA
with 660 ul of plasma yields the best results (data not shown). It
is noted that the copy numbers in the FIG. 3 was calculated based
100% recovery from Qiagen column, while, in practice, the recovery
efficiency is around 80%. Therefore, the sensitivity of RT-PCR step
can be estimated as 50, 40 and 24 copies/reaction,
respectively.
2.2 Determination of the Best Carrier RNAs for HCV RNA
Isolation
[0097] The carrier RNA used in the HCV viral RNA isolation,
poly(rA), provided with the Qiagen kit, may influence RT-PCR due to
the its complementarity to the poly(U) region. Different RNAs with
potential as carrier RNA, including in poly(rA), bacterial tRNA,
and bacterial ribosomal RNA, were tested to determine which can
serve as the best carrier RNA for the RT-PCR method described
herein (see FIG. 4 and discussions in section 2.3). The results
indicated that bacterial ribosomal RNA (data not shown) is less
suitable than bacterial tRNA and poly(rA) in this assay. When
poly(rA) was used as carrier RNA, there were no significant
differences in HCV RNA yield with 20, 40 or 60 .mu.g of carrier,
whereas with tRNA, the yields of HCV RNA increased with increasing
amounts of carrier, as assessed by qRT-PCR (see Table 2).
Consistently, the RT-PCR results confirmed that the amount of 60
.mu.g/column tRNA is better than that of 40 .mu.g/column (see FIG.
4 and discussions in section 2.3). Although the copy numbers of HCV
molecules isolated from plasma are similar between carrier RNAs,
e.g. 40 .mu.g/column poly(rA) and 60 .mu.g/column bacterial tRNA,
the RT-PCR results indicate an improved yield of PCR product if
bacterial tRNA was used as carrier RNA, presumably due to
interference with the RT reaction by poly(rA).
TABLE-US-00018 TABLE 2 Effect of the amount of carrier RNA on HCV
RNA isolation CT volume from qRT-PCR Plasma (16400 IU/ml) Carrier
RNA Poly(rA) tRNA 220 ul (isolation A) 20 .mu.g/column 27.41 28.22
220 ul (isolation B) 40 .mu.g/column 27.29 27.67 220 ul (isolation
C) 60 .mu.g/column 27.41 27.27 Difference B - A -0.12 -0.55 C - A
-0.13 0.40
2.3 Determination of the Sensitivity of the RT-PCR Assay Using
Dilutions of HCV-Infected Serum.
[0098] In section 2.1, the RT-PCR sensitivity can be as low as 24
copies/reaction, based on series of diluted RNA isolated from
HCV-infected serum. To determine the sensitivity of the method
using the RNA isolated from low-titer specimens, HCV-infected
plasma samples were diluted with healthy donor plasma, and RNA
isolated as described previously. As shown in FIG. 4, the
HCV-infected plasma was diluted to as low as 820 IU/ml to isolate
viral RNA in the presence of different carrier RNAs. The isolated
RNA was diluted 1:2, 1:4, and 1:8, and then the RT-PCR method was
performed as described herein. When the sample was diluted to 820
IU/ml, 1 out of 3 samples were amplified by RT-PCR from 1:2 diluted
RNA, while 2 out of 3 was amplified by RT-PCR from 1:4 diluted RNA
(see FIG. 4). In all of the samples shown in FIG. 4(a)-4(f), the
volume of the plasma for RNA isolation was 660 .mu.L (which
approximately corresponded to 50.times. dilution of HCV-positive
plasma for samples A1-H1 and A2-D2, to 200.times. dilution of
HCV-positive plasma for samples E2-G2; and the diluent, the healthy
donor plasma, as-negative control for sample H2). The HCV
concentration of each of samples A1-H1 and A2-D2 was about 3280
IU/mL. The HCV concentration of each of samples E2-G2 was about 820
IU/mL. The diluted plasma samples were then used to isolate viral
RNA as described above in the presence of a carrier RNA. In FIGS.
4(a)-4(c), samples A1-D1 show the results where 40 .mu.g of tRNA
was used as the carrier RNA, and samples E1-H1 where 60 .mu.g of
tRNA was used as the carrier RNA. In FIGS. 4(d)-4(f), samples A2-D2
show the results where 40 .mu.g of Poly-A was used as the carrier
RNA; samples E2-H2 show the results where 40 .mu.g of tRNA was used
as the carrier RNA. The isolated HCV RNA for the samples in FIGS.
4(a) and 4(d), FIGS. 4(b) and 4(e), and FIGS. 4(c) and 4(f) was
diluted 1:2, 1:4 and 1:8, respectively, and then RT-PCR of the
diluted HCV RNA samples was performed as described above. As shown
in FIG. 4, the results indicate that even a four-fold dilution of
serum containing 820 IU/ml HCV can successfully be used in the
RT-PCR assay. Therefore, the sensitivity of this novel method could
be equal or less than 820 IU/ml. It is believed that a further
improvement in sensitivity could be achieved, because, as described
in the section above, 60 .mu.g/ml carrier tRNA give improved
results over 40 .mu.g/ml carrier tRNA.
2.4 The RT-PCR Assay Success Rate is Over 90% for Both Genotype 1a
and 1b.
[0099] To assess the performance of the newly developed method,
particularly whether the method can be applied to different HCV
1a/1b isolates, plasma samples from clinical trials were
investigated. The results are summarized in Table 3 below. For
example, the titer of the plasma samples ranged from 890 IU/ml to
greater than 10e7 IU/ml. For samples with titer greater than or
equal to 50,000 IU/ml, 220 ul of plasma was used, and for samples
with titer less than 50,000 IU/ml, 660 ul of plasma was used. As
shown in Table 3, the HCV genome was successfully amplified using
the RT-PCR methods described herein, and further sequenced, with a
greater than 90% success rate. Although there were some failed
samples, there seems little correlation of this failure to the
virus titer, which indicates sensitivity of RT-PCR is not the
reason for the failure. Since there is no sequence from the failed
samples, a possible reason for failure may be due to incorrect
genotyping.
TABLE-US-00019 TABLE 3 Summary of the study of clinical samples
Successful Successful Numbers rate rate of for for clinical RT-PCR
sequence samples Genotype Titer Range (IU/ml) (%) (%) 1,800 1a Low
(approx. 10.sup.3-5 .times. 95% 94% 10.sup.4) 3,600 1a High
(>approx. 5 .times. 10.sup.4) 98% 97% 800 1b Low (approx.
10.sup.3- 95% 94% approx. 5 .times. 10.sup.4) 1,600 1b High
(>approx. 5 .times. 10.sup.4) 98% 97%
2.5 Sequence Analysis of TA Cloned Produced of RT-PCR Amplicons
[0100] To determine the fraction of clones that include HCV
inserts, both vector primers and sequencing primers specific to the
NS3 protease were used. On average, 90% of clones from each cloning
reaction contained the target insert.
[0101] The results shown above indicate that the RNA isolation, RT,
and PCR described above can be effectively employed in a majority
of patients infected with HCV genotypes 1a and 1b, and enables the
analysis of genetic diversity of HCV isolates.
[0102] While a number of embodiments and examples of the present
invention are described herein, it is apparent that these
embodiments and examples may be altered to provide additional
embodiments and examples which utilize the pharmaceutical
formulations and drug regimens of this invention. Therefore, it
will be appreciated that the scope of the present invention is to
be defined by the appended claims rather than by the specific
embodiments that have been represented by way of example above.
Sequence CWU 1
1
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Sequencesource/note="Description of Artificial Sequence Synthetic
primer" 4cavgctgtga tatatg 16516DNAArtificial
Sequencesource/note="Description of Artificial Sequence Synthetic
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Sequencesource/note="Description of Artificial Sequence Synthetic
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Sequencesource/note="Description of Artificial Sequence Synthetic
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Sequencesource/note="Description of Artificial Sequence Synthetic
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* * * * *