High-Resolution Melting Analysis (HRM)

High-Resolution Melting Analysis (HRM)

In the realm of molecular biology, accurate and efficient species identification is paramount for a myriad of applications, ranging from biodiversity conservation to food safety and beyond. Traditional methods often pose limitations in terms of resolution, cost, and time efficiency. To address these challenges, CD BioSciences proudly offers cutting-edge High-Resolution Melting Analysis (HRM) services, a revolutionary technique poised to redefine the landscape of species identification.

molecular beacon assist species identificationFig 1. Molecular beacon enabled purification of living cells by targeting cell type (Brian M., 2014)

Service Overview

Our company specializes in providing comprehensive HRM services tailored to meet the diverse needs of researchers, conservationists, and industry professionals. Our state-of-the-art laboratory is equipped with advanced instrumentation and staffed by a team of highly skilled molecular biologists dedicated to delivering accurate and reliable results. We offer a comprehensive suite of HRM services, encompassing:

Technological Principles

HRM operates on the principle that even subtle variations in DNA sequences can lead to distinct melting profiles. The process involves the following key steps:

  • DNA Extraction: High-quality DNA is extracted from the sample using optimized protocols.
  • PCR Amplification: A specific DNA fragment, often a barcode region like the cytochrome c oxidase I (COI) gene, is amplified using Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). This generates millions of copies of the target DNA.
  • High-Resolution Melting: The PCR products are subjected to a precisely controlled melting process in the presence of a fluorescent dye. As the temperature increases, the double-stranded DNA molecules dissociate into single strands. The dye binds preferentially to double-stranded DNA, and as the DNA melts, the fluorescence decreases.
  • Melting Curve Analysis: The rate of fluorescence decrease is meticulously monitored and plotted as a melting curve. The shape and position of the melting curve are characteristic of the DNA sequence, enabling species discrimination.

Technical Features

HRM offers a multitude of advantages over conventional species identification methods:

  • High Sensitivity: HRM can detect even single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), enabling discrimination of closely related species.
  • Fast and Cost-Effective: The technique is rapid and amenable to high-throughput analysis, making it a cost-effective solution for large-scale studies.
  • Closed-Tube System: The entire process is performed in a closed tube, minimizing the risk of contamination.
  • Minimal DNA Requirements: HRM can be performed with relatively small amounts of DNA, making it suitable for analyzing degraded or limited samples.

Types of HRM Analysis

HRM analysis can be broadly classified into two main categories:

  • Unlabeled Probe HRM: This method relies on the intercalation of a fluorescent dye into the DNA duplex. It is widely used for SNP genotyping, mutation scanning, and species identification.
  • Labeled Probe HRM: This approach employs a fluorescently labeled probe that hybridizes to a specific DNA sequence. It offers enhanced specificity and sensitivity, particularly for detecting rare mutations or species.

Applications of HRM in Environmental Science

HRM has emerged as a valuable tool in environmental science, with diverse applications including:

  • Biodiversity Monitoring: Assessing species richness and diversity in various ecosystems, aiding in conservation efforts and environmental impact assessments.
  • Invasive Species Detection: Rapid and accurate identification of invasive species, enabling timely intervention and management strategies.
  • Environmental DNA (eDNA) Analysis: Detecting and identifying species from environmental samples such as water and soil, facilitating non-invasive biodiversity surveys.

Environmental Benefits

  • Reducing Reliance on Traditional Methods: HRM reduces the need for time-consuming and resource-intensive traditional methods, such as morphology-based identification.
  • Minimizing Environmental Impact: The technique requires minimal sample material and reagents, reducing waste generation.
  • Facilitating Conservation Efforts: By providing accurate and efficient species identification, HRM supports biodiversity conservation and ecosystem management.

Our Services

At our bio-environmental company, we pride ourselves on offering cutting-edge high-resolution melting analysis (HRM) services to our clients. Our services are designed to meet the highest standards of precision and reliability in genetic analysis. Here's an overview of what we provide:

  • Genetic Variation Analysis: We utilize HRM to identify genetic variations within nucleic acid sequences, which is fundamental for mutation scanning, methylation analysis, and genotyping.
  • Methylation-Specific HRM (MS-HRM): Our service extends to detecting methylation differences between genes, a crucial aspect of epigenetic studies.
  • Mutation Screening: We screen for mutations in target genes, identifying variant samples before sequencing analysis.
  • High-Throughput SNP Genotyping: Our HRM services are capable of handling large-scale SNP genotyping, offering a cost-effective alternative to traditional sequencing.
  • Data Processing and Analysis: We process melt curve data to provide clear, actionable results, utilizing HRM-compatible software for data analysis.

Distinctive Service Features

  • Advanced Technology: Our HRM services are backed by state-of-the-art qPCR instrumentation that offers excellent thermal stability and sensitivity, ensuring accurate results.
  • Sophisticated Software: We employ HRM-dedicated software that uses new fluorescent scaling algorithms and plots for data analysis, allowing for the discrimination of DNA sequences based on composition, length, GC content, or strand complementarity.
  • Nondestructive Method: HRM is a nondestructive method, meaning that subsequent characterization of the associated amplicon can be performed after melt analysis, providing flexibility in downstream applications.
  • Closed-Tube System: Our HRM services are performed in a closed-tube system, reducing the risk of contamination and eliminating the need for manual post-PCR processing.

Contact Us

By choosing our HRM services, clients can expect professional, reliable, and innovative solutions for their genetic analysis needs. We are committed to delivering results that empower scientific discovery and advance research, please contact us and confirm with our team fro more information.

How to Place an Order

How to place an order

Reference

  1. Brian M., Kiwon B., et al. "Molecular beacon–enabled purification of living cells by targeting cell type–specific mRNAs" Nature Protocols 2014, 9:2411-2424.

Our products and services are for research use only and cannot be used for any clinical purposes.

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