Development of real time PCR assays for detection and quantification of transgene DNA of a Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) corn hybrid in soil samples

Molecular authentication and quantitative analysis of Sarcandra glabra and adulterated chloranthus products using SNP markers

BACKGROUND

Sarcandra glabra (Thunb.) Nakai is one of the most popular and valuable plant species in the oriental medicinal herb market. Chloranthus (Chloranthaceae) species are the most widely used adulterants, but they are known to have hepatotoxicity effects and different medicinal values.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study is to develop a robust and accurate DNA marker for the qualitative and quantitative analyses of their products.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Four single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) sites specific to Sarcandra glabra, Chloranthus spicatus, Chloranthus serratus and Chloranthus henryi were exploited from the trnL-F region in chloroplast DNA, which have a higher copy number in the products than the nuclear DNA. Based on the SNP sites, specific primers were designed to identify the products of Sarcandra glabra, Chloranthus spicatus, Chloranthus serratus and Chloranthus henryi in mixed solutions via multiplexed PCR. The primers were also used to quantitatively analyse the ratio of chloroplast DNA in the mixed products using real-time PCR.

RESULTS

The established multiplexed-PCR and real-time PCR methods were determined to be effective for the authentication and relative quantitative assessments of the products of Sarcandra glabra, its adulterants, and their mixtures.

CONCLUSION

We therefore present an effective method for monitoring the quality of these products.