Our APA DNA walking service is a sensitive, specific and fast PCR-based method that will help in fulfilling your goal:

  • Gap filling.

  • cDNA walking.

  • 5' promoter region and 3' region walking.

  • Identify viral insertion/genomic, intron/exon, or  transgene/genomic DNA junctions.

  • Amplify upstream and downstream adjacent sequences based on known sequences.

  • Bi-directional sequence extension of STSs and EST.

  • Identify gene traps and transposon-insertion locations.

  • End-sequencing or walking of BAC/PAC DNA.

Based on known sequences, we can amplify upstream and downstream sequences by multiple APA walking. Our experimental design to achieve this result is delineated below:

Prior to walking step

Confirmation of known sequences by Bio S&T: 

  • Client has to provide a pair of primers and a DNA template in order to amplify a known sequence (preferably 150-1000bp). Bio S&T will perform the PCR and sequence the obtained amplicon before proceeding with the walking. If the obtained sequence is as expected, Bio S&T will carry out the walking service. Client must provide expected amplicon sequence for confirmation. If the obtained sequence differs from the expected sequence, Bio S&T will abort project. This step entails a non-refundable $150.00 fee.  

Or

  • Should the client not have a primer pair to provide, Bio S&T design 1-2 pairs of primers based on the client-provided known sequence. Bio S&T will amplify a 150-300 bp fragment and sequence it. This step entails a non-refundable $300.00 fee.

Walking step  

  1. Design and synthesis of primers: normally 3-4 primers are designed according to the known starting sequences. The fidelity of the known sequence is the most important ingredient for the success of any kind of PCR-based genomic walking method, including APA. 
     
  2. PCR amplification and sequencing: APAgene technology will be employed to amplify the upstream and/or downstream sequences. The PCR products will be purified and/or cloned, followed by sequencing. The customer will receive the newly acquired flanking sequences from a successful walk. The overlapped sequences will be at least 20bp in length between each walk. The primers will be redesigned, and PCR carried to get any length of sequence required. In some cases, the sequences generated by APA walking are not in accordance with client’s expectations. Should there be disaccord, Bio S&T will design an outer primer based on the newly obtained sequences. PCRs will be carried out with this primer and one gene-specific walking primer in order to amplify an overlapped fragment. If the obtained size is correct, the walking will be deemed successful. An additional $150.00 will be charged for this step. However, if the test fails to amplify the correct overlap fragment, the walking result will be deemed as false positive and client will not be charged for the walking step or this test step. 
     
  3. Cost: $500.00 per walk (per direction) for the first 250bp plus $1.00/base for the newly acquired sequences beyond the initial 250 bp. Walking will be attempted twice. Should walking fail (no sequence information is obtained), client will be invoiced $200.00 (per direction) as a setup-fee (in addition to confirmation fee). This fee is non-refundable.
     
  4. Sample requirements: We accept genomic DNA, cDNA or plasmid DNA (such as BAC/PAC).  20 microliters suitable for Southern blot and PCR, intact and devoid of any contamination, should be provided. Amount required per kilo base walked: source genomic DNA = 50ng/ul, source cDNA = 10-20ng/ul, source plasmid DNA = 2-5ng/ul. We are aware that some DNA samples from customers are mixed with other DNA sources, such as mixed DNA samples resulting from F1 segregation of DNA. In case a contaminated sample is sent, every successful run as defined before will be charged, although the sequence generated may be contrary to expected result. DNA purification from tissues may also be performed at our facility for $200.00.
     
  5. Starting sequences: We need 150 bp or more to design suitable primers.  For starting sequences of less than 150bp, a non-refundable $100.00 set-up fee will apply (this setup-fee is not applicable under other circumstances). We require confirmation of the starting sequences. Please note that an incorrect starting sequence (even a one base error!), can cause the failure of a PCR-based walking method.  
     
  6. Deliverables: Sequence data will be provided via email.
     
  7. Please note: We do not accept project with multiple tandem repeats as the internal repeats are always preferentially amplified (i.e. failure rate is high). Should any technical difficulties arise, Bio S&T will provide written or verbal notice to the client. Bio S&T also reserves the right to re-quote this project if the scope of the project changes, in which event Bio S&T will not be required to perform the project unless both parties can agree upon the terms of the revised quotation.

Please contact us fro more information or to place an order!