Sensitivity and specificity of a gene doping test detecting transgenic DNA on a single molecule level in peripheral blood probes

Project Title: Sensitivity and specificity of a gene doping test detecting transgenic DNA on a single molecule level in peripheral blood probes

Researchers: P. Simon, U.M. Lauer, M. Bitzer

Institution: Medical University Clinic Tubingen, Tubingen, Germany

Year accepted: 2006

Summary: We developed a method which enables detection of tDNA on single molecule level within a conventional blood test probe of 2-10 ml. Detection is based on specific amplification of tDNA even in the presence of huge amounts of gDNA. We designed prototypes to detect all potential tDNA variants (splice variants) of first line candidate genes. Our WADA project now deals with the further development of these prototypes and with the determination of the exact specificity and sensitivity of the method in humans.