Rapid Determination of Perv Copy Number From Porcine Genomic DNA by Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction

Abstract

Here, we report the quantification of porcine endogenous retrovirus (PERV) copy numbers using real time PCR. After generating standard curves using plasmid DNA, copy numbers were determined for PERV pol and for a housekeeping gene, porcine estrogen receptor2 (ER2) with the same amount of genomic DNA. Using this method, we examined 6 pig breeds in Korea including two breeds of miniature pig, one domestic pig from Jeju, and imported pig breeds, Duroc, Landrace, and Yorkshire. All breeds showed PERV copy numbers ranging from 9 to 50. This method will be useful for monitoring of PERVs in a porcine xenograft.

Keywords:

• Copy number
• Porcine endogenous retrovirus
• Real-time PCR
• Xenotransplantation

Acknowledgments

This work was supported by a grant of the Korea Healthcare Technology R&D Project, Ministry of Health & Welfare, Republic of Korea (A092010).

Notes

^a Number of PERV copies/reaction genomic DNA.

^b Number of estrogen receptor 2 gene copies/reaction genomic DNA.

^c Number of cells/reaction genomic DNA.