Abstract: The present disclosure relates to Fragile X (FRAX) Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) assaying techniques. Particularly, aspects are directed to assaying a sample obtained from a subject using the FRAX PCR assay to obtain FRAX PCR raw data. The FRAX PCR assay may utilize a primer that comprises both CGG repeats and an “A” nucleotide at the 3? end and a reverse primer and targets CGG repeat regions in the 5? untranslated region (UTR) of FMR1 gene.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to Fragile X Syndrome (FXS) clinical testing, and in particular to an FXS AGG interruption polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay and an AGG interruption genotyping algorithm for implementation into clinical testing. Particularly, aspects are directed to obtaining raw data from the FXS assay performed on a sample, iteratively searching the raw data and identifying one or more AGG peaks on the first allele using a first set of search spaces determined based on an expected AGG peak size, determining a number of CGG repeats downstream of a final AGG interruption and a number of CGG repeats preceding a first AGG interruption on the first allele based on the one or more AGG peaks, and generating an AGG genotype for the first allele based on the number of CGG repeats downstream of the final AGG interruption and the number of CGG repeats preceding the first AGG interruption.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and systems for detecting methylation of the Fragile X FMRI gene. In certain embodiments, the DNA is fragmented and then the assay uses methylation-specific immunoprecipitation to separate the genomic DNA into a methylated and an unmethylated fraction. In an embodiment, both fractions, along with the initial unfractionated DNA, are processed in parallel. In certain embodiments, the assay in performed on a plurality of samples using a multiwell plate. After resolution of the PCR products by capillary electrophoresis, a computerized custom calling tool may be used to qualitatively determine methylation status.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to methods, compositions, and systems for detecting silent carriers of spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). In some embodiments, the invention comprises a method for identifying a subject as a silent carrier of SMA. The method may comprise obtaining a nucleic acid sample from a subject. The method may further comprise analyzing the nucleic acid sample, wherein analyzing the nucleic acid sample comprises detecting the presence or absence of a target gene amplification product. The method may further comprise characterizing the subject as a silent carrier of SMA if the target gene amplification product is present. Also disclosed are systems and kits for carrying out embodiments of the methods or using the compositions disclosed herein.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to Fragile X Syndrome (FXS) clinical testing, and in particular to a FXS AGG interruption polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay and an AGG interruption genotyping algorithm for implementation into clinical testing. Particularly, aspects are directed to obtaining raw data from the FXS assay performed on a sample, iteratively searching the raw data and identifying one or more AGG peaks on the first allele using a first set of search spaces determined based on an expected AGG peak size, determining a number of CGG repeats downstream of a final AGG interruption and a number of CGG repeats preceding a first AGG interruption on the first allele based on the one or more AGG peaks, and generating a AGG genotype for the first allele based on the number of CGG repeats downstream of the final AGG interruption and the number of CGG repeats preceding the first AGG interruption.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide methods for the enrichment of rare microparticles, cells, or nucleic acids from a complex mixture using serial size exclusion filtration. Also provided are less invasive methods for detecting chromosomal or genetic abnormalities in a fetus, by enriching fetal microparticles in maternal plasma using serial size exclusion filtration, and isolating and analyzing the fetal nucleic acids from the fetal microparticles. Methods for diagnosis of diseases such as cancer are also provided, including enriching disease specific microparticles in the patient's plasma using serial size exclusion filtration, and isolating and analyzing the nucleic acids from the disease specific microparticles.

Abstract: Methods for enriching specific microparticles, such as fetal microparticles or disease specific microparticles, in a biological sample are disclosed. In certain embodiments, the methods include combining a biological sample with a molecule that binds specific microparticles, and separating fractions of the biological sample, wherein the fraction that contains the binding molecule is enriched for the specific microparticles. Also disclosed are methods for enriching fetal nucleic acids by enriching fetal microparticles in a fraction of the biological sample and isolating nucleic acids from the enriched fraction. Methods for facilitating prenatal diagnosis of fetal chromosomal abnormalities are disclosed. In certain embodiments, the methods include combining a biological sample with a molecule that binds fetal microparticles, separating fractions of the biological sample, isolating nucleic acids from the fraction enriched for fetal microparticles, and analyzing the nucleic acids for the presence of a mutation.

Abstract: The present invention provides, among other things, a simple, reproducible, and cost-effective method for enriching fetal or other low molecular weight nucleic acids in a biological sample. In certain embodiments, methods are provided for enriching fetal nucleic acids (e.g., fetal DNAs), typically comprising steps of adding a polymer such as PEG to a heterogeneous biological sample containing fetal DNA and high molecular weight non-fetal DNA such that the PEG precipitates substantially the high molecular weight non-fetal DNA, and purifying the fetal DNA from supernatant, thereby enriching the fetal DNA.