PCR of GC-rich genes

[Clifford Beall]

In article <1994Oct26.125323.1 at molbiol.ox.ac.uk>, sbaker at molbiol.ox.ac.uk wrote:

> In our lab we have a gene that is 73% GC, more or less across the whole
of the 
> gene. This means that primers have a melting temperature of around 70-75 
> degrees C, even for 17 to 18 mers. We have had no success from amplification.
> 
> Does anyone have any suggestions for PCR conditions/protocols for 
> amplification of a 900-1300bp fragment?
> 
> Simon Baker
> Dudley Page
> Oxford, UK

You might try including 10% DMSO in the PCR.  We found this was required
to amplify a GC rich alternative exon in Drosophila Troponin I.

Yours,

Cliff Beall
Research Scientist
Ohio State University
Neurobiotechnology
beall.3 at osu.edu