Development of multiplex real-time polymerase chain reaction assay for the detection of leukemia-associated translocation genes

Abstract

A BSTRACT Objective: Leukemia diagnosis involves diverse methods, including cytomorphology, flow cytometry, cytogenetics, and molecular diagnostics. While cytogenetics plays an indispensable role, it is limited by a high false-negative rate. In contrast, molecular diagnostics, such as real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR), have become practical and widely used in clinical settings. This study aims to establish a multiplex real-time PCR system to detect critical leukemia-related chromosomal translocations, encompassing seven genes and 12 mutation types. Materials and Methods: Bioinformatics tools were employed for nucleic acid sequence analysis and primer design using reference sequences from NCBI and COSMIC databases. Primers were designed to flank frequent breakpoints. Performance testing involved gradient temperature PCR to optimize conditions and establish detection limits. A multiplex system was configured into six reaction tubes using a Rotor-Gene Q analyzer. Specific sequence plasmids were synthesized as quality control standards. Results: A successful multiplex real-time PCR system was established to detect translocations including TCF3::PBX1, ETV6::RUNX1, PML::RARA, KMT2A:: AFF1, BCR::ABL1, CBFB::MYH11, and RUNX1::RUNX1T1 . The assay demonstrated an average detection limit of approximately 10 4 copies/mL with high specificity. Validation using clinical specimens and synthetic controls confirmed the system’s accuracy, although PML::RARA (bcr3) showed suboptimal fluorescence requiring protocol optimization. Conclusion: This multiplex detection system provides comprehensive genetic information and reduces turnaround time compared to traditional cytogenetic methods. It offers significant clinical benefits for the initial workup and disease monitoring of leukemia patients.

The authors' abstract, as published at the source. Tzu Chi Medical Journal, 2026 · DOI ↗