Is it possible to order custom-designed probes?
The number of requests for new MLPA probes is high. At this moment we are therefore only able to prepare “custom-designed probe sets” when these are expected to be of interest for more laboratories in the future. All costs for development of new probes are paid by MRC-Holland. Preparation of MLPA probes is time consuming and therefore expensive (>EUR 800 / probe). For each probe, a M13 clone has to be prepared, single stranded DNA from each clone is made and digested by expensive enzymes, etc. We receive requests for the development of new probe mixes (or probes) each week. In case development seems worthwhile, one of our employees starts designing the requested probes or probe mix, usually in collaboration with the requesting lab(s). The lab usually sends us information about the presence of polymorphisms or common point mutations in the gene(s) involved, and about other genes which may cause a similar phenotype when defect. New probemixes are tested first at MRC-Holland and then offe
