Copy number detection and methods

Abstract

Described herein are methods of measuring, in a genomic sample from an individual, the relative frequency of a target sequence (that is, its copy number) with respect to a control sequence of known copy number at a different genomic locus in the same genome, wherein the target and control sequences differ by at least one single nucleotide variation (SNV). These methods involve both the target sequence and the control sequence in a single reaction/container, using a pair of primers that prime amplification of both the target sequence and the control sequence, or a single downstream primer and two upstream primers (that differs only at the position of the SNV between the target and control sequences), and measuring the abundance of each of the target sequence and the control sequence using SNV-specific labeled probes or primers, or a melting curve analysis that distinguishes between the amplified control and target sequences. The methods are exemplified with various different amplifications process. Also provided are methods of using these copy number detection methods, for instance, in breeding programs, identification, diagnosis, and so forth.