High-Resolution Melting (HRM) analysis is a relatively new, post-PCR analysis method used to identify variations in nucleic acid sequences. The method is based on detecting small differences in PCR melting (dissociation) curves. It is enabled by improved dsDNA-binding dyes used in conjunction with real-time PCR instrumentation that has precise temperature ramp control and advanced data capture capabilities. Data are analyzed and manipulated using software designed specifically for HRM analysis.
Hello Mohamed
HRM indeed has many clinical applications. They are as follows
1.Mutation screening for many genes. Mutations associated with genes like Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR), Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator gene (CFTR). RET protooncogene have been studied.
2.Identifying micro organism at the species level.
3.Detecting anti-microbial resistance by studying genotypic variants.
4.Identification of humans with genetic variants w.r.t. infectious diseases either related to susceptibility or treatment.
5. Establishing HLA identity between persons.
There may be more applications which I may have missed out.
Thank you.
There's not much of a niche left for HRM given the dominance of sequencing (including nanopore). Canon (camera company) tried to launch a biomedical division based on an HRM machine a few years ago...that didn't survive. The list Malcolm provided is certainly the list of things that are possible, but you can separate them into things where you need a fast result and things that you need an accurate result. Does HRM has the potential to be more fast and/or accurate than other technologies that have already received clinical diagnostic approval status? Thats's the real question.
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