Which technique is effective for differentiating between closely related allele sequences?

The technique that is effective for differentiating between closely related allele sequences is sequencing-based typing (SBT). SBT involves the determination of the exact sequence of nucleotides within a target DNA region. This high-resolution method allows for precise identification of various alleles, even those that differ by just a few base pairs.

By sequencing, one can distinguish between alleles that share high levels of similarity, which is particularly important in clinical and transplant settings where matching donor and recipient alleles can have significant implications for graft survival and patient outcomes. The specificity of SBT is a key advantage over other methods, as it provides detailed information that is essential for understanding the genetic variation within populations.

Other methods like SSP (Sequence-Specific Primer) and SSOP (Sequence-Specific Oligonucleotide Probe) can characterize alleles, but they are generally less effective at resolving closely related sequences due to their reliance on specific hybridization or amplification techniques. RFLP (Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism) is also less capable of differentiating between closely related alleles because it primarily targets variations at restriction sites, which may not affect sequences that are closely related. SBT's ability to provide a precise sequence context makes it the preferred method when discerning subtle allele