Fluorescence chemistries for automated primer‐directed DNA sequencing

A major limitation in the applicability of automated DNA sequencing instruments has been the difficulty in using user-defined oligonucleotide primers which allow sequencing reactions to start at any specific point in a region of interest. Recently, new chemistries have become available for fluorescent labeling which will begin to facilitate the use of any oligonucleotide primer with automated DNA sequencers. In this report, we describe several methods for automated primer-directed DNA sequencing, and compare and discuss the relative merits and limitations of these methods.