Quantitative analysis of multiple genes' expressions based on a novel competitive RT-PCR assay

Anal Bioanal Chem. 2013 Feb;405(4):1353-60. doi: 10.1007/s00216-012-6518-1. Epub 2012 Dec 4.

Abstract

We established a novel gene expression analysis platform, Multiplex Competitive RT-PCR Using Fluorescent Universal Primers (MCF-PCR), to study multi-gene expression patterns simultaneously. This platform combines fluorescent universal primers, multiplex competitive RT-PCR, and capillary electrophoretic separation, which ensures MCF-PCR a reliable, medium-throughput, cost-effective technology for gene expression profiling. With cloned standard DNAs, the detection limits, precision, and sensitivity of MCF-PCR were evaluated and compared with that of the assay without adding competitive templates and real-time PCR, respectively. The results showed that detection limit was 3.125 × 10(3) to 3.2 × 10(6) copies, and 10 % copy differences between two samples can be detected by MCF-PCR. To validate MCF-PCR, we analyzed expression profile of five genes in interleukin (IL)-4/IL-13 pathway in peripheral blood of 20 healthy adults and 20 allergic dermatitis patients; three genes including IL-4, IL-13, and STAT6 were found differentially expressed in the two sample groups, which maybe key players in IL-4/IL-13 immunological signaling pathway and need further function analysis.

Publication types

  • Evaluation Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • DNA Primers / genetics
  • Female
  • Gene Expression Profiling / methods*
  • Humans
  • Interleukin-13 / genetics
  • Interleukin-4 / genetics
  • Male
  • Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction / methods*
  • STAT6 Transcription Factor / genetics
  • STAT6 Transcription Factor / metabolism

Substances

  • DNA Primers
  • Interleukin-13
  • STAT6 Transcription Factor
  • Interleukin-4