Title: Approaches to Quantification of RNA Targets by PCR Based Techniques
Volume: 4
Issue: 2
Author(s): F. Watzinger and T. Lion
Affiliation:
Keywords:
pcr technique, rna target, rt-pcr, real-time pcr
Abstract: Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) techniques are increasingly used for the quantification of gene transcripts. Compared to other methods permitting relative or absolute quantitation of mRNA, the RT-PCR approach offers the advantages of superior sensitivity, high specifity, and great versatility. In this review, we discuss different approaches to PCR-based quantification of gene expression including comparative, competitive, and real-time PCR. Different formats of fluorescence-based real-time PCR and their applications in clinical diagnosis and research are presented.