Hercules, CA — February 15, 2012 — Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc. published a case study that shows how real-time PCR (qPCR) can lead to erroneous conclusions if the key steps set out in the Minimum Information for Publication of Quantitative Real-Time PCR Experiments (MIQE) guidelines are not followed. The study examined the effects of RNA sample quality and reference gene stability — two critical components of the MIQE checklist — on gene expression, comparing differences between normal and tumor breast cancer samples.
“These data demonstrate the importance of the MIQE methodology on the final conclusions drawn from qPCR experiments,” said Sean Taylor, lead author of the case study and a Bio-Rad senior field application specialist. “The guidelines were designed to offer a standardized, methodical approach to this highly sensitive technique to ensure that all data published with qPCR are consistent, reproducible, and — most important — a true reflection of the conclusions.”
As a result of its high sensitivity, qPCR has become the gold standard for validating DNA microarray data and is routinely used to determine gene expression differences in a wide variety of samples. However, inadequate sample processing and handling, poor primer design and validation, and inappropriate reference gene selection may result in data being misinterpreted. The MIQE guidelines were published to assist the scientific community to produce consistent, high-quality data from qPCR experiments.
The case study (Bio-Rad Tech Note 6245) used the minichromosome maintenance (MCM) protein MCM7 as a model target gene to investigate the importance of appropriate reference gene selection and RNA sample quality from breast cancer samples as described by MIQE. Following the MIQE guidelines, a significant increase in gene expression of MCM7 was observed between normal and tumor samples when using high-quality and -purity RNA with normalization using stable reference genes. However, inconclusive and even opposite results were obtained when using poor-quality RNA samples and unstable reference genes. These results demonstrate that inappropriate conclusions may be drawn from qPCR data if key steps from the MIQE guidelines are ignored.
Bio-Rad is dedicated to promoting the integrity of qPCR research and offers an array of technology and resources that will help researchers become MIQE compliant. To learn more, read the case study at http://bit.ly/MIQE case or watch the video at http://bit.ly/MIQE_Video.
About Bio-Rad
Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc. (NYSE: BIO and BIOb) has remained at the center of scientific discovery for more than 50 years, manufacturing and distributing a broad range of products for the life science research and clinical diagnostic markets. The company is renowned worldwide among hospitals, universities, and major research institutions, as well as biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies, for its commitment to quality and customer service. Founded in 1952, Bio-Rad is headquartered in Hercules, California, and serves more than 100,000 research and industry customers worldwide through its global network of operations. The company employs more than 6,800 people globally and had revenues exceeding $1.9 billion in 2010. For more information, please visit http://www.biorad.com.
For more information contact:
Sean Taylor
Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc.
514-235-9983
Sean_Taylor@bio-rad.com
Ken Li
Chempetitive Group
312-997-2436 x 109
kli@chempetitive.com