Quantitative RT-PCR & PCR Arrays

PCR Arrays are the most sensitive and reliable tools for analyzing the expression of a focused panel of genes. Each 96-well or 384-well plate includes SYBR Green-optimized primer assays for a thoroughly researched panel of relevant, pathway- or disease-focused genes. PCR Arrays can also be customized to contain a panel of genes tailored to your specific research interests. Our high-quality primer design and master mix formulation enable the PCR Array to amplify 96 or 384 different gene-specific products simultaneously under uniform cycling conditions. This combination provides the PCR Array with the specificity and the high amplification efficiencies required for accurate real-time SYBR Green results. The simplicity of the PCR Arrays makes them accessible for routine use in every research laboratory.

Why PCR Arrays?

• Pathway Focused: Profile the expression of a panel of genes relevant to a pathway or disease state.
• Simple and Accurate: Simple real-time PCR method provides high sensitivity and wider dynamic range. Requires as little as 5 ng total RNA.
• Designed for Routine Use: Brings expression profiling to almost any lab with a real-time PCR instrument.

Performance and Applications

Performance

• Sensitivity: With the sensitivity of the RT² First Strand Kit, as little as 25 ng or as much as 5 µg of total RNA per array plate provides greater than 80 percent present call rates.
• Reproducibility: The high reproducibility of the system, with replicate correlation coefficients > 0.99, means that experimental samples can be reliably compared across plates and runs.
• Specificity: The specificity of the system, imparted by the combination of SYBR Green primers and PCR master mixes, guarantees a single product of the predicted size from every reaction without secondary products such as primer dimers.

The complete PCR Array System guarantees the optimal performance of the PCR Array. Including the optional RT² RNA QC PCR Array into the complete system maximizes control over consistent RNA quality.

Application Examples
The PCR Arrays have been used for cancer, immunology, stem cells, toxicology, and many other areas of biological and medical research. To view application examples for cancer and toxicology research, click [ here ]. To see a list of publications citing the use of the PCR Array, click [ here ].

How It Works

Simple Workflow
Simply mix your cDNA template with the appropriate ready-to-use PCR master mix, aliquot equal volumes to each well of the same plate, and then run the real-time PCR cycling program. PCR Arrays are compatible with all ABI, Bio-Rad, Stratagene and Roche instrumentation. Find the correct setup instructions and protocol files [ here ].

Well Designed Layout and Controls
The PCR Arrays are available in both 96- and 384-well plates and are used to monitor the expression of 84 or 370 genes related to a disease state or pathway plus five housekeeping genes. Controls are also included on each array for genomic DNA contamination, RNA quality, and general PCR performance. Click [ here ] to learn how the control features work.

Easy-to-Use Data Analysis
Download an easy-to-use Excel-based data analysis template [ here ]. Data analysis is based on the ΔΔCt method with normalization of the raw data to either housekeeping genes or an external RNA control.

You can easily perform a PCR Array experiment in your own laboratory, or send your samples to us and take advantage of our PCR Array Services.