Utilization of a two-standard system in real-time PCR for quantification of gene expression in the brain

J Neurosci Methods. 2008 May 30;170(2):197-203. doi: 10.1016/j.jneumeth.2008.01.008. Epub 2008 Jan 19.

Abstract

In this study, we applied for real-time PCR the two-standard system that we had worked out previously for PCR with gel-detection of products. Genomic DNA of a known concentration was used as external standard and mRNA of the DNA-dependent RNA-polymerase II was used as internal standard. It was shown that PCR with gel-detection of products and real-time PCR provide similar results and demonstrate almost identical accuracy and repeatability when the two-standard system is used. With the help of the both methods and using the two-standard system we have confirmed the link between the genetically determined freezing reaction in mice and reduced 5-HT1A receptor mRNA level in the midbrain. We have also found that the genetically determined freezing reaction in mice is not connected with changes in Tph2 gene expression.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Behavior, Animal
  • Brain Chemistry / genetics*
  • Calibration
  • DNA / genetics*
  • Gene Expression / physiology*
  • Male
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred AKR
  • Mice, Inbred CBA
  • RNA, Messenger / biosynthesis
  • RNA, Messenger / genetics
  • Receptor, Serotonin, 5-HT1A / genetics
  • Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction / methods*
  • Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction / standards
  • Tryptophan Hydroxylase / genetics

Substances

  • RNA, Messenger
  • Receptor, Serotonin, 5-HT1A
  • DNA
  • Tph2 protein, mouse
  • Tryptophan Hydroxylase