scholarly journals Suitable reference genes determination for real-time PCR using induced sputum samples

2019 ◽  
Vol 54 (6) ◽  
pp. 1800644 ◽  
Author(s):  
Catherine Moermans ◽  
Esteban Deliege ◽  
Dimitri Pirottin ◽  
Christophe Poulet ◽  
Julien Guiot ◽  
...  

Induced sputum is a non-invasive method of collecting cells from airways. Gene expression analysis from sputum cells has been used to understand the underlying mechanisms of airway diseases such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Suitable reference genes for normalisation of target mRNA levels between sputum samples have not been defined so far.The current study assessed the expression stability of nine common reference genes in sputum samples from 14 healthy volunteers, 12 asthmatics and 12 COPD patients.Using three different algorithms (geNorm, NormFinder and BestKeeper), we identified HPRT1 and GNB2L1 as the most optimal reference genes to use for normalisation of quantitative reverse transcriptase (RT) PCR data from sputum cells. The higher expression stability of HPRT1 and GNB2L1 were confirmed in a validation set of patients including nine healthy controls, five COPD patients and five asthmatic patients. In this group, the RNA extraction and RT-PCR methods differed, which attested that these genes remained the most reliable whatever the method used to extract the RNA, generate complementary DNA or amplify it.Finally, an example of relative quantification of gene expression linked to eosinophils or neutrophils provided more accurate results after normalisation with the reference genes identified as the most stable compared to the least stable and confirmed our findings.

2016 ◽  
Vol 2016 ◽  
pp. 1-11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zhaoping Yan ◽  
Jinhang Gao ◽  
Xiuhe Lv ◽  
Wenjuan Yang ◽  
Shilei Wen ◽  
...  

The analysis of differences in gene expression is dependent on normalization using reference genes. However, the expression of many of these reference genes, as evaluated by quantitative RT-PCR, is upregulated in acute pancreatitis, so they cannot be used as the standard for gene expression in this condition. For this reason, we sought to identify a stable reference gene, or a suitable combination, for expression analysis in acute pancreatitis. The expression stability of 10 reference genes (ACTB, GAPDH, 18sRNA, TUBB, B2M, HPRT1, UBC, YWHAZ, EF-1α, and RPL-13A) was analyzed using geNorm, NormFinder, and BestKeeper software and evaluated according to variations in the raw Ct values. These reference genes were evaluated using a comprehensive method, which ranked the expression stability of these genes as follows (from most stable to least stable): RPL-13A, YWHAZ > HPRT1 > GAPDH > UBC > EF-1α> 18sRNA > B2M > TUBB > ACTB. RPL-13A was the most suitable reference gene, and the combination of RPL-13A and YWHAZ was the most stable group of reference genes in our experiments. The expression levels of ACTB, TUBB, and B2M were found to be significantly upregulated during acute pancreatitis, whereas the expression level of 18sRNA was downregulated. Thus, we recommend the use of RPL-13A or a combination of RPL-13A and YWHAZ for normalization in qRT-PCR analyses of gene expression in mouse models of acute pancreatitis.


PeerJ ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 5 ◽  
pp. e3260 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kai Wang ◽  
Yi Niu ◽  
Qijun Wang ◽  
Haili Liu ◽  
Yi Jin ◽  
...  

Quantitative real-time reverse transcription PCR (RT-qPCR) has been widely used in the detection and quantification of gene expression levels because of its high accuracy, sensitivity, and reproducibility as well as its large dynamic range. However, the reliability and accuracy of RT-qPCR depends on accurate transcript normalization using stably expressed reference genes.Amorphophallusis a perennial plant with a high content of konjac glucomannan (KGM) in its corm. This crop has been used as a food source and as a traditional medicine for thousands of years. Without adequate knowledge of gene expression profiles, there has been no report of validated reference genes inAmorphophallus. In this study, nine genes that are usually used as reference genes in other crops were selected as candidate reference genes. These putative sequences of these genesAmorphophalluswere cloned by the use of degenerate primers. The expression stability of each gene was assessed in different tissues and under two abiotic stresses (heat and waterlogging) inA. albusandA. konjac. Three distinct algorithms were used to evaluate the expression stability of the candidate reference genes. The results demonstrated thatEF1-a,EIF4A,H3andUBQwere the best reference genes under heat stress inAmorphophallus. Furthermore,EF1-a,EIF4A,TUB, andRPwere the best reference genes in waterlogged conditions. By comparing different tissues from all samples, we determined thatEF1-α,EIF4A,andCYPwere stable in these sets. In addition, the suitability of these reference genes was confirmed by validating the expression of a gene encoding the small heat shock proteinSHSP, which is related to heat stress inAmorphophallus. In sum,EF1-αandEIF4Awere the two best reference genes for normalizing mRNA levels in different tissues and under various stress treatments, and we suggest using one of these genes in combination with 1 or 2 reference genes associated with different biological processes to normalize gene expression. Our results will provide researchers with appropriate reference genes for further gene expression quantification using RT-qPCR inAmorphophallus.


2014 ◽  
Vol 33 (4) ◽  
pp. 356-363 ◽  
Author(s):  
Danijela Vojnović Milutinović ◽  
Djuro Macut ◽  
Ivana Božić Antić ◽  
Jelica Bjekić Macut ◽  
Marina Nikolić ◽  
...  

Summary Background: The polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a frequent endocrine disorder that affects women of reproductive age. As the syndrome is strongly associated with obesity, it is of interest to examine the gene expression diffe rences that accompany its development and the associ a ted metabolic disturbances. Real-time RT PCR is a standard method for studying changes in gene expression. However, to obtain accurate and reliable results, validation of reference genes is obligatory. The aim of this study was to identify a suitable reference for the normalization of gene expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from obese and normal-weight women with PCOS. Methods: The expression stability of four potential reference genes: hypoxanthine guanine phosphoribosyl trans-ferase 1 (HPRT), β-actin (BA), β2-microglobulin (B2M) and glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH), was assessed in PBMCs from healthy women, and from normal-weight and obese women with PCOS. The variability in the expression of potential reference genes was analyzed by the TaqMan real-time RT PCR method, using GeNorm and NormFinder software packages. Results: Direct comparison of cycle threshold (Ct) values showed inter-individual variations for all validated genes, the Ct values of HPRT being less variable than those of BA, GAPDH and B2M. Both software packages pointed to HPRT as the most steadily expressed gene in the PBMCs of women with PCOS and healthy controls. Conclusions: Cross-validation of the expression stability of four potential reference genes identified HPRT as the most stable reference, suitable for further investigations of gene expression in PBMCs from women with PCOS.


2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Bo Wang ◽  
Huirong Duan ◽  
Peifang Chong ◽  
Shiping Su ◽  
Lishan Shan ◽  
...  

Abstract Suitable reference genes can be used to calibrate the error in quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) experiments, making the results more credible. However, there are no reference genes suitable for multiple species and under different experimental conditions. Nitraria tangutorum Bobr. is a typical plant native to desert areas. It is drought-resistant, saline-alkali resistant, extreme temperatures-resistant, and has strong adaptability. To date, the importance of this germplasm has not been sufficiently understood; therefore, it is still unclear which genes can be used as reference genes to calibrate qPCR data of N. tangutorum. In this study we analyzed the expression levels of 10 candidate reference genes (ACT, GAPDH, TUA, TUB, CYP, UBC, His, PP2A, HSP, and EF1-α) in N. tangutorum seedlings under a series of experimental conditions, including in different organs (root, stem, and leaf) and under abiotic stresses (salt, drought, heat, and cold) and hormone stimuli (abscisic acid) by qPCR. Three software programs (geNorm, NormFinder, and BestKeeper) were used to evaluate the expression stability of the ten genes. Comprehensive analysis showed that EF1-α and His had the best expression stability, whereas HSP was the least suitable as a reference gene. The expression profile of NtCER7, a gene related to the regulation of cuticular wax biosynthesis in N. tangutorum, verified the accuracy of the experimental results. Based on this study, we recommend EF1-α and His as suitable reference genes for N. tangutorum. This paper provides the first data on stable reference genes in N. tangutorum, which will be beneficial to studying the gene expression of N. tangutorum and other Nitraria species in the future.


PeerJ ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 4 ◽  
pp. e2428 ◽  
Author(s):  
Guanglin Niu ◽  
Yalan Yang ◽  
YuanYuan Zhang ◽  
Chaoju Hua ◽  
Zishuai Wang ◽  
...  

The selection of suitable reference genes is crucial to accurately evaluate and normalize the relative expression level of target genes for gene function analysis. However, commonly used reference genes have variable expression levels in developing skeletal muscle. There are few reports that systematically evaluate the expression stability of reference genes across prenatal and postnatal developing skeletal muscle in mammals. Here, we used quantitative PCR to examine the expression levels of 15 candidate reference genes (ACTB,GAPDH,RNF7,RHOA,RPS18,RPL32,PPIA,H3F3,API5,B2M,AP1S1,DRAP1,TBP,WSB, andVAPB) in porcine skeletal muscle at 26 different developmental stages (15 prenatal and 11 postnatal periods). We evaluated gene expression stability using the computer algorithms geNorm, NormFinder, and BestKeeper. Our results indicated thatGAPDHandACTBhad the greatest variability among the candidate genes across prenatal and postnatal stages of skeletal muscle development.RPS18,API5, andVAPBhad stable expression levels in prenatal stages, whereasAPI5,RPS18,RPL32, andH3F3had stable expression levels in postnatal stages.API5andH3F3expression levels had the greatest stability in all tested prenatal and postnatal stages, and were the most appropriate reference genes for gene expression normalization in developing skeletal muscle. Our data provide valuable information for gene expression analysis during different stages of skeletal muscle development in mammals. This information can provide a valuable guide for the analysis of human diseases.


2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
J. M. Kiszałkiewicz ◽  
S. Majewski ◽  
W. J. Piotrowski ◽  
P. Górski ◽  
D. Pastuszak-Lewandoska ◽  
...  

AbstractCOPD has been regarded as a global epidemic due to an increase in pollution and tobacco exposure. Therefore, the study of molecular mechanism as the basis for modern therapy is important. The aim of the study was the assessment of gene expression levels, IL-6, IL-6ST, PIAS3, STAT3, and miRNAs, miRNA-1, miRNA-106b, miRNA-155, in patients with COPD. Induced sputum as well as PBMC were collected from 40 patients clinically verified according to the GOLD 2021 (A–D) classification and from the control group (n = 20). The levels of gene and miRNA expression were analysed by qPCR. In induced sputum IL6 was significantly down-regulated in COPD group compared with control (p = 0.0008), while IL6ST were up-regulated (p = 0.05). The results were also statistically significant for STAT3 (p = 0.04) and miRNA-155 (p = 0.03) with higher expression in the current smokers compared to ex-smokers. Higher expression levels for IL6ST (p = 0.03) in COPD patients with the exacerbation history compared to COPD patients without the exacerbation history were noted. Compared induced sputum and PB lymphocytes we observed higher expression of IL6 (p = 0.0003), STAT3 (p = 0.000001) miRNA-106b (p = 0.000069 and miRNA-155 (p = 0.000016) in induced sputum with lower expression of PIAS3 (p = 0.006), IL6ST (p = 0.002) and miRNA-1 (p = 0.001). Differences in gene expression levels of the IL-6/IL6ST/STAT3 pathway and miRNA depending on the smoking status and classification of patients according to GOLD suggest the importance of these genes in the pathogenesis of COPD and may indicate their potential utility in monitoring the course of the disease.


2013 ◽  
Vol 32 (4) ◽  
pp. 325-338 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jelena Nestorov ◽  
Gordana Matić ◽  
Ivana Elaković ◽  
Nikola Tanić

Summary Real-time RT PCR has been recognized as an accurate, reliable and sensitive method for quantifying gene transcription. However, several steps preceding PCR represent critical points and source of inaccuracies. These steps include cell processing, RNA extraction, RNA storage, assessment of RNA concentration and cDNA synthesis. To compensate for potential variability introduced by the procedure, normalization of target gene expression has been established. Accurate normalization has become an absolute prerequisite for the correct quantification of gene expression. Several strategies are in use for the normalization of data, including normalization to sample size, to total RNA or to an internal reference. Among these, the use of housekeeping genes as an internal (endogenous) control is the most common approach. Given the increased sensitivity, reproducibility and large dynamic range of this methodology, the requirements for a proper reference gene for normalization have become increasingly stringent. The aim of this paper is to discuss the concept of normalization in mRNA quantification, as well as to discuss several statistical algorithms developed to help the validation of potential reference genes. By showing that the use of inappropriate endogenous control might lead to incorrect results and misinterpretation of experimental data, we are joining the creators of Minimum Information for Publication of Quantitative Real-Time PCR Experiments (MIQE) in an attempt to convince scientists that proper validation of potential reference genes is an absolute prerequisite for correct normalization and, therefore, for providing accurate and reliable data by quantitative real-time RT PCR gene expression analyses.


Animals ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (11) ◽  
pp. 3137
Author(s):  
Juan Zhao ◽  
Cheng Wang ◽  
Lin Zhang ◽  
Aiai Lei ◽  
Linjie Wang ◽  
...  

As the largest chamber of the ruminant stomach, the rumen not only serves as the principal absorptive surface and nutrient transport pathway from the lumen into the animal, but also plays an important short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) metabolic role in addition to protective functions. Accurate characterization of the gene expression profiles of genes of interest is essential to the exploration of the intrinsic regulatory mechanisms of rumen development in goats. Thus, the selection of suitable reference genes (RGs) is an important prerequisite for real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR). In the present study, 16 candidate RGs were identified from our previous transcriptome sequencing of caprine rumen tissues. The quantitative expressions of the candidate RGs were measured using the RT-qPCR method, and the expression stability of the RGs was assessed using the geNorm, NormFinder, and BestKeeper programs. GeNorm analysis showed that the M values were less than 0.5 for all the RGs except GAPT4, indicating that they were stably expressed in the rumen tissues throughout development. RPS4X and RPS6 were the two most stable RGs. Furthermore, the expressions of two randomly selected target genes (IGF1 and TOP2A), normalized by the selected most stable RGs (RPS4X and RPS6), were consistent with the results of RNA sequencing, while the use of GAPDH and ACTB as RGs resulted in altered profiles. Overall, RPS4X and RPS6 showed the highest expression stability and the lowest coefficients of variation, and could be used as the optimal reference combination for quantifying gene expression in rumen tissues via RT-qPCR analysis.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chaofan Jin ◽  
Weihao Song ◽  
Mengya Wang ◽  
Jie Qi ◽  
Quanqi Zhang ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: The quantitative real-time reverse transcription PCR (qRT-PCR) is a widely used technique that relies on the reference gene for gene expression normalization. Selecting a suitable reference gene is a crucial step to obtain an accurate result in qRT-PCR. However, most previous studies of fishes adopted reference genes that were commonly used in mammals without validation. Results: In this study, we utilized 89 transcriptome datasets covering early developmental stages and adult tissues, and carried out transcriptome-wide identification and validation of reference genes in Sebastes schlegelii. Finally, 121 candidate reference genes were identified based on four criteria. Eight candidates (METAP2, BTF3L4, EIF5A1, TCTP, UBC, PAIRB, RAB10, and DLD) and four commonly used reference genes (TUBA, ACTB, GAPDH, RPL17) in mammals were selected for validation via qRT- PCR and four statistical methods (delta-Ct, BestKeeper, geNorm, and NormFinder). The results revealed that the candidate reference genes we recommended are more stable than traditionally used ones. Conclusions: This is the first study to conduct transcriptome-wide identification and validation of reference genes for quantitative RT-PCR in the black rockfish, and lay an important foundation for gene expression analysis in teleost.


Genes ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (6) ◽  
pp. 451 ◽  
Author(s):  
Junchao Zhang ◽  
Wengang Xie ◽  
Xinxuan Yu ◽  
Zongyu Zhang ◽  
Yongqiang Zhao ◽  
...  

Elymus sibiricus, which is a perennial and self-pollinated grass, is the typical species of the genus Elymus, which plays an important role in forage production and ecological restoration. No reports have, so far, systematically described the selection of optimal reference genes for reverse transcriptase quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) analysis in E. sibiricus. The goals of this study were to evaluate the expression stability of 13 candidate reference genes in different experimental conditions, and to determine the appropriate reference genes for gene expression analysis in E. sibiricus. Five methods including Delta Ct (ΔCt), BestKeeper, NormFinder, geNorm, and RefFinder were used to assess the expression stability of 13 potential reference genes. The results of the RefFinder analysis showed that TBP2 and HIS3 were the most stable reference genes in different genotypes. TUA2 and PP2A had the most stable expression in different developmental stages. TBP2 and PP2A were suitable reference genes in different tissues. Under salt stress, ACT2 and TBP2 were identified as the most stable reference genes. ACT2 and TUA2 showed the most stability under heat stress. For cold stress, PP2A and ACT2 presented the highest degree of expression stability. DNAJ and U2AF were considered as the most stable reference genes under osmotic stress. The optimal reference genes were selected to investigate the expression pattern of target gene CSLE6 in different conditions. This study provides suitable reference genes for further gene expression analysis using RT-qPCR in E. sibiricus.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document