Name: quantification of circular rnas using digital droplet pcr
Uploaded: 2022-09-16T14:50:00
Description: Watch this Scientific Journal Video about Quantification of Circular RNAs Using Digital Droplet PCR at JoVE.com

This work was supported by intramural funding from the Institute of Life Sciences, the DBT research grant (BT/PR27622/MED/30/1961/2018), and the Wellcome Trust/DBT India Alliance Fellowship [IA/I/18/2/504017] awarded to Amaresh C. Panda. We thank other lab members for proofreading the article.

RNA is sensitive to RNases; therefore, all reagents, instruments, and workspaces should be RNase-free and handled with care.
1. Divergent primer design for circRNA (see Figure 1)
<ol>
	<li>Retrieve the mature sequence from circRNA annotation data using BEDTools or from the UCSC genome browser by joining the exon/intron sequence present between the backsplice junction coordinates18,<sup class="x...

<ol>
	<li>Salzman, J., Gawad, C., Wang, P. L., Lacayo, N., Brown, P. O. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Circular+RNAs+are+the+predominant+transcript+isoform+from+hundreds+of+human+genes+in+diverse+cell+types.">Circular RNAs are the predominant transcript isoform from hundreds of human genes in diverse cell types.</a> PLoS One. 7 (2), 30733 (2012).</li><li>Chen, L. L., Yang, L. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Regulation+of+circRNA+biogenesis.">Regulation of circRNA biogenesis.</a> RNA Biology. 12 (4), 381-388 (2015).</li><li>Kristensen, L. 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B., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Evaluation+of+a+droplet+digital+polymerase+chain+reaction+format+for+DNA+copy+number+quantification.">Evaluation of a droplet digital polymerase chain reaction format for DNA copy number quantification.</a> Analytical Chemistry. 84 (2), 1003-1011 (2012).</li><li>Hayden, R. T., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Comparison+of+droplet+digital+PCR+to+real-time+PCR+for+quantitative+detection+of+cytomegalovirus.">Comparison of droplet digital PCR to real-time PCR for quantitative detection of cytomegalovirus.</a> Journal of Clinical Microbiology. 51 (2), 540-546 (2013).</li><li>Taylor, S. C., Laperriere, G., Germain, H. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Droplet+digital+PCR+versus+qPCR+for+gene+expression+analysis+with+low+abundant+targets:+From+variable+nonsense+to+publication+quality+data.">Droplet digital PCR versus qPCR for gene expression analysis with low abundant targets: From variable nonsense to publication quality data.</a> Scientific Reports. 7, 2409 (2017).</li><li>Hindson, B. J., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=High-throughput+droplet+digital+PCR+system+for+absolute+quantitation+of+DNA+copy+number.">High-throughput droplet digital PCR system for absolute quantitation of DNA copy number.</a> Analytical Chemistry. 83 (22), 8604-8610 (2011).</li><li>Ishak, A., AlRawashdeh, M. M., Esagian, S. M., Nikas, I. P. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Diagnostic,+prognostic,+and+therapeutic+value+of+droplet+digital+PCR+(ddPCR)+in+COVID-19+patients:+A+systematic+review.">Diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic value of droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) in COVID-19 patients: A systematic review.</a> Journal of Clinical Medicine. 10 (23), 5712 (2021).</li><li>Li, H., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Application+of+droplet+digital+PCR+to+detect+the+pathogens+of+infectious+diseases.">Application of droplet digital PCR to detect the pathogens of infectious diseases.</a> Bioscience Reports. 38 (6), (2018).</li><li>Lee, B. T., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=The+UCSC+genome+browser+database:+2022+update.">The UCSC genome browser database: 2022 update.</a> Nucleic Acids Research. 50, 1115-1122 (2022).</li><li>Quinlan, A. R., Hall, I. M. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=BEDTools:+A+flexible+suite+of+utilities+for+comparing+genomic+features.">BEDTools: A flexible suite of utilities for comparing genomic features.</a> Bioinformatics. 26 (6), 841-842 (2010).</li><li>Untergasser, A., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Primer3--new+capabilities+and+interfaces.">Primer3--new capabilities and interfaces.</a> Nucleic Acids Research. 40 (15), 115 (2012).</li><li>Das, A., Das, D., Das, A., Panda, A. C. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=A+quick+and+cost-effective+method+for+DNA-free+total+RNA+isolation+using+magnetic+silica+beads.">A quick and cost-effective method for DNA-free total RNA isolation using magnetic silica beads.</a> bioRxiv. , (2020).</li><li>Oberacker, P., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Simple+Synthesis+of+Functionalized+Paramagnetic+Beads+for+Nucleic+Acid+Purification+and+Manipulation.">Simple Synthesis of Functionalized Paramagnetic Beads for Nucleic Acid Purification and Manipulation.</a> Bio-protocol. 9 (20), 3394 (2019).</li><li>Ra&#269;ki, N., Dreo, T., Gutierrez-Aguirre, I., Blejec, A., Ravnikar, M. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Reverse+transcriptase+droplet+digital+PCR+shows+high+resilience+to+PCR+inhibitors+from+plant,+soil+and+water+samples.">Reverse transcriptase droplet digital PCR shows high resilience to PCR inhibitors from plant, soil and water samples.</a> Plant Methods. 10 (1), 42 (2014).</li><li>Taylor, S. 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CircRNA research has grown in the last decade with the discovery of high-throughput sequencing technologies. As a result, it has been considered a potential molecule for future RNA therapeutics. In addition, it is known to act as a biomarker in several diseases, including cancer and cardiovascular diseases4,8. However, the identification of circRNA is tricky because of its low abundance and it having only one specific backsplice junction sequence that differentia...

Recent advancements in RNA sequencing technologies and novel computational algorithms have discovered a new member of the growing family of non-coding RNAs, called circular RNA (circRNA)1. As the name suggests, circRNAs are a family of single-stranded RNA molecules with no free ends. They are formed by non-canonical head-to-tail splicing called back-splicing, where the upstream splice acceptor site joins covalently with the downstream splice donor site to form a stable RNA circle1,2. This process could be mediated by several factors, including inverted Alu repetitive elements present in the upstream and downstream of circularized exons, or can be mediated by some splicing factors or RNA binding proteins (RBPs)2,3. Circular RNAs generated exclusively from the exonic or intronic sequence are classified as exonic circRNA and circular intronic RNAs or ci-RNAs, whereas some exonic circRNAs retain the intron and are called exon-intron circRNAs (EIcircRNAs)3,4. The functions of circRNAs are multifaceted, including sponging miRNA and/or RBP, regulating transcription, and regulating cellular function by translating into peptides3,5,6,7. Several reports have highlighted the significance of circRNAs in various diseases and physiological processes8. Furthermore, tissue-specific expression patterns and resistance to exonuclease digestion make it a functional biomarker for disease diagnosis and it can also be used as a suitable therapeutic target8. Considering its importance in regulating health and diseases, the accurate quantification of circRNA expression is the need of the hour.
Several biochemical methods have been developed to quantify circRNAs in biological samples9. One of the most convenient and widely accepted methods for circRNA quantification is reverse transcription followed by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) using divergent primer pairs10. However, the majority of circRNAs are in low abundance compared to linear mRNAs, which makes it challenging to quantify them11. To overcome this issue, we sought to use digital droplet PCR (dd-PCR) to quantify the number of circRNAs in a given sample accurately. The dd-PCR is an advanced PCR technology that follows the microfluidics principle; it generates multiple aqueous droplets in oil, and the PCR occurs in each droplet as an individual reaction12. The reaction occurs in individual droplets and is analyzed using a droplet reader, which gives the number of positive or negative droplets for the gene of interest12. It is the most sensitive technique to accurately quantify a gene of interest, even if there is only a single copy in a given sample. Decreased sensitivity toward inhibitors, better precision, and omitting the reference gene for quantification make it more advantageous than conventional qPCR13,14,15. It has been widely used as a research and diagnostic tool for the absolute quantification of a gene of interest16,17. Here, we describe the detailed dd-PCR protocol for circRNA quantification in differentiating mouse C2C12 myotubes and proliferating mouse C2C12 myoblasts using divergent primers.

<table border="1" fo:keep-together.within-page="1" fo:keep-with-next.within-page="always">
	<tbody>
		<tr >
			<td >1.5 ml microcentifuge tube</td>
			<td >Tarson</td>
			<td >500010</td>
			<td ></td>
		</tr>
		<tr >
			<td >0.2 ml tube strips with cap</td>
			<td >Tarson</td>
			<td >610020, 510073</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr >
			<td >Filter Tips</td>
			<td >Tarson</td>
			<td >528104</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr >
			<td >DNase/RNase-Free Distilled Water</td>
			<td >Thermo Fisher Scientific</td>
			<td >10977023</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr >
			<td >Phosphate-buffered saline (PBS)</td>
			<td >Sigma</td>
			<td >P4417</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr >
			<td >Cell scrapper</td>
			<td >HiMedia</td>
			<td >TCP223</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr >
			<td >Chloroform</td>
			<td >SRL</td>
			<td >96764</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr >
			<td >DNA diluent</td>
			<td >HiMedia</td>
			<td >MB228</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr >
			<td >Random primers</td>
			<td >Thermo Fisher Scientific</td>
			<td >48190011</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr >
			<td >dNTP set</td>
			<td >Thermo Fisher Scientific</td>
			<td >R0181</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr >
			<td >Murine RNase inhibitor</td>
			<td >NEB</td>
			<td >M0314S</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr >
			<td >Maxima reverse transcriptase</td>
			<td >Thermo Fisher Scientific</td>
			<td >EP0743</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr >
			<td >QX200 dd-PCR Evagreen Supermix</td>
			<td >Bio-Rad</td>
			<td >1864033</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr >
			<td >Droplet generation oil for Evagreen</td>
			<td >Bio-Rad</td>
			<td >1864006</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr >
			<td >PCR Plate Heat Seal, foil, pierceable</td>
			<td >Bio-Rad</td>
			<td >1814040</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr >
			<td >DG8 Cartridges and Gaskets</td>
			<td >Bio-Rad</td>
			<td >1864007</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr >
			<td >DG8 Cartridge holder</td>
			<td >Bio-Rad</td>
			<td >1863051</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr >
			<td >QX200 Droplet Generator</td>
			<td >Bio-Rad</td>
			<td >1864002</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr >
			<td >ddPCR 96-Well Plates</td>
			<td >Bio-Rad</td>
			<td >12001925</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr >
			<td >PX1 PCR Plate Sealer</td>
			<td >Bio-Rad</td>
			<td >1814000</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr >
			<td >C1000 Touch Thermal Cycler with 96&#8211;Deep Well Reaction Module</td>
			<td >Bio-Rad</td>
			<td >1851197</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr >
			<td >QX200 Droplet Reader</td>
			<td >Bio-Rad</td>
			<td >1864003</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr >
			<td >Quantasoft Software</td>
			<td >Bio-Rad</td>
			<td >1864011</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr >
			<td >Silica column</td>
			<td >Umbrella Life Science</td>
			<td >38220090</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr >
			<td >UCSC Genome Browser</td>
			<td ></td>
			<td >https://genome.ucsc.edu/</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr >
			<td >Primer 3</td>
			<td ></td>
			<td >https://primer3.ut.ee/</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>

quantification of circular rnas using digital droplet pcr

Digital droplet polymerase chain reaction (dd-PCR) is one of the most sensitive quantification methods; it fractionates the reaction into nearly 20,000 water-in-oil droplets, and the PCR occurs in the individual droplets. The dd-PCR has several advantages over conventional real-time qPCR, including increased accuracy in detecting low-abundance targets, omitting reference genes for quantification, eliminating technical replicates for samples, and showing high resilience to inhibitors in the samples. Recently, dd-PCR has become one of the most popular methods for accurately quantifying target DNA or RNA for gene expression analysis and diagnostics. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are a large family of recently discovered covalently closed RNA molecules lacking 5' and 3' ends. They have been shown to regulate gene expression by acting as sponges for RNA-binding proteins and microRNAs. Furthermore, circRNAs are secreted into body fluids, and their resistance to exonucleases makes them serve as biomarkers for disease diagnosis. This article aims to show how to perform divergent primer design, RNA extraction, cDNA synthesis, and dd-PCR analysis to accurately quantify specific circular RNA (circRNA) levels in cells. In conclusion, we demonstrate the precise quantification of circRNAs using dd-PCR.

The absolute number of circRNAs in each sample can be derived from the exported dd-PCR data. Real-time quantitative PCR analysis suggested differential expression of circBnc2 in the differentiated C2C12 myotubes (data not shown). Here, we wanted to check the absolute copy number of circBnc2 in proliferating C2C12 myoblasts and myotubes. Since the expression of circBnc2 is compared in two conditions, it is really important to process all samples for RNA isolation, cDNA synthesis, and PCR simulta...

Watch this Scientific Journal Video about Quantification of Circular RNAs Using Digital Droplet PCR at JoVE.com

Quantification of Circular RNAs Using Digital Droplet PCR

This protocol describes the detailed method of digital droplet PCR (dd-PCR) for precise quantification of circular RNA (circRNA) levels in cells using divergent primers.

Digital droplet polymerase chain reaction (dd-PCR) is one of the most sensitive quantification methods; it fractionates the reaction into nearly 20,000 ...

dd-PCR is a highly sensitive and accurate method for absolute quantification of target DNA or RNA. It has been used for disease diagnosis where other conventional methods fail to give accurate results. dd-PCR is the most sensitive technique for detecting very low abundant nucleic acid molecules.Unlike quantitative PCR, dd-PCR doesn't require any housekeeping gene control for quantification. Due to its sensitivity and accuracy, dd-PCR can be used as a tool for molecular diagnostics and research involving low abundant RNA molecules like micro RNAs and circular RNAs. Before using dd-PCR, one should perform RT-PCR or RT-qPCR to confirm that the primers are amplifying their target genes without any non-specific PCR amplification.To begin, prepare a PCR template sequence of 200 nucleotides in length by joining the last 100 nucleotides of the total circular RNA sequence length to the first 100 nucleotides of the circular RNA sequence. Use the template sequence for primer, designed by the Primer 3 web tool. Take one 10 centimeter dish containing about 5 million proliferating C2C12 myoblast cells and one four-day differentiated C2C12 myotube for RNA isolation.Wash the cells with 10 milliliters of 1X PBS three times and discard the PBS using a pipette. Add one milliliter of RNA isolation reagent and lyse the cells by vigorous pipetting. Then, add 200 microliters of chloroform and vortex for 15 seconds.Centrifuge the tube at four degrees Celsius for 10 minutes at 12, 000 G.Take 400 microliters of the upper aqueous layer, load it on a silica column, and centrifuge for one minute at 12, 000 G at room temperature. Take the flow through to a new tube and add 600 microliters of 100%ethanol. Add 20 microliters of magnetic silica beads and place the tube on a thermomixer, set at 25 degrees Celsius and 1, 200 RPM for five minutes.Then, place the tube on a magnetic stand for 30 seconds or until the solution becomes clear. Resuspend the magnetic silica beads in 500 microliters of wash buffer containing 90%ethanol. After placing the tube on the magnetic stand for 30 seconds, let the beads settle toward the magnet and discard the buffer using a pipette.Air dry the tube at 50 degrees Celsius for three minutes on a thermomixer, keeping the lid open. Add 20 microliters of nuclease free water and resuspend the beads. Collect the dissolved RNA in a new tube for quantity and quality assessment using a spectrophotometer.Measure the RNA concentration using a spectrophotometer and take one microgram of RNA for cDNA synthesis. Mix one microgram of total RNA with one microliter of dNTP mix, four microliters of 5X reverse transcriptase buffer, two microliters of 10X reverse transcriptase random primer, 0.25 microliters of reverse transcriptase enzyme, and 0.5 microliters of RNase inhibitor. Make up the volume to 20 microliters using nuclease free water.Place the tube at 25 degrees Celsius for 10 minutes, followed by 50 degrees Celsius for one hour. Then place the tube at 85 degrees Celsius for five minutes to inactivate the enzyme. Set up the PCR reaction of 22 microliters in 0.2 milliliter PCR tubes or strips, along with a negative control tube and non-template control tubes.Add 11 microliters of dd-PCR master mix, 5.5 microliters of circular RNA-specific forward and reverse primer mix of one micromolar concentration, and 5.5 microliters of nuclease free water to set up the NTC reaction tubes. Similarly, to set up the test reaction tubes, add 11 microliters of dd-PCR master mix, 5.5 microliters of circular RNA specific forward and reverse primer mix of one micromolar concentration, and 5.5 microliters of cDNA. For the droplet generation, transfer 20 microliters of the PCR mixture from 0.2 milliliter PCR tubes to the sample wells of the droplet generator cartridge.Add 70 microliters of droplet generation oil to the oil wells of the droplet generator cartridge carefully, using a pipette. Cover the droplet generator cartridge with a rubber gasket and place it in the droplet generator machine to get the sample oil droplet mix, generated in the droplet wells of the cartridge. For PCR amplification, transfer 40 microliters of the sample oil droplet mix from the droplet wells of the droplet generator cartridge to a 96-well PCR plate using a pipette.Seal the 96-well PCR plate with the aluminum foil sealer. Place it in the plate sealer machine block, preheated at 180 degrees Celsius, and click seal for sealing the PCR plate. Then, place the plate in the dd-PCR thermal cycler and set the lid temperature to 105 degrees Celsius and a ramp rate to two degrees Celsius per second.Once PCR is over, place the plate on the dd-PCR droplet counter machine with the plate holder in the correct position for counting the droplets. Open the droplet analysis software and set up the run by giving input of the sample information. Click the analyze button to analyze the data after the completion of the droplet reading.Then, click the 1D Amplitude button to see the positive and negative droplets. To segregate the positive droplets from the negative droplets, put a common threshold line for all samples with the same target. Click the export button to export the circular RNA counts data as a csv file.The exported data show the number of circular RNAs present in each sample. Manually calculate the number of circular RNAs in each sample per nanogram of RNA by considering the total amount of cDNA used in each reaction. The data analysis using QuantaSoft Software is shown here.All samples except MT1 showed more than 12, 000 droplet counts. Since the total droplet count was low in MT1, this sample was not considered for the final data analysis. Interestingly, there was a clear difference in the expression pattern of Circ B and C2 in the four day differentiated myotube condition compared to the myoblast cells.The analysis of Circ B and C2 abundance in terms of copy number, indicated that the three replicates of C2C12 myoblasts had 76.8, 67, and 46 copies per nanogram of RNA, while the two myotube samples had 558 and 610 copies per nanogram of RNA. The data in the bar graph represent the mean plus minus standard deviation of two to three biological replicates. ddPCR is one of the most advanced method to measure the accurate differential expression of target circular RNA.This method will be an essential tool to accelerate circular RNA research and diagnostic industries in the coming year.

quantification-of-circular-rnas-using-digital-droplet-pcr

Research

JoVE Journal

Biology

Profiling of Pre-micro RNAs and microRNAs using Quantitative Real-time PCR (qPCR) Arrays

Quantitative real-time PCR (QPCR) has emerged as an accurate and valuable tool in profiling gene expression levels.  One of its many advantages is a lower detection limit compared to other methods of gene expression profiling while using smaller amounts of input for each assay.  Automated qPCR setup has improved this field by allowing for greater reproducibility.  Its convenient and rapid setup allows for high-throughput experiments, enabling the profiling of many different genes simultaneously in each experiment.  This method along with internal plate controls also reduces experimental variables common to other techniques.  
We recently developed a qPCR assay for profiling of pre-microRNAs  (pre-miRNAs) using a set of 186 primer pairs.  MicroRNAs have emerged as a novel class of small, non-coding RNAs with the ability to regulate many mRNA targets at the post-transcriptional level.  These small RNAs are first transcribed by RNA polymerase II as a primary miRNA (pri-miRNA) transcript, which is then cleaved into the precursor miRNA (pre-miRNA).  Pre-miRNAs are exported to the cytoplasm where Dicer cleaves the hairpin loop to yield mature miRNAs.  Increases in miRNA levels can be observed at both the precursor and mature miRNA levels and profiling of both of these forms can be useful.  There are several commercially available assays for mature miRNAs; however, their high cost may deter researchers from this profiling technique.  Here, we discuss a cost-effective, reliable, SYBR-based qPCR method of profiling pre-miRNAs.  Changes in pre-miRNA levels often reflect mature miRNA changes and can be a useful indicator of mature miRNA expression.  However, simultaneous profiling of both pre-miRNAs and mature miRNAs may be optimal as they can contribute nonredundant information and provide insight into microRNA processing.  Furthermore, the technique described here can be expanded to encompass the profiling of other library sets for specific pathways or pathogens.

Profiling of Pre-micro RNAs and microRNAs using Quantitative Real-time PCR qPCR Arrays

We will demonstrate the setup and analysis of pre-microRNA 96-well arrays for QPCR using a robot as well as by hand with a Thermo Scientific Matrix multichannel pipette.

Quantitative real-time PCR (QPCR) has emerged as an accurate and valuable tool in profiling gene expression levels.  One of its many advantages is a lower ...

Rapid PCR Thermocycling using Microscale Thermal Convection

Many molecular biology assays depend in some way on the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to amplify an initially dilute target DNA sample to a detectable concentration level. But the design of conventional PCR thermocycling hardware, predominantly based on massive metal heating blocks whose temperature is regulated by thermoelectric heaters, severely limits the achievable reaction speed1. Considerable electrical power is also required to repeatedly heat and cool the reagent mixture, limiting the ability to deploy these instruments in a portable format.
Thermal convection has emerged as a promising alternative thermocycling approach that has the potential to overcome these limitations2-9. Convective flows are an everyday occurrence in a diverse array of settings ranging from the Earth's atmosphere, oceans, and interior, to decorative and colorful lava lamps. Fluid motion is initiated in the same way in each case: a buoyancy driven instability arises when a confined volume of fluid is subjected to a spatial temperature gradient. These same phenomena offer an attractive way to perform PCR thermocycling. By applying a static temperature gradient across an appropriately designed reactor geometry, a continuous circulatory flow can be established that will repeatedly transport PCR reagents through temperature zones associated with the denaturing, annealing, and extension stages of the reaction (Figure 1). Thermocycling can therefore be actuated in a pseudo-isothermal manner by simply holding two opposing surfaces at fixed temperatures, completely eliminating the need to repeatedly heat and cool the instrument.
One of the main challenges facing design of convective thermocyclers is the need to precisely control the spatial velocity and temperature distributions within the reactor to ensure that the reagents sequentially occupy the correct temperature zones for a sufficient period of time10,11. Here we describe results of our efforts to probe the full 3-D velocity and temperature distributions in microscale convective thermocyclers12. Unexpectedly, we have discovered a subset of complex flow trajectories that are highly favorable for PCR due to a synergistic combination of (1) continuous exchange among flow paths that provides an enhanced opportunity for reagents to sample the full range of optimal temperature profiles, and (2) increased time spent within the extension temperature zone the rate limiting step of PCR. Extremely rapid DNA amplification times (under 10 min) are achievable in reactors designed to generate these flows.

We describe a novel method to perform DNA replication via the polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Thermal convection is harnessed to continuously shuttle reagents between denaturing, annealing, and extension conditions by maintaining opposing surfaces of the reactor at constant temperature. This inherently simple design promises to make rapid PCR more accessible.

Many molecular biology assays depend in some way on the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to amplify an initially dilute target DNA sample to a detectable ...

Isolation of Small Noncoding RNAs from Human Serum

The analysis of RNA and its expression is a common feature in many laboratories. Of significance is the emergence of small RNAs like microRNAs, which are found in mammalian cells. These small RNAs are potent gene regulators controlling vital pathways such as growth, development and death and much interest has been directed at their expression in bodily fluids. This is due to their dysregulation in human diseases such as cancer and their potential application as serum biomarkers. However, the analysis of miRNA expression in serum may be problematic. In most cases the amount of serum is limiting and serum contains low amounts of total RNA, of which small RNAs only constitute 0.4-0.5%1. Thus the isolation of sufficient amounts of quality RNA from serum is a major challenge to researchers today. In this technical paper, we demonstrate a method which uses only 400 &#181;l of human serum to obtain sufficient RNA for either DNA arrays or qPCR analysis. The advantages of this method are its simplicity and ability to yield high quality RNA. It requires no specialized columns for purification of small RNAs and utilizes general reagents and hardware found in common laboratories. Our method utilizes a Phase Lock Gel to eliminate phenol contamination while at the same time yielding high quality RNA. We also introduce an additional step to further remove all contaminants during the isolation step. This protocol is very effective in isolating yields of total RNA of up to 100 ng/&#181;l from serum but can also be adapted for other biological tissues.

This protocol describes a method for extracting small RNAs from human serum. We have used this method to isolate microRNAs from cancer serum for use in DNA arrays and also singleplex quantitative PCR. The protocol utilizes phenol and guanidinium thiocyanate reagents with modifications to yield high quality RNA.

The analysis of RNA and its expression is a common feature in many laboratories. Of significance is the emergence of small RNAs like microRNAs, which are ...

Simple Bulk Readout of Digital Nucleic Acid Quantification Assays

Digital assays are powerful methods that enable detection of rare cells and counting of individual nucleic acid molecules. However, digital assays are still not routinely applied, due to the cost and specific equipment associated with commercially available methods. Here we present a simplified method for readout of digital droplet assays using a conventional real-time PCR instrument to measure bulk fluorescence of droplet-based digital assays.
We characterize the performance of the bulk readout assay using synthetic droplet mixtures and a droplet digital multiple displacement amplification (MDA) assay. Quantitative MDA particularly benefits from a digital reaction format, but our new method&#160;applies to any digital assay. For established digital assay protocols such as digital PCR, this method serves to speed up and simplify assay readout.
Our bulk readout methodology brings the advantages of partitioned assays without the need for specialized readout instrumentation. The principal limitations of the bulk readout methodology are reduced dynamic range compared with droplet-counting platforms and the need for a standard sample, although the requirements for this standard are less demanding than for a conventional real-time experiment. Quantitative whole genome amplification (WGA) is used to test for contaminants in WGA reactions and is the most sensitive way to detect the presence of DNA fragments with unknown sequences, giving the method great promise in diverse application areas including pharmaceutical quality control and astrobiology.

We describe an endpoint digital assay for quantifying nucleic acids with a simplified (analog) readout. We measure bulk fluorescence of droplet-based digital assays using a standard qPCR machine rather than specialized instrumentation and confirm our results by microscopy.

Digital assays are powerful methods that enable detection of rare cells and counting of individual nucleic acid molecules. However, digital assays are ...

Employing Digital Droplet PCR to Detect BRAF V600E Mutations in Formalin-fixed Paraffin-embedded Reference Standard Cell Lines

ddPCR is a highly sensitive PCR method that utilizes a water-oil emulsion system. Using a droplet generator, an extracted nucleic acid sample is partitioned into ~20,000 nano-sized, water-in-oil droplets, and PCR amplification occurs in individual droplets. The ddPCR approach is in identifying sequence mutations, copy number alterations, and select structural rearrangements involving targeted genes. Here, we demonstrate the use of ddPCR as a powerful technique for precisely quantitating rare BRAF V600E mutations in FFPE reference standard cell lines, which is helpful in identifying individuals with cancer. In conclusion, ddPCR technique offers the potential to precisely profile the specific rare mutations in different genes in various types of FFPE samples.

The goal of this video is to demonstrate how to perform&#160;automated DNA extraction from formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) reference standard cell lines and digital droplet PCR&#160;(ddPCR) analysis to detect rare mutations in a clinical setting. Detecting mutations in FFPE samples demonstrates the clinical utility of ddPCR in FFPE samples.

ddPCR is a highly sensitive PCR method that utilizes a water-oil emulsion system. Using a droplet generator, an extracted nucleic acid sample is ...

Genome-wide Purification of Extrachromosomal Circular DNA from Eukaryotic Cells

Extrachromosomal circular DNAs (eccDNAs) are common genetic elements in Saccharomyces cerevisiae and are reported in other eukaryotes as well. EccDNAs contribute to genetic variation among somatic cells in multicellular organisms and to evolution of unicellular eukaryotes. Sensitive methods for detecting eccDNA are needed to clarify how these elements affect genome stability and how environmental and biological factors&#160;induce their formation in eukaryotic cells. This video presents a sensitive eccDNA-purification method called Circle-Seq. The method encompasses column purification of circular DNA, removal of remaining linear chromosomal DNA, rolling-circle amplification of eccDNA, deep sequencing, and mapping. Extensive exonuclease treatment&#160;was&#160;required for sufficient linear chromosomal DNA degradation. The rolling-circle amplification step by &#966;29 polymerase enriched for circular DNA over linear DNA. Validation of the Circle-Seq method on three S. cerevisiae CEN.PK populations of 1010 cells detected hundreds of eccDNA profiles in sizes larger than 1 kilobase. Repeated findings of ASP3-1, COS111, CUP1, RSC30,&#160;HXT6, HXT7 genes on circular DNA in both S288c and CEN.PK suggests that DNA circularization is conserved between strains at these loci. In sum, the Circle-Seq method has broad applicability for genome-scale screening for eccDNA in eukaryotes as well as for detecting specific eccDNA types.

This paper presents a sensitive method called Circle-Seq for purifying extrachromosomal circular DNA (eccDNA). The method encompasses column purification, removal of remaining linear chromosomal DNA, rolling-circle amplification and high-throughput sequencing. Circle-Seq is applicable to genome-scale screening of eukaryotic eccDNA and studying genome instability and copy-number variation.

Extrachromosomal circular DNAs (eccDNAs) are common genetic elements in Saccharomyces cerevisiae and are reported in other eukaryotes as well. EccDNAs ...

Absolute Quantification of Plasma MicroRNA Levels in Cynomolgus Monkeys, Using Quantitative Real-time Reverse Transcription PCR

RT-qPCR is one of the most common methods to assess individual target miRNAs. MiRNAs levels are generally measured relative to a reference sample. This approach is appropriate for examining physiological changes in target gene expression levels. However, absolute quantification using better statistical analysis is preferable for a comprehensive assessment of gene expression levels. Absolute quantification is still not in common use. This report describes a protocol for measuring the absolute levels of plasma miRNA, using RT-qPCR with or without pre-amplification.
A fixed volume (200 &#181;L) of EDTA-plasma was prepared from the blood collected from the femoral vein of conscious cynomolgus monkeys (n = 50). Total RNA was extracted using commercially available system. Plasma miRNAs were quantified by probe-based RT-qPCR assays which contains miRNA-specific forward/reverse PCR primer and probe. Standard curves for absolute quantification were generated using commercially available synthetic RNA oligonucleotides. A synthetic cel-miR-238 was used as an external control for normalization and quality assessment. The miRNAs that showed quantification cycle (Cq) values above 35 were pre-amplified prior to the qPCR step.
Among the 8 miRNAs examined, miR-122, miR-133a, and miR-192 were detectable without pre-amplification, whereas miR-1, miR-206, and miR-499a required pre-amplification because of their low expression levels. MiR-208a and miR-208b were not detectable even after pre-amplification. Sample processing efficiency was evaluated by the Cq values of the spiked cel-miR-238. In this assay method, technical variation was estimated to be less than 3-fold and the lower limit of quantification (LLOQ) was 102 copy/&#181;L, for most of the examined miRNAs.
This protocol provides a better estimate of the quantity of plasma miRNAs, and allows quality assessment of corresponding data from different studies. Considering the low number of miRNAs in body fluids, pre-amplification is useful to enhance detection of poorly expressed miRNAs.

This report describes a protocol for measuring the absolute levels of plasma miRNA, using quantitative real-time reverse transcription PCR with or without pre-amplification. This protocol affords better understanding of the quantity of plasma miRNAs and allows qualitative assessment of corresponding data from different studies or laboratories.

RT-qPCR is one of the most common methods to assess individual target miRNAs. MiRNAs levels are generally measured relative to a reference sample. This ...

Rapid Lipid Droplet Isolation Protocol Using a Well-established Organelle Isolation Kit

Lipid droplets (LDs) are bioactive organelles found within the cytosol of the most eukaryotic and some prokaryotic cells. LDs are composed of neutral lipids encased by a monolayer of phospholipids and proteins. Hepatic LD lipids, such as ceramides, and proteins are implicated in several diseases that cause hepatic steatosis. Although previous methods have been established for LD isolation, they require a time-consuming preparation of reagents and are not designed for the isolation of multiple subcellular compartments. We sought to establish a new protocol to enable the isolation of LDs, endoplasmic reticulum (ER), and lysosomes from a single mouse liver.
Further, all reagents used in the protocol presented here are commercially available and require minimal reagent preparation without sacrificing LD purity. Here we present data comparing this new protocol to a standard sucrose gradient protocol, demonstrating comparable purity, morphology, and yield. Additionally, we can isolate ER and lysosomes using the same sample, providing detailed insight into the formation and intracellular flux of lipids and their associated proteins.

This protocol establishes a novel method of lipid droplet isolation and purification from mouse livers, using a well-established endoplasmic reticulum isolation kit.

Lipid droplets (LDs) are bioactive organelles found within the cytosol of the most eukaryotic and some prokaryotic cells. LDs are composed of neutral ...

Two-Step Reverse Transcription Droplet Digital PCR Protocols for SARS-CoV-2 Detection and Quantification

Diagnosis of the ongoing SARS-CoV-2 pandemic is a priority for all countries across the globe. Currently, reverse transcription quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) is the gold standard for SARS-CoV-2 diagnosis as no permanent solution is available. However effective this technique may be, research has emerged showing its limitations in detection and diagnosis especially when it comes to low abundant targets. In contrast, droplet digital PCR (ddPCR), a recent emerging technology with superior advantages over qPCR, has been shown to overcome the challenges of RT-qPCR in diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 from low abundant target samples. Prospectively, in this article, the capabilities of RT-ddPCR are further expanded by showing steps on how to develop simplex, duplex, triplex probe mix, and quadruplex assays using a two-color detection system. Using primers and probes targeting specific sites of the SARS-CoV-2 genome (N, ORF1ab, RPP30, and RBD2), the development of these assays is shown to be possible. Additionally, step by step detailed protocols, notes, and suggestions on how to improve the assays workflow and analyze data are provided. Adapting this workflow in future works will ensure that the maximum number of targets can be sensitively detected in a small sample significantly improving on cost and sample throughput.

This work summarizes steps on developing different assays for SARS-CoV-2 detection using a two color ddPCR system. The steps are elaborate and notes have been included on how to improve the assays and experiment performance. These assays may be used for multiple SARS-CoV-2 RT-ddPCR applications.

Diagnosis of the ongoing SARS-CoV-2 pandemic is a priority for all countries across the globe. Currently, reverse transcription quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) ...

Quantification of Viral Vectors in Tears Using ddPCR for Bioshedding Studies

A Validatable Droplet Digital Polymerase Chain Reaction Assay for the Detection of Adeno-Associated Viral Vectors in Bioshedding Studies of Tears

The use of viral vectors to treat genetic diseases has increased substantially in recent years, with over 2,000 studies registered to date. Adeno-associated viral (AAV) vectors have found particular success in the treatment of eye related diseases, as exemplified by the approval of voretigene neparvovec-rzyl. To bring new therapies to market, regulatory agencies typically request qualified or validated bioshedding studies to evaluate release of the vector into the environment. However, no official guidelines for the development of molecular based assays to support such shedding studies have been released by the United States Food and Drug Administration, leaving developers to determine best practices for themselves. The purpose of this protocol is to present a validatable protocol for the detection of AAV vectors in human tears by droplet digital polymerase chain reaction (ddPCR) in support of clinical bioshedding studies. This manuscript discusses current industry approaches to molecular assay validation and demonstrates that the method exceeds the target assay acceptance criteria currently proposed in white papers. Finally, steps critical in the performance of any ddPCR assay, regardless of application, are discussed.

Author Spotlight: Addressing Regulatory Gaps in Molecular Studies by Quantifying Viral Vectors in Complex Matrices 

Here, we present a protocol for the development and validation of good laboratory practices in the compliant detection of adeno-associated viral vectors in human tears by droplet digital polymerase chain reaction in support of clinical development of gene therapy vectors.