This work was supported by NIH grants DE018304, R01DE018281. K.T. is supported by T32 GM07092-34 and by a grant to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill from Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) through the Med into Grad Initiative. PC is supported by T32 CA009156.

The qPCR pre-miRNA profiling arrays can be set up as fully automated with a Tecan Freedom Evo robot (A) or by hand with the Matrix electronic multichannel pipette (B).
1)Prepare the master mix, primer plates and samples.
<ol>
	<li>Primer plates containing 186 primer pairs in 96-well format (total of 2 plates) at 0.5pM should be stored at -80&deg;C. Thaw plates out at room temperature, vortex and centrifuge briefly before use.</li>
	<li>To prepare the master mix, thaw out SYBR Green 2x PCR Mix at room temperature. Each reaction uses 8ul master mix with 2ul primer. The composition of the master mix per reaction is 4ul SYBR mix, 3ul PCR grade water and 10-20 ng sample DNA or cDNA.</li>
	<li>For setup of each 96-well primer plate, four master mix tubes will be needed. Samples can be run 4 samples per plate (singlicate), 2 samples per plate (duplicate) or a single sample in quadruplicate.</li>
	<li>Prepare master mix by combining SYBR, water and sample in each of 4-2ml Eppendorf tubes. Each tube should contain enough master mix for approximately 100 reactions, allowing excess for pipetting waste. Vortex to mix.</li>
</ol>
A. Setup of pre-miRNA assay using the Freedom Tecan Evo robot.
<ol>
	<li>Following initialization of the robot and loading of the Evoware program, flush three times with 30mls each to clear system of air bubbles that will interfere with pipetting accuracy.</li>
	<li>Setup the robot platform to include the following:
	<ul>
		<li>Labeled 384-well plate</li>
		<li>96-well primer plate (1)</li>
		<li>Master mixes</li>
		<li>A trough containing 2% bleach</li>
		<li>A filled system fluid container</li>
		<li>Empty waste container</li>
	</ul>
	</li>
	<li>Begin automated robot run by selecting "Run" twice.</li>
	<li>At end of program, remove 384-well plate and seal with LightCycler 480 sealing foil and centrifuge briefly. Place sealed 384-well plate in position 1 of the hotel.</li>
	<li>Go to step 2.2 and repeat for primer plate 2 with new master mixes and a new 384-well plate. 
	<ol>
 	<li>Place sealed plate in position 2 of the hotel.</li>
 </ol>
 </li>
	<li>Open new Evoware program for Loading the Lightcycler from the hotel and select "Run" twice.
 <ol>
 	<li>Freedom Evo will automatically load each plate into the LightCycler and run the following SYBR-green I/HRM cycling program: 
		Pre (1 cycle): 
 50&deg; for 5 minutes at ramp rate of 4.8&deg;/sec
 95&deg; for 5 minutes at ramp rate of 4.8&deg;/sec
		 
 Amp (45 cycles):
 95&deg; for 15 sec at ramp rate of 4.8&deg;/sec
		 62&deg; for 30 sec at ramp rate of 2.5&deg;/sec
		 (Single data acquisition during this step) 
		Melting curve:
 95&deg; for 5 sec at ramp rate of 4.8&deg;/sec
		 60&deg; for 1 minute at ramp rate of 2.5&deg;/sec
		 95&deg; continuous at ramp rate of .11&deg;/sec
		 with 5 acquisitions per &deg;C 
		Cool :
 50&deg; for 30 sec at ramp rate of 25&deg;/sec
 </li>
 </ol>
</li>
</ol>
B.Setup of pre-miRNA assay using the Matrix electronic multichannel pipette:
<ol>
	<li>Place contents of master mix tube 1 into a reservoir.</li>
	<li>Set the electronic pipette to aspirate 16ul of master mix with 2-8ul dispense steps followed by a purge step.</li>
	<li>For master mix 1, dispense 8ul into every other well of the 384-well plate (set on 384-well tip spacing), beginning with well A1. (i.e. wells A1, C1, E1, etc.) For the second 8ul dispense, move to column 3 (i.e. wells A3, C3, E3, etc.) then purge over a waste container and dispose tips.</li>
	<li>Follow this pattern for the remaining 5 cycles until you reach well A23.</li>
	<li>Repeat for master mix 2, (beginning with well A2, C2, E2, etc.); master mix 3 (beginning at well B1, D1, F1, etc.); master mix 4 (beginning at B2, D2, F2, etc.).</li>
	<li>For aliquotting of primer plate, set electronic pipette to aspirate 2ul and dispense 2ul with a purge step following. Dispense 2ul of primers from column 1 of 96-well primer plate (A-H) into the 384-well plate, wells A1, C1, E1, etc. Purge over a waste container and dispose tips. Repeat for wells A2, C2, E2; B1, D1 ,F1; and B2, D2, F2, etc.</li>
	<li>Repeat for rows 2-12 of 96-well primers, moving over every 2 columns for each primer column, until full 384-well plate has been aliquotted.</li>
	<li>Seal plates with a LightCycler sealing foil and centrifuge briefly.</li>
	<li>Place plates into a LightCycler 480 and cycle the plates according to the following settings using the SYBR Green I/HRM detection format: 
	Pre (1 cycle):
 50&deg; for 5 minutes at ramp rate of 4.8&deg;/sec
	 95&deg; for 5 minutes at ramp rate of 4.8&deg;/sec
	 Amp (45 cycles):
 95&deg; for 15 sec at ramp rate of 4.8&deg;/sec
	 62&deg; for 30 sec at ramp rate of 2.5&deg;/sec
	 (Single data acquisition during this step)
	 Melting curve:
 95&deg; for 5 sec at ramp rate of 4.8&deg;/sec
	 60&deg; for 1 minute at ramp rate of 2.5&deg;/sec
	 95&deg; continuous at ramp rate of .11&deg;/sec
	 with 5 acquisitions per &deg;C
	 Cool :
 50&deg; for 30 sec at ramp rate of 25&deg;/sec
 </li>
	<li>Repeat using primer plate 2, aliquotting into a fresh 384-well plate using freshly prepared master mixes.</li>
</ol>
Secrets to success:
An important characteristic when designing PCR arrays is that all 186 primer pairs have the same annealing temperature, so the plate can be run at the same optimal PCR run program settings.
Each new array should be checked using three controls prior to running samples. These controls are: 
1 run of all primers run with water or .1x TE to rule out primer contamination. 
1 run of alternating water/TE and positive control, to ensure no carryover. 
3 runs using the same positive control, to ensure reproducibility between runs. 
Master mixes should be freshly prepared, and plates should be run within 24 hrs for optimal results 
Primer plate foil should be removed slowly to reduce risk of contamination between wells. 
When using a robot with fixed tips, 2% bleach wash is necessary to wash the tips between each pipetting step, followed by a water flush. This prevents and eliminates carryover, which could otherwise contaminate data and lead to inconclusive results. 
After a plate is run through the Lightcycler, it should not be opened again in the PCR setup room. This helps prevent PCR contamination.
Representative Results:
qPCR results are typically represented by CT values as determined from the Lightcycler analysis software. A successful run usually consists of a range of CTs for samples, typically between 20-35 for samples that are positive. The water samples in a good run are always at a CT of &gt;40 and any samples or specific wells with a CT over 37 are considered negative or not detected. As a general rule, samples yielding a CT of &lt;10 are also unreliable and are excluded from further analysis. There are several ways to analyze qPCR data and the inclusion of internal controls in our assay helps control for variation of sample input. The pre-miR array includes a U6 control primer, which is often used as a reference gene to normalize CT values from different samples. This normalized value is referred to as the delta CT value (dCT). Results are often graphed as the raw CT, the dCT value or can be further analyzed to standardized values.
In Figure 1, analysis of the full pre-microRNA array of four different samples from a timecourse experiment is presented in heat map format. The relative expression of each pre-microRNA is shown and three major, distinct clusters emerged. The majority of pre-miRs analyzed underwent small, insignificant changes as expected (Figure 1A). However, a small portion of pre-microRNAs were significantly decreased (Figure 1B) or increased dramatically (Figure 1C) throughout the timecourse experiment. Levels of expression of each pre-microRNA were normalized to the 0h timepoint (sample 1) as a baseline level. In some instances, you may note that some of the clustered pre-microRNAs also cluster together in the heatmap analysis (ex: let-7a, Figure 1B). Depending on the experiment, clusters may emerge that are dependent on viral infection, cell type specific expression of pre-microRNAs or pre-miRs that are regulated by a common molecule or signaling pathway.
The pre-microRNA assay that we have developed also includes a number of known viral pre-microRNAs and genes encoded by Kaposi's Sarcoma Associated Herpesvirus (KSHV) and Epstein Barr Virus (EBV) in addition to the human pre-miRs. These can be used as positive or negative controls, depending on the cell line and viral status of the samples used. In Figure 2, the average CTs from a KSHV-negative sample run in quadruplicate are shown. Importantly, KSHV LANA was not detected in this sample by the highly sensitive qPCR array. However, U6--our internal control and let-7a--a highly expressed human pre-microRNA, were expressed at detectable levels. Finally, as expected, the negative control of PCR-grade water did not yield a qPCR product. 
Another indicator of a successful qPCR run is a good melting curve analysis, which can give insight into potential contamination in samples. To establish a melting temperature, the plate is heated slowly after the PCR is complete. As the DNA strands separate, SYBR green is released, and fluorescence signal decreases. The temperature at which this drop occurs is graphed, and is known as the melting temperature of the sample. Depending on the DNA sequence, samples melt at different temperatures from each other and from the water negative control, which should not have a melting temperature since no DNA is present. The PCR products from each primer pair should melt at similar temperatures. For example, Figure 3 shows a melting curve analysis for two different primers using the same sample in duplicate. It is clear that the melting temperature is different for the two primer pairs but the sample is melting at the exact same temperature for each replicate. Signs of a bad or potentially contaminated sample may include several melting peaks, suggesting the presence of two different sources of input.

<img src="/files/ftp_upload/2210/2210fig1.jpg" alt="Figure 1" /> Figure 1. Pre-microRNA signatures emerge through profiling using a novel qPCR-based array. The average deltaCTU6 was calculated and standardized values were loaded into ArrayMinerTM software, yielding 3 distinct clusters displayed as heatmaps. (A) Pre-microRNAs with small changes in expression are shown. Pre-microRNAs whose levels were significantly decreased (B) or increased (C) are also shown. Blue corresponds to lower levels of expression while red represents increased expression levels.
<img src="/files/ftp_upload/2210/2210fig2.jpg" alt="Figure 2" /> Figure 2. Inclusion of internal controls in the qPCR-based pre-microRNA array. The raw CT values for 3 different genes and a no template control are shown. U6 is used as an internal positive control while PCR H2O serves as our negative control. Let-7a-1-1 is a microRNA normally expressed in many different cell types while KSHV LANA can be used as either a positive or negative control, based on viral status of the cell line or tissue used.
<img src="/files/ftp_upload/2210/2210fig3.jpg" alt="Figure 3" /> Figure 3. Melting peak analysis of pre-microRNA primers and lack of sample contamination. Melting curves were obtained using the Tm calling analysis in the LightCycler software. Two different primers (Primer A and B) for the same sample run in duplicate are shown. The melting temperature for each primer is distinct. However, the sample has only one peak, demonstrating the lack of sample contamination.

<ol>
	<li>Bustin, A. A. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=The+MIQE+Guidelines:+Minimum+Information+for+Publication+of+Quantitative+Real-Time+PCR+Experiments.">The MIQE Guidelines: Minimum Information for Publication of Quantitative Real-Time PCR Experiments.</a> Clinical Chem. 55 (4), 611-622 (2009).</li><li>Fr&#233;geau, C. J. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Automated+Processing+of+Forensic+Casework+Samples+using+Robotic+Workstations+Equipped+with+Nondisposable+Tips+-+Contamination+Prevention.">Automated Processing of Forensic Casework Samples using Robotic Workstations Equipped with Nondisposable Tips - Contamination Prevention.</a> J. Forensic Sci. 53 (3), 53-533 (2008).</li><li>O'hara, A. J. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Pre-micro+RNA+Signatures+Delineate+Stages+of+Endothelial+Cell+Transformation+in+Kaposi+Sarcoma.">Pre-micro RNA Signatures Delineate Stages of Endothelial Cell Transformation in Kaposi Sarcoma.</a> PLoS Pathog. 5 (4), e1000389-e1000389 (2009).</li></ol>

No conflicts of interest declared.

QPCR is a highly sensitive assay that can be used to compare gene expression levels between samples in a study, as well as to determine positivity in the case of viruses. The benefit of using qPCR arrays is the ability to run many primers (in our case, 186 primer pairs) for each sample in a short period of time. Using a pipetting robot such as the Tecan Freedom Evo, the amount of time required to set an experiment up can be further reduced, and the accuracy and consistency of the robot can reduce and eliminate pipettin...

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<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">	
		
		<div>
		<table border="1">
		<thead>
		<tr>
		<th>Material Name</th>
		<th>Type</th>
		<th>Company</th>
		<th>Catalogue Number</th>
		<th>Comment</th>
		</tr>
		</thead>
		<tbody>
		
<tr>
<td>Freedom Evo 150</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<td>Tecan</td>
<td>30017587</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<tr>
<td>Matrix Electronic Multichannel Pipette</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<td>Thermo Scientific</td>
<td>2001-MTX</td>
<td>(or any comparable Thermo Scientific multichannel that can pipette the volumes described above)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Matrix Integrity Filter Tips, Sterile</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<td>Thermo Scientific</td>
<td>7435</td>
<td>(or comparable tip for multichannel used)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Lightcycler 480 SYBR Green 1 Master</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<td>Roche</td>
<td>04 707 516 001</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<tr>
<td>Lightcycler 480 Instrument II</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<td>Roche</td>
<td>05015243001</td>
<td>384-well version</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Lightcycler 480 Multiwell Plate 384, white</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<td>Roche</td>
<td>04729749001</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<tr>
<td>LightCycler 480 Sealing Foil</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<td>Roche</td>
<td>04729757001</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<tr>
<td>LightCycler 480 Multiple Plate Analysis Software</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<td>Roche</td>
<td>05075122001</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<tr>
<td>Eliminase Decontaminant</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<td>Decon Laboratories</td>
<td>04-355-31</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>		</tbody>
		</table>
		</div>

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.

Watch this Scientific Journal Video about Profiling of Pre-micro RNAs and microRNAs using Quantitative Real-time PCR qPCR Arrays at JoVE.com

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.

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 ...

profiling-pre-micro-rnas-micrornas-using-quantitative-real-time-pcr

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17.2K Views.  University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. 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.

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

Quantitative Real-Time PCR using the Thermo Scientific Solaris qPCR Assay

The Solaris qPCR Gene Expression Assay is a novel type of primer/probe set, designed to simplify the qPCR process while maintaining the sensitivity and accuracy of the assay. These primer/probe sets are pre-designed to &gt;98% of the human and mouse genomes and feature significant improvements from previously available technologies. These improvements were made possible by virtue of a novel design algorithm, developed by Thermo Scientific bioinformatics experts.
Several convenient features have been incorporated into the Solaris qPCR Assay to streamline the process of performing quantitative real-time PCR. First, the protocol is similar to commonly employed alternatives, so the methods used during qPCR are likely to be familiar. Second, the master mix is blue, which makes setting the qPCR reactions easier to track. Third, the thermal cycling conditions are the same for all assays (genes), making it possible to run many samples at a time and reducing the potential for error. Finally, the probe and primer sequence information are provided, simplifying the publication process.
Here, we demonstrate how to obtain the appropriate Solaris reagents using the GENEius product search feature found on the ordering web site (www.thermo.com/solaris) and how to use the Solaris reagents for performing qPCR using the standard curve method.

The Solaris qPCR Gene Expression Assays are novel pre-designed qPCR primer/probe combinations designed to simplify the qPCR process without sacrificing the specificity and robustness of the assay.

The Solaris qPCR Gene Expression Assay is a novel type of primer/probe set, designed to simplify the qPCR process while maintaining the sensitivity and ...

Analysis of Gene Expression in Emerald Ash Borer (Agrilus planipennis) Using Quantitative Real Time-PCR

Emerald ash borer (EAB, Agrilus planipennis) is an exotic invasive pest, which has killed millions of ash trees (Fraxinus spp) in North America. EAB continues to spread rapidly and attacks ash trees of different ages, from saplings to mature trees. However, to date very little or no molecular knowledge exists for EAB. We are interested in deciphering the molecular-based physiological processes at the tissue level that aid EAB in successful colonization of ash trees. In this report we show the effective use of quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) to ascertain mRNA levels in different larval tissues (including midgut, fat bodies and cuticle) and different developmental stages (including 1st-, 2nd-, 3rd-, 4th-instars, prepupae and adults) of EAB. As an example, a peritrophin gene (herein named, AP-PERI1) is exemplified as the gene of interest and a ribosomal protein (AP-RP1) as the internal control. Peritrophins are important components of the peritrophic membrane/matrix (PM), which is the lining of the insect gut. The PM has diverse functions including digestion and mechanical protection to the midgut epithelium.

Analysis of Gene Expression in Emerald Ash Borer Agrilus planipennis Using Quantitative Real Time-PCR

Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) is an effective tool to diagnose mRNA levels in different insect tissues and developmental stages. In this report we show the use of qRT-PCR to ascertain mRNA levels in different larval tissues and developmental stages of the invasive insect species, emerald ash borer.

Emerald ash borer (EAB, Agrilus planipennis) is an exotic invasive pest, which has killed millions of ash trees (Fraxinus spp) in North America. EAB ...

Determining Genetic Expression Profiles in C. elegans Using Microarray and Real-time PCR

Synapses are composed of a presynaptic active zone in the signaling cell and a postsynaptic terminal in the target cell. In the case of chemical synapses, messages are carried by neurotransmitters released from presynaptic terminals and received by receptors on postsynaptic cells. Our previous research in Caenorhabditis elegans has shown that VSM-1 negatively regulates exocytosis. Additionally, analysis of synapses in vsm-1 mutants showed that animals lacking a fully functional VSM-1 have increased synaptic connectivity. Based on these preliminary findings, we hypothesized that C. elegans VSM-1 may play a crucial role in synaptogenesis. To test this hypothesis, double-labeled microarray analysis was performed, and gene expression profiles were determined. First, total RNA was isolated, reversely transcribed to cDNA, and hybridized to the DNA microarrays. Then, in-silico analysis of fluorescent probe hybridization revealed significant induction of many genes coding for members of the major sperm protein family (MSP) in mutants with enhanced synaptogenesis. MSPs are the major component of sperm in C. elegans and appear to signal nematode oocyte maturation and ovulation . In fruit flies, Chai and colleagues 1 demonstrated that MSP-like molecules regulate presynaptic bouton number and size at the neuromuscular junction. Moreover, analysis performed by Tsuda and coworkers 2 suggested that MSPs may act as ligands for Eph receptors and trigger receptor tyrosine kinase signaling cascades. Lastly, real time PCR analysis corroborated that the gene coding for MSP-32 is induced in vsm-1(ok1468) mutants. Taken together, research performed by our laboratory has shown that vsm-1 mutants have a significant increase in synaptic density, which could be mediated by MSP-32 signaling.

Determining Genetic Expression Profiles in C. elegans Using Microarray and Real-time PCR

Microarray analysis was conducted to determine genetic expression profiles in C. elegans, and real-time PCR was used to validate and quantify microarray data.

Synapses are composed of a presynaptic active zone in the signaling cell and a postsynaptic terminal in the target cell. In the case of chemical synapses, ...

FRET Microscopy for Real-time Monitoring of Signaling Events in Live Cells Using Unimolecular Biosensors

F&ouml;rster resonance energy transfer (FRET) microscopy continues to gain increasing interest as a technique for real-time monitoring of biochemical and signaling events in live cells and tissues. Compared to classical biochemical methods, this novel technology is characterized by high temporal and spatial resolution. FRET experiments use various genetically-encoded biosensors which can be expressed and imaged over time in situ or in vivo1-2. Typical biosensors can either report protein-protein interactions by measuring FRET between a fluorophore-tagged pair of proteins or conformational changes in a single protein which harbors donor and acceptor fluorophores interconnected with a binding moiety for a molecule of interest3-4. Bimolecular biosensors for protein-protein interactions include, for example, constructs designed to monitor G-protein activation in cells5, while the unimolecular sensors measuring conformational changes are widely used to image second messengers such as calcium6, cAMP7-8, inositol phosphates9 and cGMP10-11. Here we describe how to build a customized epifluorescence FRET imaging system from single commercially available components and how to control the whole setup using the Micro-Manager freeware. This simple but powerful instrument is designed for routine or more sophisticated FRET measurements in live cells. Acquired images are processed using self-written plug-ins to visualize changes in FRET ratio in real-time during any experiments before being stored in a graphics format compatible with the build-in ImageJ freeware used for subsequent data analysis. This low-cost system is characterized by high flexibility and can be successfully used to monitor various biochemical events and signaling molecules by a plethora of available FRET biosensors in live cells and tissues. As an example, we demonstrate how to use this imaging system to perform real-time monitoring of cAMP in live 293A cells upon stimulation with a &beta;-adrenergic receptor agonist and blocker.

F&#246;rster resonance energy transfer (FRET) microscopy is a powerful technique for real-time monitoring of signaling events in live cells using various biosensors as reporters. Here we describe how to build a customized epifluorescence FRET imaging system from commercially available components and how to use it for FRET experiments.

F&ouml;rster resonance energy transfer (FRET) microscopy  continues to gain increasing interest as a technique for real-time monitoring  of biochemical ...

Quantitative, Real-time Analysis of Base Excision Repair Activity in Cell Lysates Utilizing Lesion-specific Molecular Beacons

We describe a method for the quantitative, real-time measurement of DNA glycosylase and AP endonuclease activities in cell nuclear lysates using base excision repair (BER) molecular beacons. The substrate (beacon) is comprised of a deoxyoligonucleotide containing a single base lesion with a 6-Carboxyfluorescein (6-FAM) moiety conjugated to the 5'end and a Dabcyl moiety conjugated to the 3' end of the oligonucleotide. The BER molecular beacon is 43 bases in length and the sequence is designed to promote the formation of a stem-loop structure with 13 nucleotides in the loop and 15 base pairs in the stem1,2. When folded in this configuration the 6-FAM moiety is quenched by Dabcyl in a non-fluorescent manner via F&ouml;rster Resonance Energy Transfer (FRET)3,4. The lesion is positioned such that following base lesion removal and strand scission the remaining 5 base oligonucleotide containing the 6-FAM moiety is released from the stem. Release and detachment from the quencher (Dabcyl) results in an increase of fluorescence that is proportionate to the level of DNA repair. By collecting multiple reads of the fluorescence values, real-time assessment of BER activity is possible. The use of standard quantitative real-time PCR instruments allows the simultaneous analysis of numerous samples. The design of these BER molecular beacons, with a single base lesion, is amenable to kinetic analyses, BER quantification and inhibitor validation and is adaptable for quantification of DNA Repair activity in tissue and tumor cell lysates or with purified proteins. The analysis of BER activity in tumor lysates or tissue aspirates using these molecular beacons may be applicable to functional biomarker measurements. Further, the analysis of BER activity with purified proteins using this quantitative assay provides a rapid, high-throughput method for the discovery and validation of BER inhibitors.

We describe a method for the quantitative, real-time measurement of DNA glycosylase and AP endonuclease activities in cell nuclear lysates. The assay yields rates of DNA Repair activity amenable to kinetic analysis and is adaptable for quantification of DNA Repair activity in tissue and tumor lysates or with purified proteins.

We describe a method for the quantitative, real-time measurement of DNA glycosylase and AP endonuclease activities in cell nuclear lysates using base ...

Profiling Individual Human Embryonic Stem Cells by Quantitative RT-PCR

Heterogeneity of stem cell population hampers detailed understanding of stem cell biology, such as their differentiation propensity toward different lineages. A single cell transcriptome assay can be a new approach for dissecting individual variation. We have developed the single cell qRT-PCR method, and confirmed that this method works well in several gene expression profiles. In single cell level, each human embryonic stem cell, sorted by OCT4::EGFP positive cells, has high expression in OCT4, but a different level of NANOG expression. Our single cell gene expression assay should be useful to interrogate population heterogeneities.

Single cell gene expression assay is needed for understanding stem cell heterogeneities.

Heterogeneity of stem cell population hampers detailed understanding of stem cell biology, such as their differentiation propensity toward different ...

Real Time Measurements of Membrane Protein:Receptor Interactions Using Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR)

Protein-protein interactions are pivotal to most, if not all, physiological processes, and understanding the nature of such interactions is a central step in biological research. Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR) is a sensitive detection technique for label-free study of bio-molecular interactions in real time. In a typical SPR experiment, one component (usually a protein, termed 'ligand') is immobilized onto a sensor chip surface, while the other (the 'analyte') is free in solution and is injected over the surface. Association and dissociation of the analyte from the ligand are measured and plotted in real time on a graph called a sensogram, from which pre-equilibrium and equilibrium data is derived. Being label-free, consuming low amounts of material, and providing pre-equilibrium kinetic data, often makes SPR the method of choice when studying dynamics of protein interactions. However, one has to keep in mind that due to the method's high sensitivity, the data obtained needs to be carefully analyzed, and supported by other biochemical methods. 
SPR is particularly suitable for studying membrane proteins since it consumes small amounts of purified material, and is compatible with lipids and detergents. This protocol describes an SPR experiment characterizing the kinetic properties of the interaction between a membrane protein (an ABC transporter) and a soluble protein (the transporter's cognate substrate binding protein).

Real Time Measurements of Membrane Protein:Receptor Interactions Using Surface Plasmon Resonance SPR

Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR) is a label-free method for detecting bio-molecular interactions in real time. Herein, a protocol for a membrane protein:receptor interaction experiment is described, while discussing the pros and cons of the technique.

Protein-protein interactions are pivotal to most, if not all, physiological processes, and  understanding the nature of such interactions is a central ...

Probe-based Real-time PCR Approaches for Quantitative Measurement of microRNAs

Probe-based quantitative PCR (qPCR) is a favoured method for measuring transcript abundance, since it is one of the most sensitive detection methods that provides an accurate and reproducible analysis. Probe-based chemistry offers the least background fluorescence as compared to other (dye-based) chemistries. Presently, there are several platforms available that use probe-based chemistry to quantitate transcript abundance. qPCR in a 96 well plate is the most routinely used method, however only a maximum of 96 samples or miRNAs can be tested in a single run. This is time-consuming and tedious if a large number of samples/miRNAs are to be analyzed. High-throughput probe-based platforms such as microfluidics (e.g. TaqMan Array Card) and nanofluidics arrays (e.g. OpenArray) offer ease to reproducibly and efficiently detect the abundance of multiple microRNAs in a large number of samples in a short time. Here, we demonstrate the experimental setup and protocol for miRNA quantitation from serum or plasma-EDTA samples, using probe-based chemistry and three different platforms (96 well plate, microfluidics and nanofluidics arrays) offering increasing levels of throughput.

Circulating microRNAs have recently emerged as promising and novel biomarkers for various cancers and other diseases. The goal of this article is to discuss three different probe-based real-time PCR platforms and methods that are available to quantify and determine the abundance of circulating microRNAs.

Probe-based quantitative PCR (qPCR) is a favoured method for measuring transcript abundance, since it is one of the most sensitive detection methods that ...

qPCRTag Analysis - A High Throughput, Real Time PCR Assay for Sc2.0 Genotyping

The Synthetic Yeast Genome Project (Sc2.0) aims to build 16 designer yeast chromosomes and combine them into a single yeast cell. To date one synthetic chromosome, synIII1, and one synthetic chromosome arm, synIXR2, have been constructed and their in vivo function validated in the absence of the corresponding wild type chromosomes. An important design feature of Sc2.0 chromosomes is the introduction of PCRTags, which are short, re-coded sequences within open reading frames (ORFs) that enable differentiation of synthetic chromosomes from their wild type counterparts. PCRTag primers anneal selectively to either synthetic or wild type chromosomes and the presence/absence of each type of DNA can be tested using a simple PCR assay. The standard readout of the PCRTag assay is to assess presence/absence of amplicons by agarose gel electrophoresis. However, with an average PCRTag amplicon density of one per 1.5 kb and a genome size of ~12 Mb, the completed Sc2.0 genome will encode roughly 8,000 PCRTags. To improve throughput, we have developed a real time PCR-based detection assay for PCRTag genotyping that we call qPCRTag analysis. The workflow specifies 500 nl reactions in a 1,536 multiwell plate, allowing us to test up to 768 PCRTags with both synthetic and wild type primer pairs in a single experiment.

Designer chromosomes of the Synthetic Yeast Genome project, Sc2.0, can be distinguished from their native counterparts using a PCR-based genotyping assay called PCRTagging, which has a presence/absence endpoint. Here we describe a high-throughput real time PCR detection method for PCRTag genotyping.

The Synthetic Yeast Genome Project (Sc2.0) aims to build 16 designer yeast chromosomes and combine them into a single yeast cell. To date one synthetic ...

Real-time In Vivo Recording of Arabidopsis Calcium Signals During Insect Feeding Using a Fluorescent Biosensor

Calcium ions are predicted to be key signaling entities during biotic interactions, with calcium signaling forming an established part of the plant defense response to microbial elicitors and to wounding caused by chewing insects, eliciting systemic calcium signals in plants. However, the role of calcium in vivo during biotic stress is still unclear. This protocol describes the use of a genetically-encoded calcium sensor to detect calcium signals in plants during feeding by a hemipteran pest. Hemipterans such as aphids pierce a small number of cells with specialized, elongated sucking mouthparts, making them the ideal tool to study calcium dynamics when a plant is faced with a biotic stress, which is distinct from a wounding response. In addition, fluorescent biosensors are revolutionizing the measurement of signaling molecules in vivo in both animals and plants. Expressing a GFP-based calcium biosensor, GCaMP3, in the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana allows for the real-time imaging of plant calcium dynamics during insect feeding, with a high spatial and temporal resolution. A repeatable and robust assay has been developed using the fluorescence microscopy of detached GCaMP3 leaves, allowing for the continuous measurement of cytosolic calcium dynamics before, during, and after insect feeding. This reveals a highly-localized rapid calcium elevation around the aphid feeding site that occurs within a few minutes. The protocol can be adapted to other biotic stresses, such as additional insect species, while the use of Arabidopsis thaliana allows for the rapid generation of mutants to facilitate the molecular analysis of the phenomenon.

Real-time In Vivo Recording of Arabidopsis Calcium Signals During Insect Feeding Using a Fluorescent Biosensor

This protocol outlines a simple method for analyzing calcium signals in plants generated by feeding hemipteran insects, such as aphids. Arabidopsis thaliana transformed with the GFP calcium biosensor GCaMP3 allow for the real-time in vivo imaging of calcium dynamics with a high temporal and spatial resolution.

Calcium ions are predicted to be key signaling entities during biotic interactions, with calcium signaling forming an established part of the plant ...