Real-time PCR

Introduction

Real-time PCR, a leading tool in many laboratories for nucleic acid amplification and detection, is among the most valuable techniques used in biological research today. Scientists in all areas of research — basic science, biotechnology, forensic science, diagnostics, biomedicine, microbiology, veterinary science, agriculture, pharmacology and toxicology rely on this method. Real-time quantitative PCR allows the sensitive, specific and reproducible quantitation of nucleic acids. Since its introduction, real-time quantitative PCR has revolutionized the field of molecular diagnostics and the technique is being used in a rapidly expanding number of applications.

It offers interesting new applications, such as for the quantification and genotyping of pathogens, gene expression, methylated DNA and microRNA analysis, validation of microarray data, allelic discrimination and genotyping (analysis of SNPs and microsatellites, identification of chromosomal alterations), validation of drug therapy efficacy, forensic studies and quantification of gene expression in genetically modified organisms (GMOs).

Real Time PCR technology merges the polymerase chain reaction chemistry with the use of fluorescent reporter molecules in order to monitor the production of amplification products during each cycle of the PCR reaction. In addition to quantification experiments, qPCR can be used for the analysis of copy number variations, DNA methylation, and genomic variants.

This exciting technology has enabled the shift of molecular diagnostics toward a high-throughput, automated technology with lower turnaround times. Thus Keeping in mind, the requirements of today’s research and industry, we maintain state of the art instrumental setup with a competent team where customized qPCR projects always help students to find new endeavor in global world and stood confidently for preparing for interviews or applying for PhD across the world. There is huge opportunities for well trained qPCR person for gene expression studies in Genomics, Bio-pharmaceuticals, Vaccine production industries, Human and Animal diagnostic centres, Bioprocessing units and many more…

Course Overview:

A combination of lectures and hands on laboratory experience in using real-time PCR methods. Gain experience using DNA binding dyes and hydrolysis probe chemistries as well as real-time PCR. Lectures include an overview of gene expression, assay design and optimization, analysis of results, applications of real-time PCR technology, and more

Ongoing Projects:

Introduction to high throughput gene expression analysis:

Gene expression analysis is most simply described as the study of the way genes are transcribed to synthesize functional gene products — functional RNA species or protein products. In addition to quantification experiments, qPCR can be used for the analysis of copy number variations, DNA methylation, and genomic variants. Here, we performed an extensive characterization of the workflow by evaluating the Cells-to-Ct value, and benchmarked it to the hitherto gold standard workflow of RNA purification and qPCR gene expression studies.